RICHARD ALLEN SCOTT - Through the Years

RICHARD ALLEN SCOTT
THROUGH THE YEARS
1966
Now what the hell do I do? I made a mess of that
potential career with the Hudson’s Bay Company. For a
while I tossed around the idea of joining the Navy or the
Coast Guard, as I had a love for the sea, and aspired to
a commission in either of those services. Dad had been
an officer in the Royal Air Force and always had that
special bearing and demeanor. He also socialized with a
group of similar stature and who were often at our home.
They included senior NCOs of the RCMP, including S/M
Bob McRae, S/Sgt. Ed Hill (Reg No. 14813), the crusty
riding instructor at Depot Division in Regina made
famous with his picture plastered over all manner of
touristy trinkets and recruiting material…and a decorated
war veteran, S/Sgt. Bill Pomfret, S/Sgt. Shane Kirby, the
RCMP Armourer, and Sgt. Bob MacKeracher, an
academic instructor. All three lived in Force housing on
the grounds of Depot Division (since demolished), and
with whom we often visited.
Dad was a member (and eventually the President for a
term) of the Royal United Services Institute in Regina,
where Officers from all services socialized.
During this period of ‘discovery’ I again worked for Dad, but not at all enjoying it. I don’t know
how many small prairie towns and Chinese/Canadian restaurants we frequented during the
course of my employment (eg: Punichy, Carrot River, etc…ugh!), all the while braving the
elements to survey lands for road development. I was never so dirty, what with Saskatchewan
gumbo stuck to my boots, constant mud and dust….and bug bites…but a steady pay cheque,
and no expenses!
In July of 1966, at the age of 18, I applied to the RCMP, undoubtedly due to the unconscious
impression left by Dad’s friends. I wanted to be a part of that world. I was found ‘fit for
engagement’ in August 1966. Yahoo!! A real career awaited…although I couldn’t join until I
had turned 19. The recruiting literature at that time showed that my starting salary would be
$4800 per year. Financial independence!
June 2017
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