My condolences to the Robinson family on the passing of Ben, a dear friend and good partner.
Ben and I were promoted to Detective on the same day, and teamed together as partners for almost five years. We worked on some very interesting cases, had a lot of laughs and formed a strong bond of friendship. There is one anecdote that gave us a chuckle in the years that followed: We were called to investigate the attempted murder of a service station attendant in S.W. Calgary. The attendant knew the suspect and told us where to find him, so we went to his apartment. There was no TAC Team in those days, so we decided that Ben would boot the door and we would enter with guns drawn. Unfortunately, Ben went to kick the door and got his foot stuck. Seeing his predicament and wanting to relieve his stress, I knew just what to say: “Don’t worry Ben, if he shoots you, I’ll kill him!” Fortunately the suspect was found shaking in his bed, his revolver beside him under the covers, and he was arrested without incident.
Ben and I often dropped by his house on coffee break, and I got to know his wife and children. He loved them very much and was very proud of them.
Following my retirement, my wife and I moved away from Calgary, but returned to enjoy a good visit with Ben and Jean a couple years ago. Little did we know that it would be the last time we were all together.
Thanks for the memories Ben.
Al Johansson
