Walter Porfon, our precious Dad, Guido, and Uncle passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 2, 2022, at the age of 88 years, after a very long 17-year battle with cancer. Walter was brave and faced his illness with great courage and optimism. Walter was born in Radway, Alberta on March 25, 1934.
Walter will be greatly missed by his former wife, Elizabeth; daughters; Carmen, Charlene, son; Darren (Line), daughter; Christine (Bill), and son; Terry (Rea); grandchildren, Landon, Jennifer, Taylor, Jordan, and Trevor. He will also be remembered by his wonderful nephews, nieces, extended family and friends. Walter was predeceased by many family members.
Walter was a respected and honoured member of the Edmonton Police Force for 31 years and was one of the original founding members of the Edmonton Police Narcotic Division
Walter had a love for music and was a gifted musician for over 71 years, playing the fiddle with his own band, The Country Fiddle Band. He was known for establishing the Radway Polkafest, entertaining and bringing joy to so many with his music. Walter was also known for his great kindness, generosity, sense of humor and consideration
that he had shown to all. His legacy of integrity, and his faith in God will continue for many generations to come. He will be greatly missed by all, loved forever and never forgotten in our hearts.
Funeral Service was held April 8th, 2022, at Edmonton with internment at St. Michael’s Cemetery, Edmonton. A celebration of Walter Porfon’s life will commence at a future date in Alberta.
The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the Cross Cancer Institute and Grey Nuns Hospital, and many special thanks to all of the wonderful nurses, doctors, and medical staff who tended to our Father over the many years. Thank you and God bless you all.
Walter Porfon began his policing career in Edmonton on April 2nd, 1956. After several years in Patrol Division, Wally was promoted to Detective in Criminal Investigation Division. Subsequent assignments as a Detective included: Morality Control Unit; Drug Control Section; Fraud & Commercial Crimes Unit; General Assignment Unitand: he was
back in Fraud & Commercial Crimes Unit leading up to his retirement on March 6th, 1987.
17-Jun-1954 - 25-Mar-2022
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather and son, Dale Norman Fenrich on Friday, March 25, 2022 at the age of 67.
After a year-long, very hard-fought battle with cancer, Dale peacefully let go and passed away at home with family by his side. Throughout the last year, Dale was an amazing example of personal strength despite the many physical losses he endured. He continued to show us his sense of humour, positive attitude and love that we will never forget.
Dale was predeceased by his father, Joseph. He will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his wife of 36 years, Sharon; six children, Jennifer (Darcy) Thompson, Jarrod (Sandy), Drew, Chad, Jody (Carolina) and Aaron; five grandchildren, Daylen, Caleb, Kayla, Grady and Jensyn; mother, Eileen; four siblings, Kelly (Cecilia), Cheryl (Bill) Komm, Craig (Rose-Marie) and Gary; in-laws Charles and Roberta Morrissey, David (JoAnn), Ron (Debbie), Carol and Richard (Caroline); numerous nieces, nephews and cousins; his work friends; and friends from the Summer Village of Val Quentin, which was his special lake haven.
In 1974, at the age of twenty, Dale began his successful forty-year career with the Edmonton Police Service. His assignments included South and Downtown Division patrol, Task Force, Communications, Strike Force, Youth Unit, Office of the Chief, Serious Offenders Section, Homicide Section and Criminal Investigation Section. When Dale was promoted to a sergeant in 1985, he was the youngest person to attain that rank. He had a unique knack for policing and received numerous commendations and awards for his accomplishments, including for his role as founder and manager of the Gang Unit. After he retired, Dale dedicated another seven years to the EPS working as a part-time Emergency Communications Operator.
Above all, Dale treasured his time spent with Sharon, his family, his extended family, and friends. He especially loved his time at the lake, laughing around the fire, fishing, playing Kaiser, and even cutting the grass. He kept busy with projects and always got the work done so others could relax. Dale was so proud to see his children become successful adults and time spent with them, his grandchildren, his Mom and other cherished relatives over the last year is what kept him going. His pups, Milo and Kato, always made him laugh and brought him comfort.
A celebration of dale’s life was held on April 8th at Edmonton.
A livestream of Dale’s service was available on April 8th using the link below.
Dale Fenrich - Livestream
We would like to thank Dr. Hadi Seikaly, Dr. Jeremy Choo, the staff at the Cross Cancer Institute, and the Southeast Homecare and Palliative Homecare teams for their help over the last year. A special thank you goes to Dr. Ghada Haggag from All Care Pharmacy who went above-and-beyond with kindness and compassion.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Dale’s memory can be made to the Veterans Assistance Program/Edmonton Police Foundation at 9620 103A Avenue NW, Edmonton, T5H 0H7 or online at https://www.veteransassistanceprogram.ca.
