Oct 23, 1938 - Jun 28, 2024
With sadness the family of Bill announces his passing on June 28, 2024. Born in Meadow Lake, Saskatchewan, the eldest of two children of Edward and Sara (Hilderbrand) Unger. Bill graduated grade 12, all the while contributing to work on the family farm, and as a youth, working for pay at the local Co-Op with his uncle and anywhere else he could find work. As a young adult, like many of his generation, he left the farm and came West seeking work. Prior to joining the Edmonton Police Department in 1960 he worked for the rails, Brown’s Produce warehouse and other odd jobs.
Bill joined the Edmonton Police Department April 30th,1960 with recruit class number 11 where he worked until his retirement April 30th, 1994, as Inspector of Staff Services. His
career included Patrol, Traffic, Records, Cells, Internal Affairs, Fraud and Duty Officer. Never did a day go by where Bill didn’t reminisce about the adventures he had while performing his duties with the Edmonton Police Service.
It would be impossible to think of Bill without his loving wife, Lorna of 63 years of marriage who he met shortly after arriving in Edmonton. After retiring from the Police, Bill and
Lorna enjoyed traveling and finding the next lucky casino and spent many joyful hours babysitting the grandkids.
Bill leaves to mourn his loving wife, Lorna; his daughter, Cindy (Jim) Goold and their children, William “Billy” and Katherine “Katie”; daughter, Cheryl (Laurier) Payment and
their children, Laurier and Ryan; and son, Keith; along with numerous extended relatives and friends.
Bill was predeceased by his parents, Edward and Sara Unger; sister, Dianne Thompson; brother-in-law, Stan Thompson; and sister-in-law, Sylvia Pearson.
At Bill’s request, a private Celebration of Life was held on July 13th.
Bill UNGER joined the Edmonton Police Department on April 4th, 1960, and retired on April 30th, 1994.
February 28, 1967 – June 27th, 2024
Our hearts are heavy as Jeff passed away suddenly at the age of 57 in his home in Vernon, BC on June 27th, 2024. There are no words to describe the painful void we feel not having Jeff in our lives. He was loving, caring, wise, energetic, adventurous and had a wicked sense of humour. He was just unapologetically himself. He was so many things to so many people. And we are all going to miss something about him that touched each of us.
After graduating high school, Jeff joined the Edmonton Police Service. He served in various roles and departments of the EPS and retired in June 2016. Jeff was also a proud member of the Canadian Armed Forces Reserve Unit known as “The Loyal Eddies” (The Loyal Edmonton Regiment). Jeff was very giving individual and this was evident in his volunteer work with The Vernon Search and Rescue Group.
Jeff will be lovingly remembered by his sons, Kyle (Amy), Danny (Kristina), Andrew and his grandsons, Jaxon and Emerson, wife, Shelley, sister, Debra (Peter), brothers, Terry
(Laura) and Wayne (Vivian), mother of his children, Anna, niece, Sarah (Brad) and nephew, Dale, along with a host of relatives and friends.
Jeff was predeceased by his parents, Alexandra (Sadie) and Raymond Taylor.
A Viewing and Celebration of Life was held on July 13th at The Brigadier James Curry Jefferson Armoury, Edmonton.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a donation be made to The Heart and Stoke Foundation, Valour Place or your local SPCA.
Fair Winds Soft Landings and Blue Skies Jeff
Jeff TAYLOR joined the Edmonton Police Service on May 16th, 1988, and retired on July 26th, 2016.
Jeff was a Sergeant in The Loyal Edmonton Regiment from 1983 until 2005. He served in the Jump Team, A & B Companies and was a member of the medal winning VOLANT Rodeo team.
October 9, 1933 - June 24, 2024
One of our most senior members, John BOK, who joined the Edmonton Police Department in 1961 and retired in 1989, passed away on June 24th, 2024 at the age of 90 years.
Unfortunately, all of the information required to complete an article marking John’s passing was not available at the date of publishing the July edition of The Call Box. More information about John’s life was shared in the August newsletter. At John’s request, no public celebration of life or other service was held
John was an active sportsman throughout his life. In a photograph in the August 2024 edition of The Call Box, he is with one of the police teams in 1963. Sadly, some checking revealed that it looks like the whole team is back together again in our Absent Friends team.
John’s family shared this information with us:
John was born in the Netherlands. He and his family endured the turmoil of German occupation during World War II. From a young age, he always wanted to be in the police force, and at age 17 he fortunately passed the exams to join the prestigious Netherlands National Police Force. He was thrilled, however his dream ended when his parents were strongly urged by the government to move to Canada. He knew that, without him being another breadwinner, his family would lose their opportunity to move to Canada. This happened to many new immigrant teenagers whose life chances were negatively affected. Sure enough, he and two of the older siblings were working as soon as they got off the train in Alberta. He worked at Eaton’s Groceteria for several years and did very well. Still, the desire to join the police persisted, and in 1961 he joined the Edmonton Police Service.
