I grew up in the West Hawk Lake/Falcon Lake area of the Whiteshell Provincial Park in southeastern Manitoba. This is a very rural area with a year-round population of less than 100, but a summer population (cottage country) of many thousands.

After completion of high school, I received a Diploma in Applied Arts as a computer programmer/systems anlyst from Red River Community College, graduating in 1974. I then went to work for Canadian Premier LIfe Insurance in Winnipeg. However, working in an office environment was in conflict with my rural upbringing and I decided to apply to the RCMP. Eleven months after my initial application, I began training in Regina.

Prior to graduation from Depot, I was asked which division I would like to serve in. I indicated that my choices would be K, F or D in that order. I was promptly assigned to E Division. I was then asked to indicate my preferences as to detachment size. I indicated a Sergeant or Staff Sergeant Detachment or Highway Patrol. Soon thereafter, I was posted to Prince George City Detachment in February 1977.

Transfers after Prince George were:
July 1978 (New Denver Detachment)
September 1979 (Castlegar Detachment)
September 1979 (Married in Nelson, B.C.)
1980 - 1983 (Three daughters born while stationed at Castlegar Detachment)
May 1985 (Colwood Detachment - now West Shore Detachment)
July 1988 (West Shore Detachment Community Policing / Victim Services)
January 1990 (Secondment - Greater Victoria Crime Stoppers Program, Victoria Police)
October 1994 (West Shore Detachment)
September 1995 (Victoria National Security Intelligence Services)
March 1997 (Sidney/North Saanich Detachment - promoted to Corporal)
January 2000 (E Division Criminal Operations Policy Unit, Victoria)
June 2002 (Sidney/North Saanich Detachment)
March 2004 (E Division Integrated National Security Enforcement Team)
June 7, 2007 (Retired from the RCMP)

Post Retirement Employment:
June 2007 (Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner - Portfolio Officer)
May 2008 (E Division National Security Enforement Team - Civilian Investigator)
May 2011 (BC Conservation Officer Service - Inspector i/c Support Services
June 2015 (Retired from BC Public Service)

Looking back, I would have to say that the RCMP brought me to the most beautiful province in Canada where I met my wife and raised a family. We also developed lifelong friendships within and outside the RCMP. I had a chance to experience a huge variety of work within the organization and insights into events that occur around the world that the average person never learns of. My greatest achievement was being able to impart skills which members recognized they received from me. Members have approached my spouse and relayed their appreciation for the guidance they received from me.