Retired RCMP officer starts his "Bucket List Journey" today at age 86 with a drive across Canada

    Wednesday, 10 June 2026 06:00

    By Tonya Organ

    RCMP Cpl Jesse O'Donaghey and Chuck Gouett

    The trip is expected to take 7 weeks and covers about 17,000 kms.

    Chuck Gouett started a career with the RCMP in 1959 and today, he is starting what he calls his “Bucket List Journey.” The soon-to-be 87 year old is driving from St. John’s to B.C with the intention of visiting his retired colleagues across Canada. The trip is expected to take 7 weeks and covers about 17,000 kms. Gouett says it’s something he’s always wanted to do and he’s doing it because he can. He is originally from Sioux Saint Marie and says when he left there in 1958 there was no Trans Canada Highway in the area. Just north of there is the halfway point of his journey and Gouett says the highlight will be seeing the route across the top of Lake Superior.  

    This so-called senior keeps active and involved, something he advises everyone to do. Down from 250lbs to 201bs, Gouett says his daughter in law is a physical trainer and has him on a program.

    Gouett spent some time meeting with the Assistant Commissioner and touring RCMP headquarters in White Hills yesterday. He says his start with the force was at a crude time with limited resources with no bubble tops on cars but there is a greater sophistication with the force now. 

    Gouett admits he likes to eat everything and has plans of attending cooking school in New Orleans after his Bucket List Journey is complete.

     

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