Dale commenced his career in policing in Edmonton as a member of Recruit Training Class 40 on November 22nd, 1974. After a few years in Patrol Division, Dale’s other assignments as a Constable included Task Force Section, Communications Division, and then additional postings in C and D Patrol Divisions. In 1985, he was promoted to Sergeant in C Division. 1986 saw a move and change of rank to Detective in Strike Force Unit. After 5 years in Strike Force, it was back to uniform in Downtown Division. 1993 saw Dale promoted to Staff Sergeant in Youth Unit. Subsequent assignments included: Office of the Chief; Serious Offenders Section; Homicide Section; Downtown Division and West Division. Dale retired as Staff Sergeant I/c CIS in West Division on March 13th, 2014.
After long and successful career with EPS as a sworn member, Dale spent several years as a Casual Emergency Communications Officer in the Emergency Communications & Operations Management (ECOM) Branch.
We were saddened to hear of Joe Schur’s passing on March 15th, 2022. Joe suffered from a heart condition. No obituary was located.
Joe Schur began his policing career in Edmonton on September 12th, 1960 as a member of Recruit Training Class 12. After more than four years in Patrol, Joe transferred to Traffic Division where he held a variety of assignments including Traffic Safety Section and Hit and Run Unit. He then moved to Tactical Analysis Unit for about a year before his promotion to Sergeant in Hit and Run Unit in 1980. In 1986, Joe changed rank to Detective in CIS Downtown Division leading to his retirement on March 25th, 1988. After his policing career, Joe spent several years working in Court Security.
Sadly, on the evening of December 20, 2021, retired Constable Ian McDonell passed away. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Alice, sons Cory and Chad and daughter-in-law Jen. He was predeceased by his son Mark who has been waiting for him with a big hug and bigger glass of scotch.
The family wishes to thank all his friends for their well wishes.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to YESS (Youth Empowerment and Support Services) or the Fort Saskatchewan Food Bank.
A memorial service was held on December 30th, 2021 at St. George’s Anglican Church in Fort Saskatchewan.
Ian’s memorial service was livestreamed at: https://www.mattfosseyent.ca/ian-mcdonell/. (Note: this was still active at noon on January 1st) Serenity Funeral Service ~ Fort
Saskatchewan ~ 780-998-1422
Ian McDonnell began his policing career with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in 1974. After a few years he opted for municipal policing and on September 24th, 1979, he became a member of the Edmonton Police Service as a member of Recruit Training Class 56. After initial training, Ian started out in Patrol Zone “B”. Subsequent assignments in his career included Information & reception Unit, Selective Enforcement unit, Expert Accident investigation Unit, Communications Division with various other Patrol Division assignments. Ian retired from the service on May 31st, 2003.
Some are already aware of the sad news that retired EPS member Ricky Lee Cooper has passed away. In early November, he was involved in a serious motor vehicle collision in the Durham region of Ontario and succumbed to his injuries. No obituary has been located marking Ricky’s passing.
Ricky Cooper’s career with the Edmonton Police Service began on March 2nd, 1987 when he became a member of Recruit Training Class 72. He started out in Patrol Division “C”. Later assignments as a Constable included Communications Division, North Division, Crime Scenes Examination Unit, South Division, South Division Neighbourhood Empowerment Team, STAR Team and Fairway Beat C9. He was promoted to Sergeant in South Division in 2007 and, over the next few years, Ricky had a number of Patrol assignments in South, Southwest and Northeast Divisions. In 2010, he changed to IMAC 4 for about a year before going back as a Detective to CIS (Patrol Support Unit). Ricky retired from the EPS on March 12th, 2012.
It is with great sadness that we share the news of the passing of EPSVA member Ernest (Llyn) Fowler on October 27th, 2021. Llyn retired from the Edmonton Police Service in 1984. His wife Shirley advised us that Llyn had been living in care for the last four years. No obituary was located.
LLyn Fowler joined the Edmonton Police Department September 12th, 1966. Following Recruit Training, he spent his first two years in Patrol Division. Subsequent assignments
included rotations between Patrol Division and Court & Summons Branch, Identification Section - Refresher Class #16 and Communications Division. Llyn’s last four years of service were in Patrol Division “D” leading to his retirement on April 18th, 1984.
September 24, 1942 - October 29, 2021
On Friday, October 29, 2021, at the age of 79 years, Don passed away peacefully at St. Mary’s Hospital in Camrose. Don was born in Viking and grew up on the family farm near Killam, AB. After moving to Sherwood Park, he proudly served with the Edmonton Police Force for twenty-five years before retiring. Don will be sadly missed by his loving wife of 56 years, Darlene (nee Polehoyke). He is also survived by his children, Doug (Michelle) Pierson, and Lisa (Tony) Cameron. He also leaves behind his grandchildren Finn, Mia, Erica, and Aaron, all of whom he was very proud of. Don was predeceased by his parents Ivan and Mabel Pierson; as well as, his sisters Maureen Suitor (Sam), and Louise Grant (Ken); and infant brother James.
The family would like to express gratitude to Dr. Letley, the staff at St. Mary’s Hospital, and to the Home Care Nurses for their exceptional care. At Don’s request, a private service will be held at a later date. Don was a lover of all animals big and small. Donations will be greatly accepted in Don’s memory to the Alberta SPCA for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
Don Pierson became a member of the Edmonton Police Department on March 18th, 1968 as a member of Recruit Training Class 27. His initial assignment was to Patrol Division. His subsequent assignments included several rotations from Patrol Division to Communications Section as well as a short stint in Warrant &Document Service. Don retired from Patrol South Division on March 18th, 1993.
