COMMUNITY FOCUS
Former cop gives back to community
By Lisa Etherington-Runions For much of his life, Raymond John O’- Collin, has dedicated himself to helping others. The Cornwall resident, formerly from Montreal, has accomplished a lot in his life, and feels his success is due to his ca- reer as a police officer, and also having a happy marriage and children. Life was not always rosy for O’Collin, and as a youngster growing up in Mon- treal, he had to fend for himself from the age of 13. For survival he became a member of the Montreal Police Juvenile Club so as he could play sports, and he found a job and worked hard, not knowing what his future held. A boss later made an impression on O’- Collin and taught him to be helpful and honest. As a result, O’Collin stayed out of trouble and later became a policeman so as he could help people, hoping to make a difference in their lives. The hardest part about this was finding out he could not change the world, and O’Collin had to learn that all people are different, and Ray O’Collin has dedicated life to helping others
must be treated as individuals. Today, as a retired police officer, O’- Collin hopes that his work as a volunteer helps others. The man, whose friends feel he has a great sense of humour, is a recipi- ent of the Long Service/Good Conduct medal from the Montreal Police Club, the Military Collectors Club Medal for dedica- tion to the club, and in 2005 he received the Senior Volunteer of the Year award for his contributions to the community. O’Collin is also a member of the Seaway Seniors Centre, the Canadian Police In- signia Collectors Club, the Military Collec- tors Club of Canada, the Seaway Valley Theatre group, and a senior representative on the Canada Day Committee, where he promises this year's celebration will be nothing less than spectacular. O’Collin feels that you are never too old to learn. He has overcome obstacles in his life, such as a bout with prostate cancer, and would like to expand his horizons by improving his knowledge of Canada, while working as hard as he can at his vol- unteer ventures. “I would also like to travel to the United Kingdom and visit Ireland, Scotland, Eng- land, and Wales, visiting museums and historical places,” said O’Collin. When not volunteering, or dreaming about travel, O’Collin also likes to read, “especially mysteries, and assorted arti- cles in Good Times, and Senior Times,” he quips with a smile.
alive, real or imaginary that O’Collin would like to meet he replied, “Yes, I would like to chat with Robert Peel who started the British Police in the early 1800’s. Now that would be exciting.” Success for O’Collin is a happy mar- riage, a family to be proud of, and health. O’Collin has all of this and values very much his wife, Norma, who has been his best positive influence for 52 years. “She has always been there to support me,” said O’Collin. “ My father in law years ago also set an example of what a family is all about. I also value my family who I am very proud of, and the friends and people who I have been fortunate to meet.” O’Collin’s favourite motto is: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” O’Collin has witnessed many things in his career as a policeman, and would like to see world peace and an end to poverty and child abuse. When asked if there was anything in his life that he would like to change or do again he simply says, “ my life is com- plete, I would not change a thing. In the future, I see myself exactly where I am, at home with my wife and family.” “Eventually, when I leave this world, I would like it to be said that I tried hard to be a good person, and I set a good exam- ple to my family, friends, and those I came in contact with.”
O’Collin also enjoys music, particularly anything from the 40’s, 50’s and 60’s, and singers like Nana Mouskouri, Anne Mur- ray, and Sarah Brightman, as well as watching TV, going for walks, and work- ing on his hobby of collecting police patches and badges. His interests also lie in craft shows, flea markets and antiques. When asked if there was anyone dead or Special photo City resident Raymond O’Collin is pic- tured with his wife, Norma. O’Collin, a former Montreal police officer, has dedi- cated his life to helping others.
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