True and Fascinating Canadian History
The Constable W. J. Cobble Memorial
Vegreville, Alberta
On December 4, 1946, RCMP Constable W. J. Cobble was on duty in Lavoy, Alberta. He was struck by a truck on the highway and he died of injuries.
The Memorial in the Park to Constable Cobble was made possible with the help of many, many people.
The following story was received from Edmonton Vet AJH 'Joe' Collinson.
It appeared in the
Vegreville, AB News Advertiser.
'A memorial to preserve the memory of Cst. Wilfred Cobble who was killed while on duty in 1946 is finally a reality.
Sgt. Robin Bittorf of the Vegreville RCMP was advised of the fact that Cst. Cobble had been killed on duty in a secondary collision while assisting another vehicle on the side of the highway. The matter was brought to the attention of Bittorf by Rod Stewart, a Vegreville resident and history buff. Both felt that a memorial plaque would be fitting.
Although it took some time, the memorial has finally been constructed. It was erected at the Vegreville Elks Park with the consent of the Vegreville Elks Club.
Robin Bittorf, who retired from the RCMP this past March, would like express his deepest gratitude to the following people for their financial contributions to making this memorial a reality.
The following all made financial contributions to cover the costs involved, and they are the Vegreville RCMP Social Club, Vegreville Emergency Services Social Club, Vegreville Kinsmen Club, Vegreville Ford, Mike Saric, and Cindy Oslund Herbert.
The Town of Vegreville Public Works installed the plaque and pedestal at the park bringing the project to a close.
And finally, our deepest gratitude to Gord Pawluk and the Autumn Rose Funeral Home, who not only made a financial contribution but also arranged for the production of the memorial. Without their generous assistance this project may not have been completed.
Although the Vegreville Detachment had erected a plaque their office to preserve Cst. Cobble’s memory this past [2013] February, this memorial will be at the park where many tourists and visitors will have a chance to see it and learn a little more of the area history. It has been placed adjacent to the memorial to Cst. Geisbrecht, another member of the RCMP who was killed on duty in 1982.'
The Constable W. J. Cobble Memorial
Appreciation: The photos were taken by Vegreville, AB resident Mr Rod Stewart, a friend of the Force.
The painted egg (Pysanka) is a Ukranian tradition. As one enters Vegreville from the East the world's largest pysanka canbe seen sitting on its pedestal in the Park.
