True and Fascinating Canadian History
Vet of the Month: December, 2019
Reg.#23675, Constable Alex Dyball
RCMP Vets. Ottawa, ON
I cannot think of any other way to express my sadness -- for there can be no other reason for death except that it interrupts friendships. At least that's my earthly point of view. Our Troop mate, Alex Dyball had been sick for the last couple of years. He passed away in Salmon Arm, BC on December 22, 2019 and our Troop mourns for him and for his wife Sharon. Alex was a soft spoken person, kind to everyone, and gentle to whomever he met.
Alex was born in Inverness, Scotland. He came to Canada as a young boy along with his parents and his siblings. The Dyballs settled in Trail, BC and this is where Alex went to high school. It was well known in Trail that Alex was competitive -- he excelled in school sports -- his strengths were track and field and cross country running. Some years later, Alex's ability to run all day became obvious to the RCMP Instructors during the rigorous physical program at 'Depot' when our Troop formed up in 1964.
Alex joined the RCMP on August 20th, 1964. Then he set off for Regina, SK. At 'Depot' he joined a group of like minded young Canadian men. We were labeled 'G' Troop. We quickly became friends and we were a tight knit Troop.
It wasn't long before Corporal George Bozek referred to us as 'Glorious' G Troop - there was a reason for the affectionate tag and it was because our Troop was never late for class. Our Troop had a secret spark plug. It was Alex, for it was he who kept the Troop ignited and on time and it was he who lifted our spirits while running endless sprints in the gym.
Alex was a wee older than most of the men in our Troop and for those extra years he was more experienced. He was a quiet person, and reflective in nature and Alex was never boastful. His thoughtfulness, steady as it goes manner, and his quiet leadership gained him the respect of our Troop. I cannot recall a time during Basic Training when Alex was ever upset, anxious or angry. It was simply not his nature to hold a grudge or to exclude someone from his company. Alex never had excessive needs or wants in life but his generosity and his time for others overflowed.
Alex was posted to Alberta after our Troop Graduation in May, 1965. In the early years, he performed General Duties. He left the Force for a few years, and it was during this time that he and Sharon raised their family. Alex rejoined the Force in 1989 and he continued to serve the RCMP in British Columbia. Over all the years, Alex kept in close touch with Troop mates. I recall how vigourous he was especially at our 40th Troop Reunion at 'Depot' in 2004. Alex was strong, full of spirit and he looked so healthy. No one in our Troop dreamed of what was to transpire with Alex's health in the next five years.
Alex's was diagnosed with Parkinson's in 2009, and in spite of the disease he made ever effort to attend out Troop's Annual Reunions hosted by Troop mate Kevin Demers in Manning Park Resort about 60 klms east of Chilliwack, BC.
Alex will be missed at future Troop Reunions, but he will remain deep in our hearts and he will not be forgotten. Farewell friend.
Reporting from Fort Healy,
J. J. Healy
December 23, 2019
In recent years, 'G' Troop has lost the following members; Bruce Miller, Brian Carline, Don Gavin and Blaine Price. Now Alex has joined his pals in heaven's corral.
