An obituary hadn’t been placed at the time of publication of The Call Box. However, this entry was placed on Facebook by Bob’s daughter Crystal who is a serving Edmonton Police Service member: “I am very sad to share with you that my Dad (#388 Retired Sgt Robert Harmata RTC #25) passed away last night after a long struggle with Parkinson's Disease. He was 72 years old. As per his wishes, there will be a private family service. He held many fond memories of the people he worked with over his 27 years with EPS. I always enjoyed hearing his stories and hearing some of your names. In his retirement, his greatest joys were umpiring, following MLB and being an amazing Grandfather. I was so blessed to have such a loving and supportive Dad.”
Bob Harmata was about 20 years old when he embarked on his career with the Edmonton Police on March 27th, 1967 as a member of Recruit Training Class 25. After 5 years in Patrol Division, Bob transferred to Traffic Safety Section and then to Traffic Ssection. In 1979, he moved back to Patrol (B) and in 1981 he was promoted to Detective in CIS (A). Bob later transferred to CIS (B). In 1986, he changed rank to Sergeant with a move to D Division Patrol and then to B Division Patrol. Bob changed rank back to Detective in B Division CIS from where he retired on September 14th, 1994. His Reg. No. at that time was 388.
Ben Lesenko of Sherwood Park succumbed to cancer on Monday, March 18, 2019 at the age of 80.
He is survived by his wife Marian; daughter Karen; son Warren (Carrie); grandchildren Josh and Brandon, Chesa and Karlee; all of their pets; and his special second family at Storesmart.
Respecting his wishes cremation has taken place and no funeral was held.
A very special thank you to the staff at the Strathcona Community Hospital, Dr. Anita Dey for the quick diagnosis and excellent care and to the Emergency Acute Care & Palliative Care Staff at the Grey Nuns Hospital. Thank you also to Dr. Osama Essul of New Nottingham Medical and massage therapist, April Eklund of Flex Chiropractic for follow-up care.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: Shunda Creek Wilderness Camp, c/o Enviros, #220, 3115 - 112 Street NE, Calgary, AB T2E 7J2.To send condolences or to share a memory, tribute or photo, please visit www.glenwoodmemorial.com
To plant a tree in memory of Ben LESENKO, please visit Tribute Store.
Published online April 5, 2019
HINDLE, Bruce Maxwell September 28, 1930 - December 8, 2018
We are saddened by the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, Bruce Maxwell Hindle. Bruce will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 67 years, Pearl, children John (Cindy), Laura (Guy), Bruce, Don (Cathy), ten grandchildren and fifteen great-grandchildren as well as his sister, Ruby (Bill) and brother AJ (Robin). Bruce was predeceased by his parents Abel James (AJ) and Victoria (Bobbi), his brother Grant Hindle and grandson Trent Kreamer. A Memorial Service was held on December 13th, 2018, in Edmonton.
Bruce Hindle became a member of the Edmonton Police Department on September 22nd, 1954 in the days when recruit training classes were still a thing of the future. He went straight to Patrol. As a Constable, Bruce’s assignments also included Traffic Division, Communications Section, Warrant & Document Unit and Traffic Court Unit. He was promoted to Sergeant in “B” Division in 1981 and remained there until he retired on September 27th, 1986. At that time Bruce wore Reg. No. 86.
LINKLATER, Andrew (Andy) Frank
Sadly we have just received news that retired EPS member Andrew (Andy) Frank Linklater passed away yesterday (December 4th). Andy who retired in 1995 had been ill for some time.
A Memorial and Celebration of Life for Andy was held on Sunday, December 9th at Westwood Baptist Church, Edmonton.
Andy Linklater joined the Edmonton Police Department on March 22nd, 1965 as a member of Recruit Training Class 21. During his thirty year career, he had assignments in Patrol Division (x4), Gaol Section, Crime Index and Communications and Property & Towed Vehicles Unit. When Andy retired on August 31st, 1995 his Reg. No. was 316.
On November 28, 2018 Mr. Garry E. Beniuk of Ardrossan formerly of Lac LaBiche passed away at the age of 71. He will be survived and lovingly remembered by his wife of 48 years Stella M. Beniuk, sons Kevin, Ryan, Robbie, Brad (Karina), grandchildren Kaiden, Bria, Kayla and Bentley, Mother (Sophie) and Father (Fred), 3 brothers and 1 sister. A memorial Service was held on December 8th, 2018 at Glory Lutheran Church in Sherwood Park. In lieu of floral tributes, the family would appreciate contributions to Canadian Blood Services.
Garry Beniuk became a member of the Edmonton Police Department as a member of Recruit Training Class 29 on January 6th, 1969. As a Constable, he was assigned to Patrol Zone “D” and Warrant & Document Service Unit. He was promoted to Detective in Morality Control Unit on February 9th, 1980. Garry changed rank to Sergeant on October 10th, 1988 and worked in Patrol “D” Division until his retirement on April 11th, 1997. When he retired, Garry’s Reg. No. was 508.
