Passing of Henry (Hank) Jackson #1028

As with all of our fan outs, the following CPVA fan out contains personal material that is intended solely for members of the CPVA and must not be posted on any Social Media site. Thank you.

On May 24, 2026, our brother and friend, Hank Jackson, passed away peacefully at the age of 105. Hank was a famous and somewhat of a reluctant hero to all of us at the Calgary Police Veterans Association. He was one of the first members of the CPVA in 1979 when it was established and was very active in our early Association. In recent history Hank was able to attend some of our luncheons as recently as 2024. His presence always caused a welcome stir of excitement with the rest of the attendees lining up for a chance to talk to and meet, not only to our most senior CPS Veteran, but also a decorated WWII Veteran. 
 
Hank served in WWII with the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1942 and became a tail gunner in Halifax and Landcaster Bombers from 1943 to 1944 in 34 missions. An incredible feat for the “Murphy Crew” that he proudly flew with. Hank and his crew were all awarded the “Distinguished Flying Cross” for their exceptional service. Normally, the DFC is awarded only to officers and Warrant Officers. It's awarded for an act or acts of valour, courage or devotion to duty whilst flying in operations against the enemy. Other military medals awarded to Hank were, 1939-1945 Star, Air Crew Europe Star with France and Germany Clasp, the Defense Medal, Canadian Volunteer Service Medal with Overseas Clasp, and the 1939-1945 War Medal, recognizing his valour, courage, and devotion to duty. In 2017, another exceptional event occurred when France awarded Hank the “Legion of Honour” for his service in WWII, the highest French order of merit for military and civil accomplishments. Many of us were able to attend that ceremony at the Bomber Command Museum of Canada in Nanton, AB. It was an amazing event that truly captured his accomplishments and honoured him as one of the last of the “Greatest Generation”. Whenever Hank was praised for his service, he always reminded us that it wasn’t about him, it was about the entire Murphy Crew. Hank was a modest and kind gentleman.
 
After being discharged from the RCAF, Hank joined the Calgary Police Force in 1947 at the age of 26 where he walked the beat and occasionally got to ride in patrol cars. He then transferred to the Traffic Section in 1950 where he rode motorcycles year round with a sidecar. There, he was promoted to Sergeant in 1954. Hank transferred to the Criminal Investigations Bureau in 1957 as an Acting Detective and was confirmed in that rank in 1959. Hank spent 10 years in the Identification Section, went back to the Traffic Section as a Station Sergeant, transferred to the CIB as a Staff Sergeant and retired in 1979. 
 
The last years of Hanks’ life he resided at the Colonel Belcher Seniors Residence here in Calgary. He knew and befriended some other CPS Veterans who also lived there such as Bob Hall. The CPVA Peer Support Team lead by Vic DeBruyn, made sure Hank was visited often by Trish Allen and Vic himself. Hank was a proud CPVA member and insisted on paying his dues even though he was made a Life Time Member a long time ago. He was also a regular contributor the CPVA Benevolent Fund. 
 
Yes, 105 is a long full life and we all know that Hanks’ passing is not unexpected or tragic. Yet he will be missed and there are some who will be a little sad that he is gone, myself included. 
 
Hank does have next of kin who have survived him. His son in law who was very active in his life, Ted Warbeck and Hanks’ grandson, Brett Warbeck. If you would like to send Ted and his son a message of condolence and support, please directly email Ted at:  wtwarbeck@gmail.com 

There will likely be some form of service for Hank and when I know the details I will share the details with you.
 

Mike Turcotte
turc11@telus.net

 

Like with all CPVA fan out emails please DO NOT just hit the "reply" tab but click  on the actual email itself to correspond with said name in any fan out notice.

Any CPVA Website or Email Fan Out issues please contact - info@calgarypolicevets.ab.ca

Any CPVA Dues issues please contact - admin@calgarypolicevets.ab.ca