September 7, 1955 - April 15, 2022
O.J. was born in Edmonton and grew up in Rollyview, Alberta.
He passed away April 15th, 2022from AML cancer. O.J. leaves behind his loving wife Barb, six children and their families, many relatives and friends, and a large congregation. His funeral was held April 24th at Calvary Community Church in Edmonton, Alberta. Condolences may be left at www.serenity.ca.
Orville John ZERBIN joined the Edmonton Police Service on July 21st, 1975 as a member of recruit Training Class 41. During his service, O.J.’s assignments included Patrol Divisions, Communications Section, Youth Liaison Unit, Warrant & Document Section, Selective Enforcement Unit and Hit & Run Unit. His file indicates that he retired on May 31st,
1987.
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.