Terry’s wife Evelyn wrote: Terry and I were married Feb. 8th 1992 by the EPS Chaplain in Edmonton. We moved to San Antonio, Texas in 1993 after he retired.
Terry was a mentor for our blended family of three children: Ashley, Jeffrey and Dorian. He was strict but fair. Each of our children knew he had their back when the chips were
down. When our grandchildren Max (8) and Ella (6), came along, he was a strict papa that became a marshmallow! Those little people were near and dear to his heart.
A 40 year, 32nd degree Mason and Shriner. He was very active in the San Antonio Alzafar Shrine and enjoyed being on their pistol competition team. He was the consummate sportsman with firearms and fishing rods. Under his tutelage I learned how to wield a fly rod and skin a bear with a pocket knife by the headlights of his Bronco. We spent many happy hours hunting deer and hogs.
Terry was one of the most outgoing and gregarious individuals I have ever known. He never met a stranger. He had a wide circle of friends and they were well aware that he would always go the extra mile for them. On the other hand he did not suffer fools gladly.
Terry was a master of the bar-be-que grill. Many happy hours were spent with friends and family around the grill with a Bud Light in one hand and a spatula in the other.
My husband was a man of many talents. Our kids called him “Mr. Dictionary Head”. He had an extensive vocabulary and command of the English language. He wrote a book
entitled “Reluctant Killer” which was loosely based on his police career. It was in its final stage of being edited when Alzheimer’s overtook him. It is my hope to have it published at a future date.
Our entire family has wonderful memories of Terry. If asked, they each have a funny story to tell. He made a lasting impression on all of us. He can never be replaced and
will never be forgotten.
Notes from Geoff Wilson: Terry left the lodge he resided in at Post Falls, Idaho, in a flag-draped casket, on February 1st, 2024. He will be cremated in his EPS uniform and his ashes will be committed to the Bulkley River in B.C., in the late summer or early fall. Terry fished there for about 25 years. Steelhead Trout fled in terror, at the mere mention of his name.
Terry graduated with EPS Class #20 on December 11th, 1964 - his 20th birthday. He ultimately became the highest-rated aircraft pilot in EPS history, with a license that included “Multi-Engine Commercial Transport.”
Some of you may recall in the March 2020 edition of The Call Box we shared “A walk down Memory Lane with Evelyn and Terry DeGrood”. You can find that story in The Call Box archives in this website.
Posted in the February 2024 edition of The call Box.
Dec 25th, 1947 - Jan 28th, 2024
Harold Ira Johnson was born December 25th, 1947 in Edmonton, Alberta. He grew up on the Johnson Valley Ranch near Newbrook, Alberta.
In 1965 he studied at Prairie Bible Institute, then was employed in the construction and oil industries over the next few years. He moved to Edmonton, and soon after met his wife-to-be Hilde, in 1969. They married on May 23rd, 1970. For the next 25 years, Harold served with the Edmonton Police Service where he was fortunate to have many interesting jobs. This included walking the beat in a buffalo coat, City Parks patrol on a Skidoo, traffic section on motorcycle, ident section, detective in plain clothes, and finally completing his career with the rank of Sergeant.
His retirement was more active than ever filled with multiple community centered projects and various new roles. Highlights include working in 911 call evaluations, driving the former Lieutenant Governor (Lois Hole), many renovations, landscaping, and other handy man jobs for friends and strangers. No one stayed a stranger long. He was a jack of all trades kind of guy that loved to help everyone. He recently said that helping others energized him and brought him joy. Harold had a heart of servitude, always using his gifts to share his faith in Jesus, his Saviour.
After a year of struggle with cancer, Harold passed peacefully to be with his Lord on January 28th, 2024. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 53 years, Hilde; daughters, Andrea (Jeff), Rebecca (Ryan); grandchildren, Riley (Faethe), and Lydia; siblings, Clarence (Carolyn), Mervyn, Norman (Louise), Sonya (Rick); beloved in-laws, cousins, nieces, nephews, and many dear friends.
The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to the wonderful staff at St. Joseph’s Auxiliary Hospital.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 p.m., on Saturday, February 10th, 2024 at Wyecliff Bible Chapel 169-22560 Wye Rd, Sherwood Park, Alberta T8A 4T6
For those who are unable to attend, a recording of the Celebration will be added following service.
In lieu of flowers, Harold specifically chose the following organizations to donate to:
• Shelter Canada - https://www.shelterhelps.com/edmontonyoungadults
• Operation Smile - https://www.operationsmile.org/
• Guide Dogs for the Blind - https://gdbinternational.ca/
To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Harold, please visit our Tree Store.
Harold Johnson became a member of the service on March 9th, 1970 and retired on January 30th, 1995. After retirement, Harold was rehired in Commincations Division, working
there from January 21st, 1977 until September 1st, 2007.
Posted in the February 2024 edition of The Call Box.
Husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend. He remains in the hearts of many people.
A hero as he dealt stoically with health issues maintaining his sense of humour and gentle ways.
Artist. Renovator. Woodworker. Cook. Policeman. A Wickedly competitive player of Mexican train dominoes!
Nothing meant more to Robin than his family. The excitement of his own sons’ births was only equaled when grandson, Aiden, arrived! Robin was always there to support his family, he was a role model for his sons and he was someone you could count on.
Robin always had artistic talent and upon his retirement he was determined to become an artist. He spent many hours watching Bob Ross then he joined the Spruce Grove Pioneer Art Club. He left a legacy of beautiful acrylic art work.
His grand puppies adored him. Hannah, Roxie, Herc, Mia, Thor and Sebastian all held special places in his heart.
Motor homes were another passion and he knew all the models! Finally he purchased his pride and joy the Intruder class A, and joined the cavalcade of men driving these big units to Arizona for the winter. This love affair never ended as he continued to take his scooter and his enthusiasm to the Annual RV show every February to see those brand new units!
Robin saw so many of his dreams come true. He and wife of fifty-four years, Heather, had two kind and considerate sons, Sean and Chris. Incredible Daughters in law,
Patricia and Andrea and the light of his life, Grandson, Aiden. He enjoyed an acreage home for 30 years. He got his wish to live in a location that is on the water. Camping trips. Travel with his family. Motorhomes. A wonderful retirement in Arizona. Trips to Europe, Mexico, Hawaii and Cuba. PLUS He got to fulfill his biggest wish, to go to Disneyland with his grandson, Aiden. Twice!
Robin COLLING became a member of the service on October 1st, 1973 and retired on March 8th, 2003.
Posted in the February 2024 edition of The Call Box.