Harold George Searle

July 10, 1918 to May 16,2021 (102 yrs. & 10 months)

Regimental # 14011, Oldest RCMP member in Atlantic Canada and believed second oldest in Canada

Born in a farmhouse on the outskirts of the Town of Mortlack, Saskatchewan (35 miles west of Moose Jaw) a few months before the end of World War I.

Harold spent his childhood and young adult life on a working farm attending to horses, playing hockey on the ponds, hunting ducks, searching for native artifacts exposed by the 1930’s dust bowl winds, and generating electricity from his hand carved propeller and a car generator attached to the house roof.

He attended school riding his pony Mark at a young age. Mark would wait patiently hitched to a rail for Harold to get out of School.

In later years during harvest season Harold drove grain wagons with teams of up to six horses, but usually four to the Mortlack Grain elevators. Once a car honked just as he was entering the team into the elevator and a horse jumped harness part way in. This left him a memory of why would anyone do that, and a terrible tangle of harnessed horses to sort out. Luckily, he was able to back them out to un-tangle them.

Harold was driving the family Model A at the age of 11 or 12.

Careers:

RCMP

Harold thought his father should have progressed faster in the transition from horses to tractors. Losing patience and at the urging of Uncle Joseph Healy, a Mountie in Moose Jaw, he joined the RCMP in Regina in on Feb 2nd, 1941 at the age of 22.

He graduated from Depot October 1941. He started just after the RCMP fully transitioned from horses to automobiles and for several years prior to the musical ride start-up, he and other recruits avoided mucking out the stables, a chore of which he already had his fill.

Harold was posted to Halifax, NS upon graduation and arrived in Dec 1941. His memory of the single male accommodation haunted him every time he travelled to Halifax. Apparently drafty old decrepit buildings were all the senior management was willing to provide. He was highly suspicious the commander was constructing a home beyond his means and perhaps the accommodation money was being redirected.

Harold was transferred to Windsor as a Constable Jan 3, 1942. He was put in charge Oct 1, 1947 due to the passing of Corporal McIsaac Oct 1, 1947. It was supposed to be temporary but lasted to 1948 with no change in rank or promotion.

On April 1st, 1948, the policing of the Town of Windsor was turned over to the RCMP.

In 1949 he was transferred to Chester and promoted to the rank of Corporal. It was later learned the transfer was a result of a death threat by the wife of a spouse in a domestic dispute he had quelled.

In 1951 he was transferred to Antigonish. He has great memories of this town and the people, as he does of the Windsor folk.

He was transferred to H Division Headquarters, Halifax in September in 1959. He was promoted to Sargent May 1, 1960.

In 1962 he transferred back to Windsor, NS. Here he contracted the building of a home where his family was raised, a home he dearly loved and stayed in until age 97.

In 1966 after 25 years of RCMP service he took retirement and received discharge in Dec 1966. With a young family and a wife caring for an elderly mother and a looming transfer out of province it seemed the wise thing to do, besides, he had another job lined up the Monday following his discharge on the previous Friday.

PROBATION

Harold joined N. S. Senior Probation Service in January 1967 and was in charge of Kentville Office Supervising Hants and Kings Counties and on occasion Yarmouth County, pretty much the same RCMP area, except for Yarmouth. Harold said, “The clientele was familiar”.

Retired 1973 at the then mandatory retirement age of 65.

RESERVE OFFICER RCAF SERVICE

Joined August 1966 with rank of Pilot Officer later changed to Lieutenant.

Entered 106 Windsor Air Cadet Squadron as Adjutant.

Promoted to Captain in 1972 upon taking the commanding Officer of Squadron.

Discharged 1983 at age 66 after 18 yrs.

Established liaison wit the 106 Air cadets in Gray’s England (Near London)

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS (Historical Events)

Aug 9, 1943 – Guarded Winston Churchill who was in route to Quebec Conference. He arrived at Pier 21 and RCMP and Air Force formed two lines and he walked from pier to a special train. Harold said the whole thing was supposed to be top secret, but even the town of Windsor knew, and the stevedores knew who would be get off at pier 21. Churchill gave the stevedores the V sign. Churchill attended Citadel Quebec City Conference Aug 11,1943 but Harold could not go on the train as he was needed in Windsor. He would have loved to have had the opportunity to speak with him, which could only happen if Churchill first spoke to him.

April 1, 1948 The RCMP took over the policing of the Town of Windsor, NS.

Aug 13, 1955 – At official opening of Canso Causeway. “Damn hot day!”

1958 - Guarded President Eisenhower in plain clothes in Ottawa Train Station. He flashed his famous smile.

1959 - Guarded Queen Elisabeth and Prince Phillip in New Glasgow on a Canada visit.

Sept 10, 1960 - Official Opening of Halifax International Airport (now Stanfield) “Rained damn cold!”

2007- Shook hands with Prince Phillip at Vimy, 90th Anniversary and celebration of the memorial re-build in France.

MEDALS and DECORATIONS (and other asunder)

C. D Volunteer Service Medal (Volunteered to serve in police work in Europe after World War II. However, Canada did not follow through with this planned mission.)

Long Service and Star RCMP

RCMP Veterans Association 50-Year Service Award

Many, many congratulations from friends, acquaintances, organizations, dignitaries, up to and including the Prime Minister and Queen on attaining his 100th birthday.

He was known and addressed as Sargent Searle in the Town of Windsor until he left for Parkland independent living in 2016. He stopped driving after he turned 100 in Sept 2018.

Stories of his policing experiences are many, having delt with all manner of human nature. Suffice to say he could have written a book, everything from solving milk bottle money theft with dye to murder investigations.

