Dennis George Schaefer

   Cause of his death was Cancer.

  General Notes:

Dennis' family moved to Chilliwack BC in 1951 where he excelled in
sports in school and the community, particularly baseball. He was named
"Outstanding Male Athlete" in school in 1964 and 1966. His athleticism
continued into adulthood. Some highlights of his achievements include:
Alberta Police Golf Team, 1975; Western Canada Police Fast Ball
Champions (3x); and Banff-Jasper Relay 1982 (23rd place of 101 teams).

Dennis has enjoyed a diverse and interesting career in the RCMP. VIP
Security assignments have permitted him to meet many of the world's top
leaders and their entourages. He has been involved in investigating and
solving major murder files. And his good humour and social skills won
him the position of 'Mayor' of Schaeferville!

Dennis was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 1989. He had a donor bone
marrow transplant in 1992 and a donor leukocyte infusion in 2000. His
fighting spirit and willingness to undergo experimental treatments along
with the miracles of modern medicine allow him to continue contributing
to and celebrating life.


DENNIS GEORGE SCHAEFER
January 2, 1948 - January 5, 2006

THE MAYOR OF “SCHAEFERVILLE” HAS LEFT HIS OFFICE.

Dennis Schaefer of St Albert was born in Broadview, SK, and grew up in Chilliwack, BC. He enjoyed a thirty-five year career with the RCMP in Alberta, retiring in 2003. Dennis thought himself an ordinary man yet he lived an extraordinary life. He always knew who he was whether working in operational policing or walking with presidents and kings. Dennis' indomitable spirit and good humour won him many friends and admirers. He was gracious without surrender.

Dennis is survived by his wife Barbara, son Paul and daughter-in-law Jenifer, daughter Gillian and son-in-law Lucas Percy, mother Anne Schaefer and brother Wayne and family, and numerous in-laws, out-laws, friends and associates.

Funeral service will be held January 20th, 2:00pm at St. Albert Alliance Church, 1km west of St. Albert Trail on Villeneuve Road.

In lieu of other tributes, donations may be made to: The Capital Care Foundation, 500 9925 109 Street, Edmonton AB, T5K 2J8, 780-448-2400; or, Edmonton Ronald McDonald House, 7726 107 Street, Edmonton, AB T6E 4K3, 780-439-5437; or, the charity of one's choice.

  Noted events in his life were:

• Education, 1964-1966, Chilliwack, B.C. Chilliwack Senior High School

• Education, 1968, Regina, Sask., Penhold Alta. Graduated from R.C.M.P. training.

• Employment, 1968-1977, Banff; Lake Louise; Calgary; Cochrane; Bassano; Drumheller. Detachment Commender / Detachment Duties.

• Employment, 1977-1980, Forestburg, Alta. Promoted to Corporal - NCO in Charge.

• Employment, 1980-1984, Calgary, Alta., Canada. General Investigation Section.

• Employment, 1984-1989, Fort McMurray, Alta. Promotion to Sergeant - NCO of GIS.

• Employment, 1989-1994, Edmonton, Alberta. Criminal Operations.

• Employment, 1994-2003, Edmonton, Alberta. CSIS Liaison Officer for Prairie Region.

Dennis married Barbara Elaine Would, daughter of Joseph Norton Would and Kathleen Frances Bate, on 26 Apr 1975 in Calgary, Alta., Canada. (Barbara Elaine Would was born on 15 Feb 1951 in Kelowna, B.C., Canada.)

  Marriage Notes:

Barbara and Dennis met Labour Day weekend 1973, when Dennis stopped his RCMP cruiser on the Trans- Canada highway near Calgary to check on Barb's car that was broken down.
They were engaged on July 6, 1974, and married in Calgary on April 26, 1975. Their reception (dinner and dance) was held at the historic Wainwright Hotel at Heritage Park on the shores of the Glenmore resevoir. It was a great party!