Delta lost a prominent member of the community last week.
George Angus died on New Year's Day at the age of 86.
He was Delta's 14th police chief and spent almost 30 years with the force before retiring in 1987.
A young George and his wife Thelma immigrated to Canada from Dumbarton, Scotland in 1954. Son Stirling Angus said his parents, who were both police officers that met while stationed in Dumbarton, were looking for better opportunities and followed another officer and his wife to Canada.
He said his parents worked odd jobs after arriving in their new country but when Thelma became pregnant, George applied to the Delta Police Department.
He joined the force in 1959 and the young family moved to Tsawwassen.
George Angus was involved in many aspects of the local police force. In 1960, he and fellow officer Ron McKay, who was killed in the line of duty in 1974, formed the Delta Municipal Police Association to look after the interests of officers.
"My father felt that it was important to have representation on the part of police officers as the department started to grow," Stirling said.
George was also an early supporter of the establishment of the Delta Police Pipe Band, which was formed in 1971.
George was Delta's deputy police chief in 1985 when then chief Doug McLeod fell ill and, after a lengthy absence from his post, took early retirement.
The deputy, who was nearing retirement himself, took over as acting chief and then was sworn in as chief in October 1986. He briefly delayed his retirement plans, serving as Delta's chief until April 1987.
Aside from his role as a police officer, George is remembered as being active in the community.
"He really did bring the concept of community policing," Stirling said, adding his father believed a police officer should be a part of the community, while still enforcing the law.
He was on the board of the Envision Credit Union and was involved with Kinsmen, St. John's Ambulance and various community groups.
George Angus was pre-deceased by his wife Thelma in 1999. He is survived by his companion Margaret Vidal, daughter and son-in-law Patricia and Brad Merritt, son and daughter-in-law Stirling and Christina Angus, as well as four grandchildren.
A celebration of life is planned for today at the Ladner Community Centre from 3 to 6 p.m.
