Jack O’Reilly is described as a Mountie’s Mountie. That’s high and well-deserved praise for a retired member of the Force who regularly volunteers countless hours in service to both still serving and former members.
Jack is valuable member of the RCMP Veterans Association, active in several areas of the organization’s work. His contributions on the Divisional Graves Program caught the attention of then Commissioner Bob Paulson. At the request of the Commissioner, he took on the monumental task of identifying, finding and maintaining the gravesites of the original 300 members of the North West Mounted Police. He also took on the task of locating the final resting places of every member of the RCMP Honour Roll. He and a team of fellow volunteers have had great success. Jack’s dedicated research and impressive determination led to him personally locating many lost RCMP Veterans’ gravesites and ensured that they were marked to honour the Veteran’s service.
As Chair of the Association’s Sick Committee, he regularly contacts and visits sick and debilitated members to boost their spirits, and offers support and consolation to surviving relatives when a member dies. Jack also assists with any required paperwork, ensuring member’s families are looked after.
Proudly sporting his RCMP Veterans Association red blazer, Jack is a familiar and welcome sight at all public events attended by the group’s Toronto Division.