Harold was proud to have never had to draw his pistol. Harold had the negotiation skills to talk any situation down, even when one fellow was trying to take his head off with a shovel. However, a complaint was laid, and Harold was told he may have used to much force! Apparently, the commanding officer was unaware that many a soldier in the trenches would rather use a shovel than a bayonet for defense.

Over the years his former staff commented on how much they learned from him and his administrative/ human resource skill. In fact, many of his former staff have repeatedly told us he was the best commander they ever had.

Former probation clients were often amazed to see him still about the valley area and would thank him for having changed their lives. Some proudly introducing him to their families or searching their pockets to give him a pocket knife or something as an appreciation gift. He obviously made an impact on helping make the Valley communities a safe respectful area to live, work and play.

FAMILY

During his first time stationed in Windsor, he met a lovely young lady by the name of Edna (Deanie) Flemming in Reid Sweets Photography shop. Edna was puzzled as to why he was coming in so often. Mr. Sweet informed her photography was not the only thing he was interested in. They were married July 19th, 1947.

They raised their family between Windsor and Antigonish.

Dad retired from the RCMP December 31st, 1966 and on the following Monday, started a career as a Probation Officer with the Provincial Government.

He held that position for seventeen years.

Dad was also a civilian member of the RCAF, and was very involved with Air Cadets, 106 Squadron for many years. Dad really enjoyed working with the Air Cadets, in which his sons were members.

During Dad’s working years he enjoyed spending time with his family, he took us camping, first it was a tent, then moved to a small trailer, then a larger trailer. Dad loved to go fishing with his kids, for trout, and smelts. Up early to get out and give the blackflies a good feed.

In the late 70’s Mom and Dad bought a piece of land in Martin’s River on an ocean inlet and built a lovely cottage that was the centre of many family and friends’ gatherings. His two older grandchildren Shawn and Erin have fond memories of the four-seater swing set that Grandpa built, complete with a foot floor. Also, of fishing for flounder and mackerel in the cove.

After his full retirement Dad and Mom enjoyed many winters as "snowbirds" in Florida. They made many treasured friends.

Our Mom passed away in Nov. 2003. Dad made the decision that he needed to be more involved with the community of Windsor. He delivered Meals on Wheels until he was 95, noting that most of his clients were younger. He belonged to three bowling leagues also until he was 95.

Dad loved taking pictures and made sure that all his children got copies. There are now thousands of pictures to go through, literally.

Dad loved wood working, and spent many hours carving out propellers, building end tables and clocks. He was fascinated with the working of clocks. Dad will be fondly remembered by many friends and members of the RCMP through the province of Nova Scotia for his clock gifts and donations.

He reluctantly made the move in 1997 from his home in Windsor to Parkland in Clayton Park, to be closer to Helen and Dan, necessarily, for his safety and Helen’s peace of mind.

Dad and Mom travelled a lot in retirement and enjoyed their travels.

After Mom passed, Dad continued to travel and met some great people. Several have been his pen pals till present.

He is survived by his Dear Companion Dorothy Honsberger who made him smile everyday for the last five years. They both immensely enjoyed loudly routing for their favourite sport teams, often late into the evenings at Parkland.

Dad recently remarked that "I have had a long full life".

Dad was predeceased by his wife Deanie and two daughters in infancy, Linda Jean (1950) and Naomi Ruth, (1965), and Grandson Gabrielle, (1999). His brother Allan, 1999 (Joan), Mortlack, Sask. his sister Marie, 2018, Toronto Ont.

Dad is survived by sons John (Kathy), of Edmonton Alberta, Greg (Betsy) of Victoria BC, and daughter Helen (Dan Eidt) of Halifax NS.

He is survived by six Grandchildren, Shawn (Kim), Edmonton, Erin (Jode), Vancouver Julia, Kevin, Victoria Anna (Ben), Peterborough Ont, Tom (Dijana), Blockhouse NS and three Great Grandchildren. Maeve, Edmonton, Max, Vancouver and Lou, Peterborough, Ont. He is also survived by nieces Donna, Joan and Susan in Ontario and nephews Kim and Joe, on the farms in Mortlack.

A Huge Thank You to Palliative Care Nurse Megan, and to Hospice Halifax for the outstanding care he received in his final days.

Once we can gather post Covid 19 a celebration of life will be held.

There are so many people to Thank for the kindness shown to Dad over this past year and in his support over the years.

Ever faithful friend Tommy Lowe who took Dad on countless outings and got him to Helen’s for many Sunday Suppers which were the highlight of Dad’s week.

Danny Mallett and Jack Maclean were faithful visitors when allowed to visit.

They and others visited as their time permitted and transported him to Veterans Association meetings and other events up until covid 19.

Harold attended most all AGM Veteran Association Meetings across Canada for many years.

To Dr. Carman Giacomantonio, Margo and Marsha, Thank You for taking such good care of Dad.

To Megan Summerfield, The Palliative Care RN, who took wonderful care and got Dad in to spend his final days at Hospice Halifax. The Palliative Care Team were amazing to our Dad.

To the team at Hospice Halifax, A Huge Thank You. You made Dad’s final days so comfortable and made it so I could just sit and be with Dad.

To Dad’s RCMP VETS Family Thank You for the love and support shown to dad over the years. He loved this family.

Memorial donations in memory of Dad can be made to:

RCMP VETs Association, NS Division, Mailstop H-025, 80 Garland Ave, Dartmouth , NS. B3B 0J8.

Hospice Halifax.

The Windsor Senior Citizen’s Bus Society Box 425, Windsor NS, B0N 2T0.

Soul’s Harbour