It is with heavy hearts and deep sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved father and grandfather, Retired Staff Sergeant Alvin (Al) C. Grier on Friday, January 1, 2021 in Calgary, AB, at the age of 88 years.

Al was born in Woodmore, MB on March 16, 1932 to James and Lena Grier on their family farm. Al had fourteen brothers and sisters and loved them dearly. He had always wanted to be a Mountie (RCMP). And so, it came to be and Al was sworn in on July 31, 1951. From there Al went to Ottawa for Musical Ride training in 1952 and then was assigned his first posting to Waterton Park later in 1952. Al had seven postings before finally being transferred to Medicine Hat Detachment. It was there that Al met the love of his life Bessie (Bea) Jean Moffatt. Al and Bea were married in Cutbank, MT on May 23, 1955. He took a little detour from his RCMP career and moved to Calgary. Al joined the Calgary Police Service where he and Bea met some of their life long best friends.

Al could not shake that Red Coat though and left the CPS in 1960 and returned to the RCMP. Travel Alberta was about to begin and, from Calgary, Al took on the detachment in Foremost, then onto Peace River, was in charge in Slave Lake, Beaverlodge and Mayerthorpe before being blessed with going back to where they began their journey together, Medicine Hat. Al could not shake his travel bug and was onto Drumheller and then their final journey of Calgary. Al retired from the RCMP in 1987 and went to work with the Queen’s Bench Court, retiring from there in 2001.

Al was truly a man of service. Al and Bea blended into every community and shared their hearts with all the wonderful people of every town they were stationed at together. Along the way they were heavily involved in every community event possible, service was the language of love for both. In 1977, he was Citizen of the Year in Mayerthorpe. Al volunteered with Revenue Canada after his final retirement in 2001 by assisting seniors with their taxes, delivering Meals on Wheels, Bethany Seniors, CPS business liaison and Calgary RCMP Veterans Association Newsletter Editor. 

Al spent his final four years living at Prince of Peace Manor in Calgary and was on resident’s committees and made birthday cards for all the residents and many of the staff. He was a gracious, caring gentleman who loved his family and friends. He loved the staff and fellow residents at Prince of Peace as they treated him like family, and he treated them like family as well.

Al is survived by his daughters, Peggy (Harry) and Sharon (Trevor); sons, Rick (Serena) and Bob (Lori); and grandchildren, Brad, Angela, Evan, Connor, Kaylee, Vanessa, Carly, and Brendan. He is also survived by his sister Vera and brothers, Allan and Brian. Al was predeceased by his wife Bea (2012) and daughter Catherine (2018).

From the frosted tips of the spruce tree

the steady drip of the melt

a warm sun smiling on each drop

reflecting the joy within

a sound of celebration as each droplet hits the earth

excited to combine with others

What path will they take this time?

A drink for a thirsty being?

A river journey to the ocean?

Another adventure awaits.

Memorial Services will be held later with the RCMP Veterans Association and McInnis and Holloway Chapel of The Bells. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the charity of the donor’s choice. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on Al’s obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com

Thank you to everyone at Prince of Peace Manor who treated Al so well.

In living memory of Al Grier, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 CENTRE STREET NORTH, CALGARY, AB T2E 2V6, Telephone: 403 243-8200.

Mike Turcotte

CPVA President

e. turc11@telus.net

 

 

Any CPVA website issues contact - info@calgarypolicevets.ab.ca