Dedication: Marking a Mountie’s Service

The regimental foot marker on the gravesite of RCMP Cst. John F. Kelly is being dedicated on Thursday, October 3rd at 10 a.m.

at the Mount Olivet Cemetery in Halifax.

The RCMP Veterans’ Association of Nova Scotia identifies and maintains the grave sites of deceased RCMP members. Retired S/Sgt. Thomas Lowe, a Veterans’ Association member, is one of the volunteers responsible for RCMP grave site maintenance. Two years ago Lowe came across a grave marker at Olivet Cemetery but had no information on the member lying there. Research determined that the Mountie was Cst. John F. Kelly, a former member of the Nova Scotia Police Force who became a Mountie when the RCMP took over provincial policing in Nova Scotia on April 1st, 1932. Cst. Kelly was a serving RCMP member when he died on January 28th, 1933.

To honour his memory and reflect on his service, the RCMP will hold an official dedication ceremony at Cst. Kelly’s gravesite. Special guests include his grandchildren, Assistant Commissioner Phonse MacNeil, Commanding Officer of the Nova Scotia RCMP and Retired Assistant Commissioner Ian Atkins, President of the Veterans’ Association.

Note to media: To arrange an interview with Thomas Lowe or Retired Assistant Commissioner Ian Atkins, please contact Cpl. Scott MacRae.

Source: Release