In Memory of Reg.#16721, C/Supt. J. W. 'Jack' White

'Friends Not Forgotten'

Reg.#16721 and Reg.#0.795 Chief Superintendent J. W. 'Jack' White

John Wesley 'Jack' White was a member of the Force who deeply enjoyed researching and recording its history. He was an distinguished author and a Force historian of renown. He was also a friend.

Jack White enjoyed a long career in the Force. He was born on January 1, 1931 in Edmonton, AB. He joined the Force on November 3, 1950 and he served in provinces on both coasts of Canada. He was a remarkable police officer.

His policing reputation was built upon his solid investigational knowledge and skills. At twelve years service he was involved in a 1962 shootout with a fugitive in Kamloops, BC. The fugitive had shot and killed three RCMP members. In turn, Jack shot and killed the still armed fugitive.

Jack was a private person and he did not boast. Many years ago, I asked Jack to help me write his autobiography. I was referring to his personal account of the 1962 shooting. At first, we laughed that age was catching up on all of us -- I said: 'perhaps it was time to record our lives'. I suspected Jack's response as he turned me down -- he said; 'Joe, there's been nothing spectacular in my career'. He did not want to talk about 1962 and I did not press him. He held his memories and his personal feelings inside.

Jack's health sufferd in the last few years. Nevertheless, he continued to work on his history projects. Jack  preferred not to leave a personal story, but he left a public memorable legacy in his remarkable research on the history of the Force and its members.  

Jack died last week in Kamloops, BC. His funeral was private.

Good-bye Jack

'Maintain Our Memories'

J. J. Healy

Reg.#23685

My thanks to Vet. Don Klancher and Vet Sheldon Boles for the photograph of Jack.