Richard Montgrand had regular interaction with the RCMP because of his vulnerabilities. (Submitted photo/Saskatchewan RCMP)

By Derek Cornet

showing respect

RCMP honour late La Loche resident who impacted many local officers

Nov 30, 2021 | 5:00 PM

A social media post from the Saskatchewan RCMP has struck the heart strings of residents across the province.

The Facebook post, which has been shared more than 1,000 times, tells the story of Richard Montgrand and his impactful relationship with the La Loche RCMP. It’s a tribute to his life, the fondness officers had for him and the hole left in the community because of his passing.

“He was one of the most known individuals who we remember from our days up in La Loche,” said North District Management Team Staff Sgt. Conrad Logan, who was in La Loche in 2019 and 2020. “We encountered him quite often around town. He would be hanging around and we all knew him quite well. We’d stop and we’d chat with him, joke back and forth and make sure he was OK.”

Montgrand, who affectionately called officers the Queen’s Cowboys, was a well-known resident of La Loche who struggled with homelessness and addiction issues. Because of his vulnerabilities, he interacted with the RCMP in the community often. With few other options available to him, the cells were sometimes the safest place for Montgrand to sleep.

Officers sometimes provided him with basic needs he often lacked like meals, showers, rides and clean, warm clothes. They also did their best to watch out for him.

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“His relationship with all the RCMP officers up there was special. He had a lot and so much to give to others,” Logan said. “I know officers throughout the years have seen that and remembered that about him. I have been a police officer just over 20 years and I think there are stories a bit like this in many communities that we served at.”

In honour of Montgrand and that special relationship he had with officers, members of the detachment wore their traditional Red Serge uniforms and carried his casket during his funeral on Oct. 14. Wearing the Red Serge is a sign of the utmost dignity and respect. Logan called it a very rare occasion and there are lessons to be learned from it.

Officers wear the Red Serge uniform to show the upmost dignity and respect. (Submitted photo/Saskatchewan RCMP)

“You have to reflect back and remember some people do fight addictions and have issues they have to deal with, and we as police officer have to remember that when we are dealing with people on a one-on-one basis,” he said. “La Loche is a great community. Richard was one of the bright spots in it.”

La Loche Mayor Georgina Jolibois also talked about Montgrand, explaining although he had an unfortunate life, he was the kind of man that would give kind words and comfort even though he had very little to nothing. She said during a recent encounter with him before he died, Montgrand gave her some advice and talked about the importance of richness in a friendship

When Jolibois seen photos of officers carrying Montgrand’s casket circulating online, she called it “absolutely superb” to see the genuine care they had for him. She saw it as an act kindness and relationship building.

“Reconciliation is happening on the ground in many communities,” Jolibois said. “Here in La Loche it is and across Canada. That day demonstrated the relationship that we in the community, our residents, have with one of our stakeholders that happens to be the RCMP.”

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derek.cornet@pattisonmedia.com

Twitter: @saskjourno