Richard (Al) Alvon Bunn

Divisions Served: “O”, “G,” “M,” “K,” “E,” ”B,” Headquarters Ottawa (Centennial Caravan)

Medals and Honours: Long Service Medal, Canada 125

Brick Location: Coming Soon

Story: 

Richard (Al) Alvon Bunn was a Saskatchewan boy who always wanted to be a “Mountie.” He joined the day after he turned 19 years of age. On November 1, 1961, Al left Moose Jaw for Basic Training in Ottawa, never having been east of Saskatchewan.

Out of training, he was posted to Toronto where he worked at the racetrack, Centennial Caravan (Canada’s Centennial Celebration of 100-year anniversary), and Customs and Excise in Niagara Falls, where he fell in love with his bride, Sandra. After getting married in 1965, Toronto was home until the opportunity to go north to Cape Dorset on Baffin Island in 1970 with their daughter Tamara. Living in the north had many memorable experiences that will last a lifetime. One in particular in Cape Dorset, a two-member detachment, the other member was on leave and Al was “holding down the fort”. Al received a call late one evening to attend to a domestic complaint in the community. In the dark, Al road over the hill on the ski-doo to go to the complaint, with Sandra sitting in the office by the radio as his back up. If Al did not return after one hour, she was to call Frobisher Bay (Iqaluit) to notify them that there was an “officer down.”  It was Sandra’s biggest relief seeing the headlight of his ski-doo crest the hill 35 minutes later.

In 1972 Al and Sandra transferred to Whitehorse, Yukon where they lived for one year. Their daughter Stacey was born there and is their “gold nugget” from the Yukon.

Al was promoted to Corporal in 1973 with a transfer to Fort Good Hope, NWT where they lived for one year. The Northern Games was an interesting event to be a part of, the Inuit had high kick events and the Natives had pluck a duck events. Al and Sandra’s (RCMP detachment) was known to have the coffee pot on for Military, Department of Public Works and any RCMP helicopters that were in the area. They would land in the garden or compound for a quick visit and a coffee. Many brought current newspapers and fresh vegetables and fruit as this was a valuable commodity being in an isolated post.

They were transferred to Fort MacPherson from 1974 – 1976. During this post, Al started an Alcohol Anonymous group after receiving a grant from the Canadian Federal Government. In the 2 years, the AA group was a strong 32 people.

In 1976, the decision was made that it was time to take their daughters to live south, transferring to Brooks, Alberta.

Al received a promotion to Sergeant with the move to Redwater Alberta in 1977 and a promotion to Staff Sergeant moving the family to Bonnyville Alberta from 1980 – 1986. Bonnyville was the longest place ever posted. Great friends, lots of fun and the hunting and fishing were amazing.

From 1986 – 1988 Red Deer, Alberta was home, enjoying the central Alberta location, close to the mountains and camping destinations. In 1988, Al received his Commission at the rank of Inspector, Officer in Charge of Labrador Subdivision where he was posted for 3 years, living in Goose Bay Labrador. The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) Base at Goose Bay provided the opportunity to attend many social events and activities with British, Dutch, German and USA Air Force Colonels and Officers.

In 1991, moving back west, Al was Officer in Charge at Chilliwack, British Columbia for 3 years with a promotion to Superintendent of Northern Alberta and posted to Peace River, Alberta in 1995.

After 36 years of service, 16 July 1997, Al Bunn retired from Peace River, moving to Central Alberta where he and Sandra are enjoying their retirement years.

Al Bunn married Sandra, (Second Man Recipient) and have two daughters Tamara Lee and Stacey Maureen.

Al’s career was very eventful, sharing the many stories of exciting times that created fabulous memories. Helping to maintain law and order in many communities across Canada was exactly the reason he wanted to be the “Mountie” back as a young man in 1961 – I wouldn’t change a thing.