William H.A. Willbond MSM, CD

Bruce Clifton Elvedahl: 1940-2005A FAREWELL TO THE CHIEF
(The Loss of a Friend)

I sat at the end of the conference table,
I had made the short, short list
Just out of the Army, with four little kids –
I needed this job – (‘twas my wish)
Gary Rogers, Bob Miles, and Freddie Durrance
asked questions about my service
Chief CD Lea Van Horne, and Jim Earl,
members sworn, made me a wee bit nervous
Deputy Chief Ken Mollet, now that I recall,
and the guy next to him, down there at the hall,
Central Saanich Fire Chief, “Bruce Elvedahl”,
were the guys who hired me after all!

For twenty three more years I worked with Bruce –
he was a wonderful stand-up guy
He always had a smile on his face –
he was way, way too young to die!
I’ve shed the odd tear, as I’m sitting here,
as I roll back the years and recall
His voice on the radio, coming in clear:
“Central Saanich, 81 is 10-8 to the hall”
Bruce died yesterday from Cancer they say
he suffered a lot in the end
You are now off the air and 10-7 up there –
Farewell to you Chief, my good friend!

©Copyright May 10, 2005 by William H.A. Willbond MSM, CD