Staff Sergeant (Retired) Robert Victor J. Lamothe

Reg #34839 - Years of Service: 1976 - 2008

Postings:  "C", Depot, "J" and HQ Divisions
and United Peacekeeping Mission (Haiti)

With profound sadness, we announce the loss of Robert (Bob) Lamothe who passed away peacefully with family by his side, on June 11, 2024, in Ottawa at the age of 68. Married to Claudette (née Bourdeau), his loving wife of 46 years, they were blessed with three precious sons: Martin (Céline), Luc, and the late René. Also mourned by his dear sister Nicole Lamothe Martineau, and his close-knit circle of extended family and friends.

Bob was born in 1955 in Mattawa Ontario, to the late Victor Lamothe and the late Rose (née Gravelle). Shortly after, the family relocated to North Bay. Having lost both parents at an early age, he and his sister grew closer to their relatives. Bob’s godparents, the late Joseph Contant and the late Albina (née Lamothe), who lived on the Lamothe homestead in Corbeil, played an especially important role in his life. Eventually, these close ties with extended family led Bob to research his genealogy, eager to learn more about his roots.

Bob loved music! During his high school years at École Secondaire Algonquin, Bob sang and played piano and saxophone in the annual musical touring production Café Chantant. He was also a member of the school band and played baritone sax in the Goldenaires jazz orchestra. While working summers with his uncle Louis, he acquired home renovation and construction skills, knowledge that proved useful to him for the rest of his life.

On February 9, 1976, Bob joined the RCMP as a Special Constable. His first posting was Mirabel International Airport, and then to Ottawa Parliament Hill Protection Detail. In 1978, he converted to Regular Member status. Following training in Regina, Bob was posted to Shippagan Detachment in “J” Division. He was later transferred to Bathurst Sub/Division Drug Section and Edmundston Federal Section.

In 1992, he was transferred to Federal Airport Policing Branch in Ottawa. In December 1994, five days before Christmas, he deployed on a six-month United Nations Peace Keeping Mission to Haiti. Upon his return, Bob assumed duties with Interpol until shortly after 9/11, when he was transferred to Canada’s new Air Carrier Protection Program and played a key role in its roll out.

In 2006, Bob returned to Interpol where he continued to serve until February 14, 2008. After 32 years of service, he retired at the rank of Staff Sergeant; a highly respected member by his peers and subordinates. His strong work ethic, attention to detail, keen instincts and good mentoring skills, contributed to his success as an investigator and team leader. Bob returned to RCMP to work on contract and continued to serve until 2009.

Bob loved the great outdoors so the family cottage in Ompah was his “happy place.” There, all were welcome to come rest, play or work. The table at “Bob’s Diner” became the gathering place for tasty meals, his freshly baked bread, homemade maple syrup, board games and friendly poker.

One item on Bob’s bucket list was to produce maple syrup as his relatives had traditionally done on the homestead. In February 2011, brother-in-law Gilles and Bob paired up for a “low-tech” trial season, which by the next spring had expanded to include modern equipment and a sugar shack. Bob’s contagious passion for making “liquid gold” quickly spread. Volunteers, comprised of cottage pals, as well other friends and family jokingly referred to as the “Sugar Shack Part-Time Staff,” lent a hand for seven seasons. Helpers were always treated to delicious fruits of their labour, including toasts to the season with some “Sortilège.” In turn, Bob helped his Ompah friends maintain the ATV and snowmobile trails in the area and raise funds at the annual Ompah Volunteer Firefighters ATV Mud Run.

“Bob the builder” was in many ways self-taught. He would spend countless hours in the garage or cottage workshop honing his skills and sharing his knowledge with others, notably his boys. He especially loved woodworking and to him, the aroma of fresh wood shavings was a sweet perfume. Whether managing the forest surrounding the cottage with his chainsaw and prized Kubota tractor, or doing woodworking projects, at the end of a hard day’s work Bob would often joke: “You know you’ve had a good day when you find woodchips in the bottom of your shower.”

In 2015, Bob and Claudette, equipped with a Winnebago RV, enjoyed the freedom to explore Canada from coast to coast and to winter in the Southern United States.

Diagnosed with cancer in 2017, Bob faced this illness with courage and determination. Despite his declining health, he continued to be attentive to his family and friends. Through it all, he kept his sense of humour, making people laugh with his jokes, silly faces, and funny texts. He will be sorely missed by so many.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Derek Jonkers, the Cancer Centre team, the staff at the Ottawa General Hospital, the Carefor nurses, as well as Dr. Peter Lawlor and the staff at the Saint-Vincent Hospital, who all provided Bob great care. 

If desired, donations to the Cancer Society or Mass Offerings in Bob’s memory are welcome.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Notre-Dame-de-Lourdes Church, 435 Montreal Road, Ottawa, on Friday, July 26, 2024. There will be visitation from 10:00 am to 11:00 am. The funeral service will begin at 11:00 a.m. Inurnment will follow immediately after at the RCMP National Memorial Cemetery, 280 Beechwood Avenue, Ottawa, Ontario.

Remembered with respect and gratitude for his service.