Joseph Raymond Johnson was born on January 11, 1931 in Ridgedale, Saskatchewan. As a child growing up in northern Manitoba and Saskatchewan he heard stories of policing in the Eastern Arctic from Cst. Al Kupkee, their local RCMP member, and his interest was sparked in such adventure. On July 4, 1949 Ray joined the RCMP and in 1950 was given his first northern assignment working in Spence Bay (Taloyoak) with Cst. Glen Sargent. In 1952 he was transferred to Coppermine (Kugluktuk) where he continued to learn more skills in fishing, hunting, dog sledding and survival on the land, all requirements for northern living at that time. After a brief southern posting Ray returned north to the Pond Inlet Detachment where he served from 1955 to 1958. He enjoyed these early years of his service in the north and found them to be some of his most satisfying. In 1956 Ray was promoted to Corporal and gradually rose through the ranks to be commissioned as an Inspector in 1974. After leaving Pond Inlet he spent a year at Carleton University, and was then transferred to Western Canada. In 1961 he and Margaret Elizabeth Pilot (Bette), a nurse originally from Montreal, were married in Prince Albert, Sask. During the following years they became parents to two sons. On July 4, 1984 Ray retired from the force after exactly 35 years of service, the last 10 years being in Administration and Operational duties in Manitoba RCMP Head Quarters. Since retirement he has kept himself busy and active in various groups. He is also the proud grandfather of 4 boys. On August 23, 2006 Inspector Joseph Raymond Johnson (Rtd) was presented with the Governor General's Caring Canadian Award for his long years of volunteer service.
