For generations, the image of the Mountie has held a special place in Canadian culture. Dressed in the iconic Red Serge, riding across the Canadian landscape and serving communities from coast to coast to coast, members of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police have become recognized symbols of Canada.
Staff Sergeant Sidney Garth Hampson, Regimental Number 19201, brought that image to life in a remarkable way. Through his service, music and commitment to others, he became known across the country as “the Voice of the Mounties.”
On May 23, 2026, a plaque honouring Staff Sergeant Hampson was unveiled at the RCMP National Memorial Cemetery at Beechwood. The unveiling took place on the anniversary of the founding of the North-West Mounted Police, now the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
The plaque celebrates an extraordinary career and the thousands of people he reached through song.
From Moose Jaw to the North
Born in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, Garth Hampson began his RCMP career in 1955. His early training included horseback riding in Regina, connecting him directly to one of the Force’s most enduring traditions.
He went on to serve in remote communities in Alberta and the Arctic. These postings required resilience, independence and an ability to build trust with the people he served. They also gave him an understanding of the important relationship between the RCMP and communities across Canada.
Although policing was his profession, Hampson possessed another remarkable gift: a rich and unmistakable baritone voice.
In 1964, that gift took his career in a new direction when he was selected to join the internationally renowned RCMP Concert Band in Ottawa as its lead vocalist.
It was there that Staff Sergeant Hampson became “the Voice of the Mounties.”
Building Connections Through Music
The RCMP Band was more than a musical ensemble. It served as a bridge between the Force and the public, presenting a welcoming and accessible face of the RCMP to audiences across Canada and around the world.
With his warm stage presence, powerful voice and friendly manner, Hampson became one of the Band’s most recognizable members. He understood that every performance was an opportunity to connect with people and strengthen police-community relationships.
He performed during major national milestones, including Canada’s Centennial celebrations in 1967 and the RCMP Centennial Review in 1973. The 1973 national tour marked the 100th anniversary of the founding of the North-West Mounted Police and brought the history and traditions of the Force to communities throughout the country.
Hampson also performed the national anthem at Rideau Hall ceremonies, RCMP Sunset Ceremonies, citizenship events and major sporting occasions, including several Grey Cup games.
For many Canadians, his voice became closely associated with national ceremonies, public service and the traditions of the RCMP.
Service Beyond the Stage
Some of Hampson’s most meaningful performances did not take place before large audiences.
During his off-duty hours and throughout his retirement, he regularly visited hospitals and long-term care residences in the Ottawa region. For six decades, he brought music, companionship and dignity to people who were ill, isolated or in need of comfort.
These quieter performances reflected his understanding of service. He did not see the RCMP uniform as a barrier between himself and the public. He saw it as an invitation to connect, offer friendship and bring comfort.
Whether performing before thousands of spectators or singing for one person in a hospital room, Hampson approached each audience with the same respect and generosity.
Over the course of seven decades, he participated in more than 10,000 performances. Each one contributed to a legacy that extended well beyond music.
A Lifetime of Recognition
Staff Sergeant Hampson received numerous honours for his contributions to Canada and his community. These included an honorary doctorate from Laurentian University and recognition through the Rotary Club’s Paul Harris Fellowship.
In 2025, he received the King Charles III Coronation Medal from Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada. The award recognized his extraordinary service to the Crown and represented a fitting tribute to a lifetime of public service.
His achievements were significant, but the true measure of his impact can be found in the people he reached. He helped generations of Canadians see the RCMP not only as a national police service, but as an institution made up of people committed to serving their communities.
Preserving the Voice of the Mounties
Unveiled on May 23, 2026, the plaque ensures that Staff Sergeant Garth Hampson’s remarkable story will continue to be shared with future generations.
Its unveiling on the anniversary of the founding of the North-West Mounted Police connected his personal story of service with more than 150 years of RCMP history and tradition.
The RCMP National Memorial Cemetery at Beechwood honours the service, people and traditions of the Force. Its interpretive plaques allow visitors to explore different aspects of RCMP history, from uniforms and ranks to ceremonies and individual stories of service.
Hampson’s plaque adds an important dimension to that history. It demonstrates that service can take many forms. It can mean protecting communities, representing Canada at national ceremonies or sitting beside someone in a hospital room and offering comfort through song.
Staff Sergeant Garth Hampson is a proud son of Moose Jaw, a dedicated member of the RCMP and a gentleman whose kindness has reached Canadians across the country.
His title, “the Voice of the Mounties,” reflects his musical talent. His true legacy, however, can be found in how he has used that voice: to welcome, connect, inspire and serve.