It’s true in life that as we age it’s only at weddings and funerals that we see old friends. Such was the case when a group of Garry Beniuks’s old friends and former colleagues from his 1980’s Morality days gathered to pay their respects at his Memorial Service.
L-R: Barry BENSON, Terry SOPKA, Brian JONES, Stella BENIUK, John TORGERSON, Nick BOK, Dennis PYSYK
ADAMS, Terry Rowland March 28, 1938 to November 11, 2018
With heavy hearts the family of Terry Adams announces his passing on Sunday, November 11, 2018 at age 80 years. A Funeral Service was held on November 19th in Edmonton. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff of the palliative care unit at Foyer Lacombe in St. Albert for their loving care and compassion.
As an immigrant from England, Terry Adams got his start with the Edmonton Police Department on August 8th, 1960 working in Exhibits & Property Control Unit and on September 12th he became a member of recruit Training Class #12. His first six years were spent in Patrol Division with short stints in Gaol Section and Traffic Section. Traffic must have been appealing as he transferred there for about seven years leading to his promotion to sergeant on December 15th, 1975. As a sergeant, Terry had assignments in Information & Reception Unit, Patrol Zone “A” and Selective Enforcement Unit. In 1985, he changed rank to detective in CIS, Zone “A”. The last five years of Terry’s career was spent in Missing Persons Detail until his retirement on April 11th, 1997. Terry’s Reg. No. was 212 but in the latter stage of his career he had the distinction of Reg. No. 1.
On November 4, 2018, Larry Denis Petruk of Edmonton passed away at the age of 65 years. Larry is lovingly survived by his wife of 43 years, Sherry; five children, Derek, Matthew (Krysta). Gregory, Michael (Candace) and Kimberly (Charles) MacNeil; mother, Rosie; brother, Ronald (Eyvonne); nephews, David and Jason; and mother-in-law, Christina Brown; as well as numerous other relatives and friends. Predeceased by his father, Mike; and father-in-law, Edward Brown. A Funeral Service was held on November 9th Edmonton. Interment followed at St. Michael’s Cemetery, North of Myrnam, AB. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Haying in The 30’s, Cancer Support Society, Box 35, Mallaig, AB, T0A 2K0
Larry Petruk joined the Edmonton Police Department on December 20th, 1971 as a member in Central registry. On April 2nd, 1973 he moved on as a member of Recruit Training Class 36. During his first 5 years in Patrol Division, Larry did a couple of short stints in Communications and Information & Reception Unit. Over the next several years he worked “B” Division Patrol, Detention Unit and “D” Division Patrol. On December 21st, 1987 he was promoted to detective in . CIS, “A” Division. After about 5 years as a detective, Larry changed rank to sergeant in the same division and remained there until his retirement on August 27th, 2004. At retirement, Larry’s Reg. No. was 684.
A few comments from friends and former colleagues of Larry’s:
“I had the great pleasure of working with Larry in Londonderry Division …. When Larry spoke you listened. Very helpful and a true leader to his members.”
“Kinda like a Dad to many. Probably kept quite a few on a straight path when there was an opportunity to wander. And never any bs.”
“He was a great Sergeant. Always looked after the troops.”
THREADGOLD, Lynnda Sue August 27, 1952 - October 24, 2018
It is with great sadness we announce that Lynnda passed away peacefully at the Misericordia Hospital. Lynnda served with the City of Edmonton Police Department for 37 years. She is survived by her mother Alice; sisters Debbie McKenzie of Drayton Valley, and Karen (Alan) Berube of Beaumont; brother Randy of Darwell; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends that she held dear to her heart. Lynnda was predeceased by her father Milton, brother Rick, and her grandparents. Cremation has taken place, and at Lynnda's request there will be no service.
Lynnda Threadgold got her start with the Edmonton Police Department on January 12th, 1976 as a member of recruit training Class 42. During her career, Lynnda had assignments in Patrol Zone “A”, Information & Reception Unit, Communications Division x 2, Warrant & Document Service Unit, Court Liaison Section, Court Security Unit, Selective Enforcement Unit, Hit & Run Unit, Detention Unit. When she retired from West Division on June 30th, 2012, Lynnda’s Reg. No. was 850.
It is with great sadness that we share the news of the passing of EPSVA member John Babor after a fight with cancer. John is survived by his wife Bernice. A Celebration of John's life was held in Edmonton on Friday, October 26th.
As a member of recruit Training Class #17, John Babor became a member of the Edmonton Police Department on April 8th, 1963. After his start in Patrol Division, he worked for several months in Gaol Section before returning to Patrol. In 1975 John moved to Warrant & Document Service Unit for close to 5 years. After that he went back to Patrol Zone “A”. John transferred to Communications Division in 1982 for a bit and then spent his last few years back in “A” Division until he retired on April 8th, 1988. When he retired, John’s Reg. No. was 263.