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Recent Happenings
Neil Hurtubise talk about his life experiences, before, during and after his policing career.
It’s been said that you should never miss a day to educate and enlighten yourself.
On a personal level that’s what I did Sunday afternoon, when I attended an inspirational event at Forrest Home United Church.
About 45 people were in attendance to hear retired Senior OPP Constable Neil Hurtubise talk about his life experiences, before, during and after his policing career.
Up front I should tell you Neil has been a mentor in my life during the 50-plus years I’ve known him.
He was there during my brief hockey career in the CYO and we’ve always kept an eye on other since then.
Neil has been a rock of strength during my darkest days, and his wife Pat, and his now grown children have always felt like my extended family.
I owe him so much during the early years of my journalism career, because he was so supportive in the weak moments, helping me build confidence as the months passed.
With his help I went on the be a confident, but insufferable SOB in later years.
LOL
Neil’s daughter, Elizabeth Anderson, was on hand Sunday to support her dad and fill the rural church with her powerful voice and angelic singing style.
Most longtime Orillia and area residents will remember Neil for the events of Jan. 2, 1981, when he was nearly fatally shot, while on duty, after pulling over a car on Highway 11, just north of Orillia.
Neil and I have talked about that night privately, and in newspaper interviews numerous times since that fateful night.
One thing I’ve always loved about Neil and his family is how open they’ve been over the years, never hesitating to talk about that near-tragic night.
But most of all they’ve all left me nearly in tears, talking about how fortunate they feel still having him in their lives 40 years later.
But as well as I thought I knew Neil, what he revealed Sunday left me speechless.
Near the end of the two-hour gathering he talked about the events of Jan. 2, 1981, but it was clear he did so much more, before and after that night.
It was only by a last-minute switch of shifts, that Neil was working that snowy and wintery night.
He was supposed to be working during Christmas, but another officer offered to work Christmas, if Neil worked his January shift.
Neil started his working career as a shoe salesman, only later switching to policing after talking to a police officer friend he knew.
He was smiling because his yearly salary went from $2,900 at the shoe store to $4,400 after joining the OPP.
After finishing his training in Toronto, the Midland born Neil, waited to find out where he’d be posted.
Fearing his wife family and children might be posted far from Georgian Bay, he breathed a huge sigh of relief when he was told to report to Barrie regional headquarters, and later he was sent to Orillia.
Sunday he talked about the three gruesome multi-fatal accidents he investigated, which happened in quick succession over a short period of time.
Having covered carnage like that as a journalist, I could see how was walking through those incidents in his mind, as he spoke to those assembled on Sunday.
How those incidents didn’t break his spirit or haunt him, is astonishing to me to this day.
But there were the humorous moments too.
He spoke of the time he helped an elderly lady get into her house after she locked herself out. She insisted Neil kick down the door so she could get in.
Not as heavily set as other officers, Neil looked at the big door and the lock, and doubted he could budge it.
But he threw his shoulder into the door, and it opened, quipping Sunday, “My first break and enter.”
And there was the night he and his partner investigated a reported break and enter at a community hall.
The hall was dark but they found an open door.
Searching different parts of the hall in the dark with flashlights, Neil discovered a piano and started tinkling the ivories, because he was an avid player.
His partner heard the music and approached cautiously.
Not knowing what to think, his partner pointed his flashlight toward the stage, expecting to find the culprit.
There was Neil playing, with his hyper vigilant partner later explaining to Neil that it was lucky his partner hadn’t shot him by accident.
I was stunned to learn Sunday that his injuries from the Jan. 1981 shooting were far more extensive than I originally was lead to believe, requiring an infusion of 30 pints of blood.
But later during his tireless work with the Red Cross, he donated over 100 pints of blood before his doctor put a stop to further donations.
So I’m thinking Neil paid his bill in full and then some.
Over the years Neil has counseled other officers and their families wounded in the line of duty.
And he’s been the recipient of every OPP and provincial award for bravery and community service.
A street named after him at the OPP Central Headquarters in Orillia is something he’s proudest of.
He just asks jokingly that you not throw snowballs or rocks at it.
The MTO snowplows didn’t get the message recently, accidentally clipping and damaging it.
But I’m sure they’ll realize their error and make repairs.
His career, and the events of Jan. 2, 1981 have made Neil something of a notable figure across Ontario.
On the night Neil was awarded the Ontario Medal of Bravery, two other OPP officers were also honoured for acts of courage.
Neil told me later he was honoured to receive the award and the recognition, but he was most thankful the other two officers received well-deserved recognition.
I also know Neil is proud of his community service, often mentoring kids in his own neighborhood, after their parents reached out to him.
One time after he retired, I asked him if he ever regretted not retiring at a higher rank.
He simply said he felt he accomplished more as a constable at the community level, than if he’d been made sergeant or inspector and been directed into a desk job.
Regularly, I know he thinks of the families of OPP Const Rick Verdecchia and Chester Blackmore, the two gentlemen who were gruesomely murdered by Gary Fitzgerald and his accomplice Joseph Schoenberger, in the hours leading up to Neil being shot that January, 1981 day.
But I think I speak for many longtime Oriilians when I say we’re all thankful and overjoyed Neil is still walking amongst us and contributing to his family.
It isn’t his official birthday, but his family circle and friends like myself who love him dearly, always wish him a happy birthday on Jan. 2 each year.
Considering how close we came to losing him, it’s not only endearing, but proper.
Thanks again to Neil and Elizabeth for opening up you souls on Sunday.
We’re all a little more enriched and inspired by the words you delivered today.
