Ret'd RCMP Staff Sgt. Alex (Al) Herchuk - On Monday, November 28, 2016 with family at his side, Alex received "Anointing of the Sick" and peacefully passed on at the Yorkton Regional Health Centre. He was 85 years of age. On September 26, 1931, the last of five children was born to Michael and Lena (nee Wudwud) Herchuk at Vermilion, AB. His family then moved to Vegreville where he was raised and attended school. Alex was a generous soul from a very young age and upon him and his brother discovering a bag of stolen money, proceeded to hand the bills out to any and all people passing by. As a youngster with the dream of joining the RCMP, he would dangle from a "chin-up bar" before bed to ensure he met the height requirement. Following graduation from high school and playing competitive hockey throughout his employment years, Alex attended college for two years, worked as a carpenter in Vegreville and was later employed as a Lineman with Alberta Utilities. He worked in the coal mines in Crowsnest Pass, AB and later in a Yukon gold mine. Not knowing then what we know now, his years of carpentry work with raw asbestos slowly enveloped his system with asbestos lung cancer claiming his life. Always a sports-minded individual and excelling in the game of hockey, he was faced with a career decision in 1955. He left the farm-club of the Detroit Red Wings (six team NHL) when his opportunity to "help people" presented. Alex signed up for what was at the time nine months of training with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in September of 1955, graduating in June of 1956 in Ottawa and posted to Ottawa "A" Division Protective Services. It was here that he had the opportunity to meet and personally escort a number of noted public figures such as U.S. President John F. Kennedy and First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy and the first Prime Minister of Israel, Ben Gurion. He was assigned to Motorcycle Patrol and Security Escort Service on Parliament Hill and all federal roadways and continued this service upon transfer to Regina "F" Division Highway Patrol. Alex was a "Jack of all trades" and mastered several of them including his Private Pilot's License and Certified Scuba Diving Instructor. Hobbies included bee-keeping and helping farmer friends at harvest time. An avid golfer and curler, he was known for his quick-witted comebacks. After he and his grandson finished an unusually challenging and frustrating golf game for them, Grandpa Alex remarked, "I wonder if Father has confessions today?" A self-starter and gifted carpenter, Alex was known for drafting his plans on the smallest scraps of paper, serviettes and the back of matchbook covers. Thanks to absentee landlords, several "rented quarters" were in better shape when Al left as compared to when first posted there. Alex was a faithful member of the Roman Catholic Church and an Honourary Life Member of the Knights of Columbus. One of his most enjoyable charitable activities was the K of C bingos. Alex proudly served with the Knights in each of his RCMP postings and participated in a variety of charitable activities. In 1956, he met Rita Baldwin in Ottawa, ON and they were united in Holy Matrimony in 1959 at Blessed Sacrament Roman Catholic Church in Regina. Alex is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Rita and three children: daughter, Christine (Ret'd RCMP Cpl. Richard) and their son Gregory; son, Ret'd RCMP Cpl. Michael (Marnie-Lee) and their son Luke and daughter, Donna (Jeff). Alex proudly served the people of Canada for 36 ½ years in 13 various postings. While Section NCO in Northern Saskatchewan, he was given the nickname "Red Ink Herchuk". Due to his attention to detail and dedicated work ethic, members knew when "Staff" had done an inspection as evident from files being marked with "red ink". Yorkton was his final posting where he and Rita retired in September of 1991 and chose to remain until his passing. Alex courageously battled asbestos lung cancer and when asked, "How are you doing today Al?" he would chuckle and say, "If I was any better, I'd be dangerous!". Honouring and respecting Alex's request, his final wish was for a private family service to be held at a later date. His final resting place will be RCMP Depot Division in Regina. Those so wishing may have a Mass said for the repose of his soul or make a donation in memory of Alex with a gift to a charity of donor's choice. Your continuing prayers are most appreciated and may Alex rest in the arms of God. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Kopan's Funeral Service, Highway #9 North, Yorkton, SK. 306-783-0099  .
