Ray Robitaille sits humbly as he discusses receiving the Order of Merit about a week ago, or the “old guy award” as he calls it.
“I was like any other young person looking for a job that is meaningful and I was passionate about and I was fortunate enough to find two loves with the military and police services,” Robitaille explained over coffee.
“I’ve had a fairly diverse career and had good opportunity to lead interesting initiatives.”
Joining the military in the mid-80s after spending his life “bouncing around like a pinball in a machine” Robitaille said he first visited Alberta in 1985 when he “fell in love with the province.”
Wanting to find a more stable career where he could settle down, get married and start a family, Robitaille joined the Calgary Police Service more than two and a half decades ago where he learned about the importance of community and friendship.
“I was drafted to go to Afghanistan leaving my wife with our young children and our neighbours really stepped up to help,” Robitaille said.
As someone who makes sure to acknowledge his teammates and not one to toot his own horn, Robitaille’s wife, Carol, provided an unofficial resume of Ray’s achievements including working undercover, police sniper and file manager for Operation Shadow targeting the Hells Angels. He also received a life-saving commendation by the Chief of Defence Staff after two separate incidents during live training exercises where he shielded fellow soldiers from death.
“I am truly humbled – I really only play a small part in a larger part of a team,” Ray said.
Not the first award of recognition for his hard work, Robitaille has also been acknowledged with a Special Service Medal from NATO, the Bill Shelever Memorial Award, an Operational Service Medal in Afghanistan, a Superior Civilian Service Medal from the United States and Afghanistan for service in Afghanistan and for recognition of his meritorious service. The Jumping Pound resident since 2003 also received the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal.
“Everyone talks about finding their way and people think you need to look within yourself but finding your passion is about creating your passion,” Ray said.
“You create your own success and that is the link to happiness.”
Ray was awarded with the Order of Merit on May 25.