And yes Neil I promise I’ll be over for tea soon.
It’s been said that you should never miss a day to educate and enlighten yourself.
On a personal level that’s what I did Sunday afternoon, when I attended an inspirational event at Forrest Home United Church.
About 45 people were in attendance to hear retired Senior OPP Constable Neil Hurtubise talk about his life experiences, before, during and after his policing career.
Up front I should tell you Neil has been a mentor in my life during the 50-plus years I’ve known him.
He was there during my brief hockey career in the CYO and we’ve always kept an eye on other since then.
Neil has been a rock of strength during my darkest days, and his wife Pat, and his now grown children have always felt like my extended family.
I owe him so much during the early years of my journalism career, because he was so supportive in the weak moments, helping me build confidence as the months passed.
With his help I went on the be a confident, but insufferable SOB in later years.
LOL
Neil’s daughter, Elizabeth Anderson, was on hand Sunday to support her dad and fill the rural church with her powerful voice and angelic singing style.
Most longtime Orillia and area residents will remember Neil for the events of Jan. 2, 1981, when he was nearly fatally shot, while on duty, after pulling over a car on Highway 11, just north of Orillia.
Neil and I have talked about that night privately, and in newspaper interviews numerous times since that fateful night.
One thing I’ve always loved about Neil and his family is how open they’ve been over the years, never hesitating to talk about that near-tragic night.
But most of all they’ve all left me nearly in tears, talking about how fortunate they feel still having him in their lives 40 years later.
But as well as I thought I knew Neil, what he revealed Sunday left me speechless.
Near the end of the two-hour gathering he talked about the events of Jan. 2, 1981, but it was clear he did so much more, before and after that night.
It was only by a last-minute switch of shifts, that Neil was working that snowy and wintery night.
He was supposed to be working during Christmas, but another officer offered to work Christmas, if Neil worked his January shift.
Neil started his working career as a shoe salesman, only later switching to policing after talking to a police officer friend he knew.
He was smiling because his yearly salary went from $2,900 at the shoe store to $4,400 after joining the OPP.
After finishing his training in Toronto, the Midland born Neil, waited to find out where he’d be posted.
Fearing his wife family and children might be posted far from Georgian Bay, he breathed a huge sigh of relief when he was told to report to Barrie regional headquarters, and later he was sent to Orillia.
Sunday he talked about the three gruesome multi-fatal accidents he investigated, which happened in quick succession over a short period of time.
Having covered carnage like that as a journalist, I could see how was walking through those incidents in his mind, as he spoke to those assembled on Sunday.
How those incidents didn’t break his spirit or haunt him, is astonishing to me to this day.
But there were the humorous moments too.
He spoke of the time he helped an elderly lady get into her house after she locked herself out. She insisted Neil kick down the door so she could get in.
Not as heavily set as other officers, Neil looked at the big door and the lock, and doubted he could budge it.
But he threw his shoulder into the door, and it opened, quipping Sunday, “My first break and enter.”
And there was the night he and his partner investigated a reported break and enter at a community hall.
The hall was dark but they found an open door.
Searching different parts of the hall in the dark with flashlights, Neil discovered a piano and started tinkling the ivories, because he was an avid player.
His partner heard the music and approached cautiously.
Not knowing what to think, his partner pointed his flashlight toward the stage, expecting to find the culprit.
There was Neil playing, with his hyper vigilant partner later explaining to Neil that it was lucky his partner hadn’t shot him by accident.
I was stunned to learn Sunday that his injuries from the Jan. 1981 shooting were far more extensive than I originally was lead to believe, requiring an infusion of 30 pints of blood.
But later during his tireless work with the Red Cross, he donated over 100 pints of blood before his doctor put a stop to further donations.
So I’m thinking Neil paid his bill in full and then some.
Over the years Neil has counseled other officers and their families wounded in the line of duty.
And he’s been the recipient of every OPP and provincial award for bravery and community service.
A street named after him at the OPP Central Headquarters in Orillia is something he’s proudest of.
He just asks jokingly that you not throw snowballs or rocks at it.
The MTO snowplows didn’t get the message recently, accidentally clipping and damaging it.
But I’m sure they’ll realize their error and make repairs.
His career, and the events of Jan. 2, 1981 have made Neil something of a notable figure across Ontario.
On the night Neil was awarded the Ontario Medal of Bravery, two other OPP officers were also honoured for acts of courage.
Neil told me later he was honoured to receive the award and the recognition, but he was most thankful the other two officers received well-deserved recognition.
I also know Neil is proud of his community service, often mentoring kids in his own neighborhood, after their parents reached out to him.
One time after he retired, I asked him if he ever regretted not retiring at a higher rank.
He simply said he felt he accomplished more as a constable at the community level, than if he’d been made sergeant or inspector and been directed into a desk job.
Regularly, I know he thinks of the families of OPP Const Rick Verdecchia and Chester Blackmore, the two gentlemen who were gruesomely murdered by Gary Fitzgerald and his accomplice Joseph Schoenberger, in the hours leading up to Neil being shot that January, 1981 day.
But I think I speak for many longtime Oriilians when I say we’re all thankful and overjoyed Neil is still walking amongst us and contributing to his family.
It isn’t his official birthday, but his family circle and friends like myself who love him dearly, always wish him a happy birthday on Jan. 2 each year.
Considering how close we came to losing him, it’s not only endearing, but proper.
Thanks again to Neil and Elizabeth for opening up you souls on Sunday.
We’re all a little more enriched and inspired by the words you delivered today.
And yes Neil I promise I’ll be over for tea soon.