1941 July 28 - 2021 September 11
It is with profound sadness we announce the passing of our beloved husband, godfather and lifelong friend, Robert McKee Claney on 2021 September 11 following his struggle with Interstitial Lung Disease. Bob’s life will be infinitely honoured by his loving wife of 55 years, Carole Bea; seven godchildren, Leslie (Barrie), Fay (Randy), Kris (David), Cody (Kirby), Carly (Jay), Karen, and Grant; as well as 19 precious grandchildren and great grandchildren. Too numerous to mention are the friends whom over the years became blessed additions to the family; so many hearts filled with fond memories and love.
Bob was born on July 28, 1941 at the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Edmonton, Alberta. In 1959 he joined the Edmonton Police Department, dedicating his professional life to a successful policing career, rising through the ranks to Deputy Chief. From 1968 to 1972 Bob pursued a post-secondary education, attending Mississippi College, University of Alberta, and the University of Washington completing a Bachelor of Science Degree in Police Science and Administration with Distinction. In 1987 Bob was seconded to the National Defence College in Kingston, Ontario where he bolstered his policing education and travelled the world, graduating from this prestigious program in 1988.
Following Deputy Chief Claney’s retirement in 1992 from the Edmonton Police Service after 33 years, Bob dedicated seven additional years to the Edmonton Police Association in continued support of his policing community. Bob’s police family far-exceeded the Edmonton area, fostering many precious relationships throughout his lifetime. Bob and Carole Bea cherished their time together with family and friends, playing golf at the Edmonton Country Club, and watching golf tournaments. They loved travelling to their favorite
destinations; the Jasper Park Lodge, Victoria and Hawaii.
Bob was predeceased by his father, John (Jack) Claney; mother-in-law, Olive Jones McDermott; and his mother, Emma (Amy) Stansfield Claney.
The family wishes to express heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Ben Macedo, Dr Elizabeth Dixon and Dr Marc Bibeau, as well as the incredible staff at Foyer Lacombe Covenant Care Hospice.
Due to the recent ‘State of Public Health Emergency’ declaration and related AHS Covid-19 health restrictions, family and friends were required to honour Bob’s life more intimately than expected. As sad as they were not to be in the same room with everyone, folks were invited to join Bob’s Celebration of Life via livestream on Friday 2021 Sept 24. (https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/authorise.php?k=1631851972137229).
Your love and support is appreciated more than you will ever know. “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” (Maya Angelou) In lieu of flowers, donations in Bob’s memory can be made to the Veterans Assistance Program/Edmonton Police Foundation at 9620 103A Avenue, Edmonton, AB T5H 0H7 or online at https://www.veteransassistanceprogram.ca or the charity of your choice. Take good care of one another.
Bob Claney began his career with the Edmonton Police Department on July 20th, 1959 as a Police Cadet. On April 10th, 1961, Bob joined Recruit Training Class 14 and, in August of that year, moved out to Patrol Division. His other assignments as a Constable included two stints in each of Traffic Division and Patrol Division, a year in Records Section and, lastly, to the Office of the Chief. In 1973, Bob was promoted to Detective in C.I.D. but very soon moved to the Sergeant position in Research & Development. After a couple of years, Bob moved to Planning Section and was promoted to Staff Sergeant (1976) then Inspector (1978) in that area. He later transferred to Patrol Division, Training Section, Patrol Division “A”. In 1981, Bob became Superintendent i/c Supply & Service Division followed by a transfer to Patrol Division “B”. In 1987, he was seconded to the National Defense College for a year. When Bob returned to the service, he was promoted to Deputy Chief i/c Technical Services Bureau from which position he retired on April 18th, 1991.
It is with sadness that the family of James Douglas King (Doug) announces his passing on July 6, 2021, three weeks short of his 91st birthday. Doug died peacefully at his home in Edmonton with his family by his side. He is survived by his wife of 59 years Margaret, children Deborah Hobbs, Marilyn Murasko (Todd) and James King (Karolyn), And grandchildren Noel (Leanne), Isabella, Nicholas, Alexander, and Karolyn’s sons David and Johnathon. He was predeceased by his parents Henry (Broder) and Mona King and his three brothers Kenneth, Keith, and Gordon.
As per Doug’s request, no memorial service will be held. If desired memorial donations may be made to the Hope Mission Centre or the Youth Emergency Shelter in Edmonton. Published on July 23, 2021
Doug King started his career with the Edmonton Police Department on March 21st, 1955 in Patrol Division. After about 10 years in Patrol, Doug transferred to Court & Summons Section. Subsequent transfers as a Constable were to Case Supervisors Unit and Court & Gaol Division. In 1975, after a brief stint in Morality Unit, Doug was promoted to Sergeant in Patrol Division. That same he year, he changed rank to detective and transferred to Youth Section. Later he moved to Youth Detail in “C” Division where he remained for several years. His last year was spent in Missing Persons Detail from where he retired on March 22nd, 1987.