Obituary of Giles Dudley
Giles Dudley
November 26, 1932 - March 07, 2010
Giles Dudley was the first baby born in the St. Joseph’s Hospital, in Dawson Creek, on November 26, 1932.His parents were George Edmond Dudley and Florence Dudley, who had homesteaded just west of Dawson Creek, BC. Giles and his sister Gail grew up in Dawson Creek, where they completed their schooling. Giles father passed away, in August 1949, when Giles was 16 years of age. Giles left Dawson Creek after High School and Joined the RCMP, on August 06, 1951. He was given an RCMP regimental number of 17169. (there have been over 40,000 police officers to join since then).After completing his RCMP training, he was first posted to Winnipeg, MB, where he completed his field training. In May, 1952, he was then transferred to Emerson, MB. He was then transferred, in March 1954, to Nipigon, ON, where he met his wife, Helen. Giles was then transferred to Ottawa, ON, in October 1955, where he became a Forensic Indenfication Officer. Helen followed him to Ottawa. Giles and Helen got married on November 10, 1956. Right after they were married, Giles was transferred to Edmonton, AB. On August 11, 1958, their first child, Theresa Lynn Dudley, was born. On August 12, 1959, their second child, Mark Allen George Dudley, was born. Florence Dudley took ill and passed away in Dawson Creek, in February 1959. Giles left the RCMP in 1960. On May 26, 1960, Giles brought his family back to Dawson Creek, to look after the family estate. In March 09 1961, John Arthur Dudley was born. Their family was complete. Giles opened up a photography business, known then as Dudley Studio. He hired a young worker by the name of Ken Seto, who took over the business and renamed it Seto Studios, which became a successful business in the community. In 1966, Giles went to work for Northern Glass and it was there that he learned to be a locksmith. In 1971, Giles ventured on his own and opened up a new business called L & T Services, at the corner of 8th Street & 104 Avenue, in Dawson Creek. In 1973, the business was moved to its current location on Alaska Avenue, near 11th Street. Giles did lock and glass work. Glass was fazed out in 1981 and he specialized in lock and safe work. The business has done well severing the people in Northern, BC. Giles enjoyed meeting and visiting with his customers. He enjoyed his work and was at work on his last day alive. After leaving the RCMP, Giles joined the Militia in 1961. He was an active member of the Canadian Armed Forces Reserves. He retired as a Captain, with 49 years of Service. He became an active member of the Royal Canadian Legion, becoming the President and an active past President, which he served up until his death. On Saturday, his last day alive, he went to the Legion to make sure all the accounts were up to date. In 1973, Giles became a member Royal Canadian Air Cadet 353 Squadron. He volunteered 40 years his time to the Air Cadets. He was a Command Officer and when he retired, he continued to help out the Squadron. Giles was an active member of the Peace Masonic Lodge, becoming a Grand Master. For over 40 years, Giles was the Parade Marshall for the Dawson Creek & Pouce Coupe parades. He also Marshaled the annual Remembrance Day parades. During the 60 & 70’s Giles was an active member of the Dawson Creek Ski Patrol. Giles served as a member of the United Church board for many years. Giles served as an active member of the Northern Winter Games for many years. Giles was actively involved helping out with the Provincial & Federal elections. On November 10, 1996, Giles and Helen renewed their wedding vows. On November 10, 2006, Giles and Helen celebrated their 50th wedding vows with their family. In 2008, Giles was presented with the Peoples Choice, Citizen of the Year award.
Giles is predeceased by his parents; George Dudley who passed away, in Dawson Creek, in August 1949 and Florence Dudley who took ill and passed away in February 1959.
Giles is survived by his immediate family: his wife: Helen Dudley, of Pouce Coupe, British Columbia; his sister Gail Girbav, of Salmon Arm, British Columbia; his children; Daughter, Theresa Jorgenson and her husband Alvin from Grande Prairie, Alberta, son, Mark Dudley and his wife, Dianne, from Leduc, Alberta; son, John Dudley and his fiancée, Joan Harrison, from Nanaimo, British Columbia; his grandchildren; grandson, Aaron Jorgenson and his wife, Jeanine, from Beaverlodge, Alberta; granddaughter, CheriLynne Chapman and her husband Ryan, from Grande Prairie, Alberta; grandson, Tyler Dudley, from Leduc, Alberta; granddaughter, Kelsie Dudley, from Leduc, Alberta; grand-daughter, Sierra Head, from Leduc, Alberta; grandson, Tristan Dudley, from Leduc, Alberta; his great-grandchildren: great grand-daughter, Gabrielle Chapman, from Grande Prairie, Alberta; great grand-daughter, Dreah Jorgensen, from Beaverlodge, Alberta; great grand-daughter, Mya Chapman, from Grande Prairie, Alberta; great grandson, Andon Jorgensen, from Beverlodge, Alberta.
Giles will be sadly missed. May he rest in peace.
A Celebration of Life Service was held on Friday, March 12, 2010 at Bethel Pentecostal Church, Dawson Creek, BC. In honor of Giles commitment to his country a honor guard was held by members of the Royal Canadian Legion branch #141. Following the service Gile’s urn was interred in the Dawson Creek City Cemetery Columbarium, Dawson Creek, British Columbia.