John loved his police career. Although he had many roles in the police force, he was particularly fond of the work he did with the RCMP at the Edmonton International Airport. His knowledge of Dutch, German, and French was very helpful. One day, the bomb squad was rushed to the loading area where a reluctant passenger was being pressed to reveal why her case was shaking and bouncing. After lengthy questioning, she opened the case to reveal a very active vibrator. Large cheers erupted from the gathered crowd.
During his life, he had saved three people from drowning, but his “quickest save” was a woman who believed she had swallowed poison. She pointed frantically to the word on a box and grabbed her throat. John quickly revealed that the word on the box was merely “poisson,” which s French for fish.
At the end of his career, John was a sergeant. He fondly remembered walking the beat on cold Edmonton winter days, calling into the station from the police callboxes, and wearing the renowned buffalo coat that was part of the EPS winter uniform until 1978.
John was proud that he never felt the need to draw his gun during his entire time on the force. Sadly, times have changed.
Like many police members, he loved to be involved in sports. He participated and won awards in soccer, handball, curling, baseball, speed skating, as well as lane and lawn bowling.
John and his family have called BC home for many years. He enjoyed the outdoors, traveling in his camper van, and tending to his prize-winning garden. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Kathleen, his daughters, Margo and Jacqueline (Bill), and his much-cherished granddaughter, Shannon.
Some of you might remember his youngest brother, Nick Bok, who was also an EPS member, and who sadly passed away last year
We were very much saddened to learn of the news of Freddy’s passing in a motor cycle/automobile collision on June 22nd, 2024.
Freddy’s family and friends hosted a Celebration of Life at the Hotel Eldorado in Kelowna, B.C. on Saturday, July 13th.
After his retirement from the EPS, Fred went on to spend a short time with the BC Sheriff Service who sent their Honour Guard to the memorial to lay his forage cap at the head table. As Fred’s time with the EPS was such a significant part of his life, EPS members were also invited to attend in dress uniform to march alongside the Sheriffs and similarly lay his EPS forage cap at the table.
A news article about Freddy’s collision: SKAGIT COUNTY, Wash. - The Washington State Patrol (WSP) is investigating a deadly crash that happened on Chuckanut Dr. near Bow, Washington Sunday afternoon. According to the WSP, at around 2:21 p.m., troopers responded to reports of a crash between a car and a motorcycle near the corner of Chuckanut Dr. and Sunset Rd. Life Flight responded shortly after the initial response, but unfortunately, the motorcyclist died at the scene.
According to WSP investigators, a 70-year-old woman was driving northbound on Chuckanut Dr. while the motorcyclist was heading southbound. The woman attempted to make a left turn onto Sunset Rd. and struck the motorcyclist. Both vehicles came to a rest blocking the intersection.
The victim has been identified as 57-year-old Freddy Blondel of Maple Ridge, British Columbia.
The WSP says the cause of this crash was failure to yield. Drugs or alcohol were not involved.
Freddy Blondel joined the Edmonton Police Service on November 24th, 1986 and was assigned to West Division. His subsequent assignments were to Tactical Team Unit (1998), North Division (2005), Officer Safety Unit/Firearms (2006). He retired from the service on January 6th, 2012.
CAMERON, Gordon Neil Reg. No. 215 August 17th, 1932 - June 5th, 2024
It is with great sorrow and much love that the family of Gordon Neil Cameron announces the passing of our dear father, grandfather, and great-grandfather on June 5, 2024.
Gordon will be sadly missed by his children Kerry (Sherry) and Dawn (Ron) Beijer; grandchildren Kristi, Chanttyl (Cory), Karel (Haillee), and Sarah; great-grandchildren Brynlee and Evelynn; and dear friend Phyllis.
Gordon was predeceased by the love of his life, Vera, his wife for 65 years. As well, he was predeceased by his parents Ernest and Ellen Cameron, brothers Kerry and Verne, and sister Gail.
Gordon was a man of character, loyalty, hard work, and perfection. He loved family, music, and travelling.
Gordon worked from a very early age to help with the household finances. He started out as a paperboy for the Edmonton Bulletin (now Journal) and worked his way up to Junior Salesman. As a young man, he was an active member of the Army Reserve. His favorite time was working on the “Eager Beaver” project in the Yukon (1951-1952). In 1987 he had the absolute thrill of being in one of the CARES aircraft that landed on the runway he helped build.
