Leonard Ernest Relf was born 10 January 1920, the youngest of 3 sons of Walter William Relf - who had emigrated from London, England, to Toronto, Canada, about 15 years earlier - and his wife Georgina Ruth nee Evans. He is related to several members of the Society including our Chairman, Graham Archard, Ted Relf in Australia, Paul Chesmond, and Brian Kerry. He did not have an easy childhood, but Len matured into a giant of a man in every sense of the word. Standing over 6'6" tall with broad shoulders and a muscular frame, he naturally commanded respect; but he was also quietly spoken and a compassionate, loyal, friend.

In 1939 he joined the Toronto Metropolitan Police Department, but when war broke out he was given leave of absence to enlist in the Royal Canadian Air Force and was commissioned as a navigator. Posted to Malta, he was attached to the RAF and flew many bombing missions against enemy forces in North Africa. Even on the ground life in Malta was not easy for Len. The island was awarded the George Cross for its heroic actions during the war; all supplies had to be brought in by convoy, food was short, and Len lost a lot of weight on the meagre rations they were allowed.

After the war, he was discharged from the RCAF with the rank of flight lieutenant, and resumed his career with the Toronto police. In a force noted for its toughness, Len became a legend for taking on the scum to be found in any large city on their own terms. Often patrolling in plain clothes in the roughest areas of the city he was responsible for putting many hoodlums and pimps behind bars for a long time. He rose to the rank of Staff Sergeant and was employed as an instructor before retiring in 1977; even 20 years later when I attended a Police Departement function with him, he was well remembered and got a formal salute of respect from the Colour Party as we entered.

When a friend's girlfriend needed transport to visit him at Scout Camp in July 1941, it was typical of Len to volunteer to drive her - though the friend's mother insisted that his sister, Ruth King, go along as chaperone! As Ruth says "I rode in the back seaton the way up but the front on the way back! That says it all!". They were married in Toronto on 29 May 1943 and together had 2 daughters and, at last count, 3 grandchildren. Len was intensely proud of his family - who have continued his tradition of service; Barbara recently received an award for long service with the Toronto police and Joanne's husband, Robin, is a District Chief in the fire department.

Len was very proud to be a RELF and took a great interest in genealogy, but was a practical man; letter writing and research were not his fortes. My first contact with him was therefore through correspondence with Ruth; not until they visited us at Biggin Hill, Kent, in1998 did Anne and I meet our Canadian cousins for the first time. We became firm friends; Len and Ruth were among the founders of the International Relf Society and have been staunch supporters ever since. At the Reunion in 1997 Len volunteered to fill the vacant committee post as our co-ordinator in Canada. The following year, he and Ruth organized our first Reunion and many members from England and Canada attended a most memorable and enjoyable occasion in Etobicoke, Ontario.

Regrettably Anne and I were unaware of Len's death until we returned from Mexico nearly a month afterwards, but Ruth tells me his funeral was a most moving tribute. Len was placed in his casket wearing his war veterans uniform. The church was packed with friends, family, and former colleagues; the Toronto police Ceremonial Unit provided an Honour Guard, police war veterans (also in uniform) acted as pall bearers, and Kiwanis (he was a keen member) provided ushers. Before the service, the organist, (formerly of St James Cathedral) played an upbeat selection of Len's favourite music; hymns during the service included Praise my Soul the King of Heaven to which Len had previously walked both his daughters down the aisle on marriage. The soloist was a member of Len's church and was formerly drum major in the police pipe band. Walford Davies' Royal Air Force March Past was a very fitting recessional. Six police cars ensured that the procession passed unhindered through the heavy traffic and stop lights of Toronto; at the cemetery, their crews stood, silently, and saluted as one of their finest was delivered to his final resting place.

Instead of flowers, Ruth requested contributions to the Toronto Music Festival and over $1500 was raised which will be used to set up a series of scholarships in Len's name. For most of us however his finest memorial will simply be the pleasure of knowing this colourful and talented man. In every aspect of his life he worked to improve the lot of his fellow man. I suspect his enemies felt real fear, but if he was your friend - and I was proud to be called that - you just knew Len would always be there for you. The Society has lost one of its strongest supporters, but we will always remember him with affection and admiration.

Brian Relf President of the International Relf Society

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Page last revised May 2001.