Every once in a while we all seem to need an awakening as to what is truly important in our lives. Recently I got the wake up call when I received a phone call from my closest friend; Doug Weir. I had worked with Doug as a fellow Constable with the Carleton Place Police Department in Carleton Place Ontario Canada. I had recently left the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and had joined the very small local police department in a town just outside of Ottawa Ontario. One of the first people I met on force was Constable Doug Weir. He was a “bear” of a man; barrel chested and strong as an ox. He was also as gentle as a lamb. I had never seen a police officer who could talk with the toughest of the tough and just as easily talk with children. He was such a kind and gentle man. He did not study police tactics or go to police college to learn his craft, he was simply a wise man. He knew when to be assertive and when to let things go. Doug was respected by all.
He phoned me while I was on patrol and told me he had a short time to live. I had to pull off to the side of the road and wept. Although I knew we both were getting older I could never have imagined this man other than the strongest person I knew in body and in spirit.
We all need to know a man like Doug Weir as our lives will be fuller and have greater meaning. I learned a lot about life from this gentle giant. Rest in Peace my friend.
