Skip to content

Leonard Polley 1944 – 2013


Born in Vancouver, Len joined the army in 1961 and was sworn in by Smokey Smith VC. Posted to the 2nd Regiment Royal Canadian Horse Artillery, he was eventually transferred to Germany and became the Central Registry Clerk. It was in Cologne he met Joyce, his wife of 46 years and the love of his life.


While in Germany, he was able to get special leave and travelled to England for the funeral of Winston Churchill. Upon his return to Canada, he attended BCIT and graduated a Civil and Structual Technologist in 1970, working out of Kamloops and Westwold as inspector on transmission lines and power dams in Hudson’s Hope and Revelstoke. In 1992, he held a position with the Federal Government as a Contract Parole Officer. For over 15 years he also served as an RCMP Auxiliary in both Falkland and Revelstoke.


Upon retirement in 1999, he and Joyce found their dream property in the Salmon Arm area where he spent the happiest days of his life with his dogs, his books and his newspapers. His last 5 years, he proudly served as a Volunteer Firefighter with the Silver Creek Fire Dept., the last 3 years as Safety Officer with the rank of Lieutenant.


The family will miss their go-to guy but he felt blessed to be able to spend special time with son Josh and daughter Irene and to visit with all his grandchildren. He taught us all how to die with courage, grace and dignity.


At a later date the family and friends will gather in Westwold to bury Len’s ashes beside his youngest son, Nick.


Online condolences can be sent through Len’s obituary at www.bowersfuneralservice.com


Arrangements are in the care of Bowers Funeral Home and Crematorium, Salmon Arm.