Gordon had a long career with the City of Edmonton. The first 8 years was with Light and Power as a linesman. In 1960 he became an Edmonton City Police Officer. His two favorite divisions were the Narcotics Unit and the Identification/Forensics Unit. He retired from active duty in 1984 as an “Exemplary” and decorated member.
Gordon lived a full life, finding himself drawn to the water and air.
He loved summer-life at the cabin for over 70 years as an avid water-skier, air-chairer, wind-surfer, and beach-raker. He was the resident Wabamunster and took pride in teaching his children and grandchildren the water sports he loved. He and Vera were fervent cruisers and saw the world many times over.
Gordon loved flying and was very involved in CARES/CASERA taking on many of the administration responsibilities. His favorite responsibility was locating the perfect spot for
the next search-and-find training session and then setting up the area to look like a “downed plane.”
Gordon loved to sing and found that karaoke would allow him to embrace this passion. He spent many nights at home, in bars, and on cruise ships behind a microphone. The karaoke lounge he called “home” was Checkers, in Sherwood Park. He made a lot of good friends while he sang to his heart’s content.
As we say goodbye to our G’Gpa we know that his legacy will live on in all those who loved him.
Memorial donations to STARS, the Canadian Cancer Society, or a charity of your choice would be sincerely welcomed and appreciated.
A funeral service was held for Gordon on Saturday, June 29th in Edmonton.
A private family service for the interment of the cremated remains of Gordon and Vera was held on July 6th.
To plant a tree in memory of Gordon Neil Cameron, please visit Tribute Store. Published online June 15, 2024
KENNEDY, Kenneth William, Reg. No. 188 April 15, 1932 - May 9, 2024
It is with broken hearts and deep sadness that we announce the passing of Ken on Thursday, May 9, 2024. He passed peacefully in the comfort of his home with his loving family by his side.
Ken will forever be lovingly remembered by his wife, Judith, of 67 years; his son, Don (Colleen); daughter, Lynn (Greg); and son, James (deceased). He was the fond grandpa of eight grandchildren, Geneva, Olivia, Katelyn, Emily, Scott, Tammy, Andrew, and Nicolette. A proud great-grandfather to five great-grandchildren, Aria, Xavier, Sloane, Maeve, and Hallie. He was also cherished by the many extended family and long time friends.
Ken was predeceased by his parents, William and Florence; and his two siblings, Jim and Helen.
Ken was raised in McLennan, Alberta, where he worked on the Northern Alberta Railways for several years. It is there he met and married Judith Dumont. In 1959 they moved to Edmonton and joined the Edmonton Police Service where he was a dedicated and valued member for 29 years.
Ken was a kind and gentle man who enjoyed life with his family and friends. His passions included camping, fishing, square dancing, cooking, traveling, and teasing his many
nieces, nephews, grandkids, and more. He will be fondly remembered for his jokes, funny quotes, and sense of humor. Anyone who met Ken instantly liked him.
The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the wonderful staff at MacTaggart Place for all their care over the past two and a half years.
A Funeral Liturgy was held on Tuesday, May 21st at Connelly-McKinley St. Albert Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Stollery Hospital.
Ken Kennedy joined the Edmonton Police Department on April 6th, 1959 as a member of Recruit Training Class 9. He retired from the service on May 20th, 1987.
It is with great sadness that we share the news of the passing of EPSVA member Bill Peeke. Bill passed away on May 7th, 2024 with his family at his side, having fought a courageous battle with cancer.
There was no public funeral or celebration of life to mark Bill’s passing. His family held a small private gathering.
Bill Peeke joined the Edmonton Police Department on July 17th, 1975. He retired from the service on January 10th, 2007.
** No obituary was located marking Bill’s passing **
LANGER, Lyle Emil Reg. No. 249 June 15th, 1941 - Dec 28th, 2023
With broken heart and deep sadness we announce the passing of Lyle on Thursday December 28th, 2023 in Edmonton with family at his side.
Born and raised in Cadomin, he left after high school graduation in 1959, where he worked in the lumber industry, finished one year engineering at U of A, and served in the military before becoming a recruit constable in class number 16 in September 1962. He retired in January 1994 as an Inspector, after 31-1/2 years of service.
Post service he enjoyed retirement living in Edson, with bountiful fishing, hunting, and berry picking ever at the ready, but also caught the travel bug travelling extensively across
Canada and the US in the RV with partner Carol. He also used the time to take up oil painting, which he became quite proficient at painting mostly the breathtaking scenery of the Rockies.
At his request, there was a low key celebration of life amongst his family and close friends which was held at the Edson Pioneer Cabin on June 8 2024. As per his final wishes, his ashes were scattered at his favorite wilderness place by the Mcleod River near Robb.
** Lyle Langer joined the Edmonton Police Department on September 17th, 1962 and retired on January 28th, 1994.