December 2nd 1964. That’s the date I arrived at Stettler Detachment, fresh out of Depot Division. A young 19 year old and Sgt. Vern Smith was my boss for the next two years. Vern was a mighty kind and generous person and supervisor. I managed to develop and maintain a portion of what he instilled in all the members both on the job and off, but more so to develop relationships with the communities and the people our detachment served.
I credit Vern for getting me to volunteer with Scouts Canada, something I did for the over 30 years in various capacities, a totally rewarding experience. Although I never took him up on buying a house in Stettler to take advantage of the low investment rates, I did learn to budget and stay out of debt. Vern was just a great guy and he and Kathleen often had the single members over to their home for a meal and enjoy time away from the barracks above the Post Office.
About nine years later he was my Section NCO in Red Deer and his wisdom and experience was often called upon for both work and personal situations.
My career took me to Depot and then to Ottawa where I had many great experiences and received several promotions. Family has always remained number one, and serving in their church was not far behind. These are things I learned from Vern. Yes RCMP work was there and we did it, but there is so much more to life than work.
I say to Kathleen and the children, Vern was a very good man and I fully believe that I owe a lot to him. Just reading his obituary as sent out by the RCMP Vets Association today brought back so many good and precious memories, I just had to write and say “Thank you Vern”. I am most sure that you will miss him and I extend my condolances to you.
Tom Abernethy, Inspector (Rtd)
Ottawa, ON
