Donald Clair Myers

Divisions Served: “F”

Pillar Location: Pillar VII, Row 22, Column F

Story: 

August 27, 1939 – July 14, 2013

Clair was born and raised in the small farming community of Belmont, Manitoba.  The family consisted of his parents, three brothers and one sister.  While at school, Clair enjoyed playing sports such as curling, hockey, and his favourite, baseball.  He proudly tells the story of back in 1954 when his baseball team won the Manitoba Midget Provincial Championships.  The final game between Belmont and Winnipeg. Prior to the game, the Winnipeg players were rather cheeky and snubbed and ridiculed the Belmont players.  Guess they thought, who ever heard of these country hicks coming from No-where Manitoba.  Well, the Belmont team achieved victory, trouncing Wpg. 10-0.  The Winnipeg team, angry and in a huff, left the field, unceremoniously and unprofessionally, refusing to shake hands with the champs.  Needless to say, Clair was a very happy teenager that day.

Upon finishing school, Clair applied to the RCMP and to his delight, was accepted for basic recruiting training, beginning in the spring of 1956 in Ottawa.  Upon graduation, his first posting was to the Fort Qu’Appelle detachment, where the office was located above the post office. 

He recalled, in those days, there were many incidents where members were required to work long hours; back then, there was no such thing as overtime pay.  I don’t believe that ever phased Clair, as he was a young constable, eager and enthusiastic, who truly loved and enjoyed his work.

Following his posting in Fort Qu’Appelle, Clair served in several Saskatchewan communities, including Regina, Moose Jaw, Carlyle, Saskatoon, Swift Current, Melville, Porcupine Plain, and Prince Albert, where he retired in 1985. 

Following his retirement, Clair worked as a Commissionaire, at three different establishments.  Later he was employed for approximately 10 years with the Saskatchewan Provincial Court.  During his retirement, he was also a proud and active member of the Prince Albert Veteran’s Association, holding the position as President for a term. 

Clair had two children, a son Kevin and a daughter Colleen (Bruce) from a previous marriage.  He also had six great-grandchildren.  In 1977, Clair met Vivian Simmonds.  On his birthday, August 27^th, 1982, they were married.  From this union, Clair welcomed two step-sons, Wylie and Michael.  Having Clair and Vivian’s thirty-plus happy years together, they enjoyed the company of neighbors, dear friends, and family.  Together, they enjoyed trips to the US, as well as vacationing in several tropical countries.  Upon returning back home from these countries, it made one realize just how blessed and fortunate we are to be living in Canada.

Clair was very proud and felt privileged to have served with the RCMP.  He recognized that the Force was the best career he could have chosen, which provided him with an honorable and rewarding life.

Clair passed away July 14, 2013.  He was laid to rest in Hillside Cemetery in Belmont, Manitoba.