Cst. Richer Dubuc’s name added to cenotaph for RCMP National Memorial Service

Hundreds of RCMP officers from across Canada gathered in Regina for the RCMP National Memorial Service.

The tradition started in the 1930s, and includes a memorial parade, laying of weathers and a reading of all of the names of the RCMP members who have died while on duty.

This year, Cst. Richer Dubuc’s name was forever carved into the RCMP cenotaph along with 237 other members.

The 42-year-old and father of four died in March, when his vehicle crashed into a tractor while he was duty.

READ MORE: RCMP officer dies in collision near Quebec-New York state border

“I was thinking, when he came through here [RCMP academy], he saw the wall … Never do you imagine that your name is going to be on it,” brother Deitan Dubuc said.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "I was thinking, when he came through here [RCMP academy], he saw the wall … Never do you imagine that your name is going to be on it," brother Deitan Dubuc said.

“He was the only older brother that I had, and nine years ago I pinned his badge here.”

Richer’s brother Deitan Dubuc is a police officer in Minneapolis, Minn. He got his badge first, his older brother followed in his footsteps and graduated from the RCMP academy in Regina in 2009.

“Having the opportunity to do what he decided he wanted to do, he met a lot of people, made a lot of friends, he got to travel, he got to move … Learn English which I had to do also, that was a big deal,” he laughed.

“It’s important to remember them, because this is also place where we send future members, so they need to know that whatever happens and part of this family here a depot,” RCMP Sgt. Janie Perrault said.

READ MORE: Regimental funeral held Saturday for Quebec RCMP officer killed in collision with tractor

Coming to the memorial service never gets easy. Natasha Szpakowiski has been coming with her son for over 10 years. Her husband Marc Bourdages died while on shift in 2006.

“You just get that opportunity to come and remember … There is still that ache and reminder that you did loose someone that you loved and someone that loved you,” she said.

For Deitan, he keeps the memory of his brother close to his heart.

“He was very tall and big, and imposing … but also, he had the softest heart, he was great with children, loved kids, his family… We miss him dearly,” he said.