David Larry Sydney Boan

Divisions Served: “E,” “Depot”

Medals & Honours: Long Service Medals

Brick Location: “B” Block

Story: 

I was born on November 14, 1935 at Rouleau, Saskatchewan, 25 miles from Regina. This was during the Great Depression and just prior to World War II. My five sisters, two brothers and I were raised on a farm, riding horseback to and from school. Although times were hard, my family was warm, caring, and friendly, enjoying wonderful meals in our small farm home. It was common to have as many as 20 people to sit down at these feasts; laughter filled our home.

Everyone knew me for my love of the Mounties, as witnessed by numerous scraps of paper lying around where I had written “Royal Canadian Mounted Police” or “RCMP” in my best penmanship. I loved the Mounties’ tailored uniforms, polished boots and leather, and the stetson hat. Encouragement to join “The Force” (RCMP) started from about the age of 15, coming from my dad, but also from a young constable by the name of Phil Grossmith. My sister Barbara was friends with Phil’s fiance Noreen and as such, they were regularly invited to our farm. Upon learning of my love for the RCMP, Phil, who was stationed in Regina, encouraged me to join the Force when I reached 18. After high school however, I worked for about 5 years for the Taylor Brothers, doing road construction throughout southern Saskatchewan, as well as seeding and harvesting in the United States. I drove and operated a variety of heavy equipment, not knowing this would come in handy during my first posting.

In November of 1959, I wrote and passed the entrance exam for the RCMP. The next few months were spent completing the medical exam and vaccinations, then being sworn in to the RCMP on March 25, 1960, as part of “K Troop”. Training at Depot for us 32 troopmates began with getting our “kit and clothing”, which included high brown boots, spurs, breeches, stetson, congress boots, streets blues, and so on. These kits, including RCMP issue blankets and sheets, were part of what we would then take to our first posting. Our kits were inspected daily, ensuring that our boots and every bit of leather was spit polished, our brass buttons shone, our beds could stand a coin on edge, and the barrack floors were well waxed.

While in training, we had a unique opportunity to be part of a movie being filmed at Fort Walsh near Maple Creek, Saskatchewan. The movie was called “The Canadians” and starred Robert Ryan. One hundred Mounties, hundreds of First Nations, as well as other actors were there for three weeks of filming.

The next nine months included intensive training in the classroom, learning criminal law, provincial statutes, typing, and detachment operations. The physical training included running, marching, swimming, equitation (horseback), and cleaning out the stables. Lucky for me, my background with horses gave me an advantage, which in turn gave me more time to practice swimming, which I had done very little of on the prairies! At the conclusion of depot training, I was recommended as a riding instructor, and stayed on for an additional three months.

My first posting took me to Duncan, BC on Vancouver Island where I was part of a 12 man detachment doing General Duties. My very first call was a Break & Enter at a grocery store. Returning to my car after investigating, I discovered that my police car had been hit by a young fellow who had lost control on the icy roads! What a start! During my second week, I got called to a farm, where a tractor had rolled and pinned the farmer beneath it. Nearby was a D-8 Cat bulldozer, but the bystander farmers on scene didn’t know how to operate diesel engines. I was able to use the bulldozer to hoist the tractor up so we could get the farmer out from underneath. A week or so later, the injured farmer came to the Detachment and thanked the Sergeant I/C (in charge), praising me for having the knowledge to operate the diesel machine and hydraulic lifts.

I enjoyed my time as a young constable in Duncan, and learned a lot from the detachment commanders and members, including Jim Wilson, with whom I worked Highway Patrol. Through Jim and his wife Marie, I met my wife Carol and we eventually married in November of 1963. I had been transferred to Courtenay, about 100 miles north, prior to our wedding and remained on Highway Patrol. There I worked with Gerry O’Neil, who had also been transferred from Duncan. While in Courtenay, Carol and I rented a small home and had three children: Brent, Barbara, and Shannon. I was also one of the first RCMP members in British Columbia to become a breathalyzer operator.

