Cst. Kenneth Kornelson’s 50th Anniversary Memorial Service

On May 14, 2015 a memorial service was held for 3/Cst. Kenneth Kornelson (Reg.#23837) at the Atzic Cemetery 34867 Cemetery Avenue Mission, B.C.

Constable Kornelson was electrocuted on May 17, 1965 while swimming in the “Depot” Division swimming pool.  Veteran Joe Healy did an article entitled “The Mystery of the Mountie Who Died at “Depot” which outlines the circumstances of this untimely death.  You can read the article here.

Mission Reporter included a newspaper article entitled “Service held To Remember Fallen RCMP Officer From Mission.” – You can read the article here.

We have included below photographs taken at the memorial service on May 14, 2015.

Photograph of Cst. Kenneth Kornelson (Source of photo – Sheldon Boles).

Photograph of Cst. Kenneth Kornelson’s troop mates in attendance at the memorial service (Source of photo – Sheldon Boles).

Photograph of RCMP Chaplain Jim Turner leading the memorial service for Cst. Kenneth Kornelson. (left to right) S/S/Major John Buis of Burnaby Detachment, Chaplain Jim Turner, Major Randy Hayes of the District of Mission BC, known male and Insp. Ted Dejager (OIC Mission Detachment). (Source of photo – Sheldon Boles).

Trumpeter for the memorial service for Constable Kenneth Kornelson (Source of photo – Sheldon Boles).

Photograph of an RCMP piper who played Amazing Grace (Source of photo – Sheldon Boles).

RCMP Veteran Al Gray places flowers on behalf of Constable Kenneth Kornelson’s troop mates (Source of photo – Sheldon Boles).

On behalf of Ken’s troop mates, RCMP Veteran Jim Simpson gave an eulogy in honour of the late Constable Kenneth Kornelson (Source of photo – Sheldon Boles).

Veteran Jim Simpson’s eulogy to his troop mate – Kenneth Kornelson was as follows:

It is 50 years since we initially said goodbye to CONSTABLE Ken Kornelson. At that time we all had aspirations for

a better Canada and an exemplary career in the National Police Force.

It is with sadness that I learned of the passing of Ken Kornelson one

Saturday eve so long ago.

We had been in Regina for a scant 3 months. I remember the cold

blowing snow and the eerie sounds from wind howling past B Block

and echoing thru the dorm. We all 32 were all taken back

by Ken’s passing and as Troop marker Pro Temps I had one less for roll

call but we all set out to move on in true RCMP fashion. I remember

that L Troop 64/65 was to be the first back in the modified pool after

weeks of repairs.

HOWEVER our troop acquired a plaque for the Chapel inscribed with

Ken’s name and we took solace from that even though we had to pass

the Stetson to pay for it. For the next 50+/- years all that we had

were fond memories of Ken. He was an exemplary member and had

even volunteered to do extra swimming to

the very hour of his passing, as he was volunteering for extra time in

the pool. Remember there was the right, the wrong, and the RCMP

way of swimming. I will not go into the cause and detail at this time as

it has been covered pillar to post since this unfortunate accident. We

are here in memory of Ken who led a very honorable but short life

and I am sure that all the other members of L 64/65 Troop have vivid

recollection of this outstanding Constable. I can see him today as if it

were hours, not years ago.

God bless you and your family Ken for your contribution to this

country!!

I borrow these WWI words which seem so appropriate:

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning,
We will remember them.
Laurence Binyon (1869-1943)

And we will go on to survive the remaining six months…..”

Photograph of Inspector Ted Dejager (OIC Mission Detachment) lays flowers and salutes the grave marker of Constable Kenneth Kornelson (Source of photo – Sheldon Boles).

Photograph of RCMP members from both Ridge Meadows and Mission Detachment (Source of photo – Sheldon Boles).

Photograph of RCMP Veteran – Vancouver Division in attendance at the memorial service (Source of photo – Sheldon Boles).

Photoograph of family and friends attending the memorial service (Source of photo – Sheldon Boles).

Photograph of two RCMP members standing at the memorial (Source of photo – Sheldon Boles).

Photograph of RCMP stetson & high brown boots above the grave marker of Cst. Kenneth Kornelson (Source of photo – Sheldon Boles).