Francis Bernard Joseph Kelly

Divisions Served: “H,” “F,” “HQ,” “Depot”

Medals & Honours: Long Service Medal

Pillar Location: This Nameplate has not yet been mounted onto the Pillars, but is on display in the Centre in the interim.

Story: 

Bernie Kelly was born into a world in the early grips of World War II. However, life in the small town of Alexandria, Ontario, nestled comfortably midway between Ottawa and Montreal, was relatively idyllic. With a near-even split of English and French speakers (including within his own home), Bernie became proficient with both languages, an asset that would prove valuable throughout his career.

Inspired by the heroic westerns playing at the local movie house and real-life accounts of heroism from the war that had ended over a decade earlier, the teenage Bernie was compelled to join the Stormont Dundas Glengarry (SDG) Highlanders Army Reserve and to serve for two years. The Mounties seemed a logical next step, so at age 19, he headed west toting whatever belongings he could fit into his tin suitcase.

In Saskatchewan, Bernie immersed himself in training, which back in 1959 included horsemanship, a requirement that was abandoned a few years later. The young men were also trained in boxing, which became a highlight for Bernie, when he became the champion boxer in his weight class among his troop mates. Notably, in the little spare time recruits were given away from Depot, he also managed to find his future wife in the prairies.

After graduation, Bernie’s first posting was in Sydney, Nova Scotia, where he performed regular policing duties, including patrol and investigation. Additionally, he supervised parimutuel betting at local thoroughbred horse races, where he became known for his ability to quickly calculate the proper payouts in his head, with infrequent use of pen and paper.

After a short posting in Amherst, N.S., Bernie next spent just over 9 years at Headquarters in Ottawa, where he mostly served in Administration, eventually reaching the rank of Sergeant as Discipline Supervisor. One special duty during this period was to help to coordinate the welcoming of women to the Force in 1973. He also was seconded to protective services during the October Crisis of 1970 and was assigned night guard duties for the head of the Canadian Security Service (after fulfilling his regular daytime duties in Administration).

Bernie’s career next took him back to Regina. He served with ‘F’ Division, at Depot, and then back to ‘F’ Division, where he reached the rank of Staff Sergeant and became Admin NCO. Bernie received the Long Service Medal in 1984 and retired with 27½ years of service in 1986 (after declining a commission). He has spent his retirement with his bride of close to 60 years in the Regina area, living a peaceful life, grateful for the opportunities the Force gave him and his family.