In January of 1968, we were transferred to North Vancouver, BC. We spent two months in a rental in a sketchy neighborhood, then took advantage of a provincial home-buying grant and purchased our first home for $16,500. During our five years in North Vancouver, we often sublet a room in the basement of our tiny home to other single members who were just out of Depot. This helped pay the bills but also forged lifelong friendships.

While in North Vancouver, the Force sent me to Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois, just outside of Chicago, to take a Traffic Accident Analysis course. There were 54 police officers in attendance, with only four from Canada; we Canadians scored the highest grades of the group. What I learned from the course was very beneficial in my work in the Traffic Division. I presented much evidence in court over the years, for which I was praised by Judge Horembala and Judge Wally Opal. My evidence was challenged on appeal before Magistrates and the Provincial Court on occasion, and it withstood scrutiny on appeals in the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal.

In February of 1972, I received my Corporal’s stripes. Friends and family wrapped the outside of our small home with a large “Congratulations” banner. In those five years, we developed many close friendships that have continued to this day. Near the end of my time in North Vancouver, I was placed in charge of the RCMP Centennial tent at Capilano Park in North Vancouver; it provided the public with a huge display of exhibits and antiques as well. My wife Carol and I were invited to attend the Lieutenant’s Ball in Victoria, celebrating 100 years since the formation of our national police force, originally called the North-West Mounted Police. Dress was formal, with men in their red coats and women in floor-length gowns. We were lucky enough to attend several Regimental Balls over the years, and always enjoyed them thoroughly.

In the summer of 1973 we were transferred to Surrey, BC where I remained in Traffic Division under the supervision of Sandy Harvey, Staff Sergeant. He was a strict but fair boss. Surrey was a large municipality, and a busy place for Traffic. There were several fatalities, impaired drivers, and other accidents. Our family moved to neighbouring Langley, and all three kids enrolled at the local Simonds Elementary School. Soon after, Carol’s sister and brother-in-law, Viv and Wib Weldon were transferred to Surrey, where Wib and I worked together for a time.

Eventually the Detachment Commander had the members of Traffic reorganized into General Duties and zone policing. I was promoted to Sergeant in charge of one of the six zones. This was a real change, as policing in Surrey included a huge variety of calls, from minor infractions to murder, including the murder of a Mountie which was such a sad tragedy. I was successful running my zone and providing good statistics. My next role was in Administration as Reader of Criminal Files; I remained in that role for about 3 years until I returned to general duties, eventually becoming watch commander.

Being a watch commander in Surrey was a busy but rewarding experience. Again, we developed strong friendships with colleagues, and our kids always enjoyed it when we hosted a watch party for the members and their spouses at our house. The kids also babysat regularly for other members once they were old enough, and a few years later, enjoyed riding along in the patrol car on a Saturday night, seeing the action first-hand. I was able to turn down any transfers that came my way, providing our kids with stable education, allowing them to all graduate from Langley Secondary. At the end of 1986, I was recommended to take over a zone that wasn’t doing well, and be promoted to Staff Sergeant; however, the staffing officer needed other members moved, so after 14 successful years in Surrey, I was returned to North Vancouver and received a promotion to Staff Sergeant. Our family remained living in Langley and I commuted.

I enjoyed people and found it satisfying to be able to help many of them. I treated the public and my colleagues with respect. My family tells me that my strong communication skills and relationships accounted for my success and promotions. I retired on April 7, 1990, having served 30 years with the RCMP. I have been fortunate enough to have thoroughly enjoyed my retirement with my wife, and have now been retired for 30 years!

Summary of Service & Promotions
3 years – Duncan: General Duties & Highway Patrol
5 years – Courtenay: Highway Patrol
5 years – North Vancouver: Traffic; promoted to Corporal
14 years – Surrey: Traffic, General Duties, Readers Division; promoted to Sergeant
3 years – North Vancouver – General Duties, I/C Traffic; promoted to Staff Sergeant