Phillip Alexander Dodds

Divisions Served: “D,” “E,” “K,” “F”

Medals & Honours: Long Service Medal with Silver Bar

Pillar Location: Pillar IX, Row 9, Column A

Story: 

Phillip Alexander Dodds (Phil) was born in a farm house near Eyebrow, Sask. on June 16, 1937. His birth certificate reads Sec.33,Tp25, Rge4,W3rd, Sask. His family moved to Tugaske, Sask. when Phil was a very small baby.  He was raised by his father, as his mother died of cancer when he was just 3 years old. When explaining to others where he was from, he loved to say, “Tugaske is located midway between Eyebrow and Elbow. (Arm Pit, Sask.)”

In April of 1957, a group of young men from across Canada gathered in Regina, Saskatchewan to begin recruit training with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. They were thirty in number and became “A” Troop. At the end of the first part of training, ”A” Troop was transferred to “N” Division in Ottawa for the second part and were now known as Troop 40.  That training was completed in late January, 1958, and the troop members were posted across Canada from Nova Scotia to British Columbia. Phil was transferred to “D” Division, Winnipeg Highway Patrol, and rode a motorcycle on the job.

In 1959, Phil entered the Identification Section and remained in that capacity in Winnipeg, Regina, Vancouver and Lethbridge. In 1973 he returned to Regina where he resided until retirement. In 1990 Phil retired as Staff Sergeant in charge of “F” Division Identification Section and that summer He and his wife Shirley, moved to Inverness, Scotland, where Shirley had accepted a one-year exchange teaching position. During that year, Phil and Shirley took advantage of every school break to travel to many “faraway places”. At first, Scotland was a challenge for the new retired Mountie but upon returning to Regina at the end of the school year, Phil had a host of new friends and more stories.

HIGHLIGHTS

On August 4, 1962, wedding bells rang when Phil married Shirley Ann Bray. They were immediately transferred to Vancouver, Phil working at Fairmont Academy, 4949 Heather St. and 33^rd Ave. and Shirley taught at Kerrisdale School. They became proud parents of two sons. Bob followed in his father’s footsteps as a member of the RCMP and Dennis is a dentist, practicing in Regina.

Curling was a passion of Phil’s for many years and in his prime, he represented his province three times at the Canadian Police Curling championships. From a young boy Phil loved horses. The transfer to Regina brought him close to farming relatives where Phil was able to own and keep his beloved horses.

In 1999, Phil took part in the re-enactment of the NWMP March West, riding 400 miles wearing period costume. That same summer Phil also enjoyed the view from the back of his trusty steed, Brandee, during the NWMP Commemorative Ride from Red Deer to Rocky Mountain House. Phil and his good friend, Lloyd Ferguson, a troop mate from training, enjoyed many adventurous miles together transporting Morgan horses to and from the U.S.

Phil and Shirley travelled extensively during their 47 years together. Phil was a humble man, material things meant little to him. A new pair of jeans from Peavy Mart, a good horse, a square meal of meat, potatoes and raisin pie, and he was content. After 33 years of service, Phil wrapped up his retirement speech by saying, “I may not have lived the good life, but I lived a good life.” Phil passed away January, 2010, at 72 years of age.