Piper Dave Monette starts to play, to signal the beginning of the troop march and the start of the 50th year commemoration to R.J Schrader and D.B. Anson on Friday outside the Prince Albert RCMP detachment. (Jeff D’Andrea/paNOW Staff)

By Jeff D'Andrea

50-Year Commemoration

Sgt. Schrader and Const. Anson honoured 50 years after their ‘ultimate sacrifice’

Oct 9, 2020 | 4:00 PM

It may have happened 50 years ago, but Oct. 9, 1970 is still very fresh in the mind of Lynn Prosko.

That was the day Prosko lost her father, RCMP Sgt. Robert James Schrader and Const. Douglas Bernard Anson. The two officers reported to a domestic dispute call near MacDowell. Anson, who was a newlywed and an 11-year RCMP veteran, knocked on the door and was shot twice by Wilfred Stanley Robertson. The 22-year veteran Schrader went back to his police car to radio for help but was shot before he could reach his vehicle. Both died of their injuries.

On their gravestones, it reads Anson was born on Dec. 26, 1939 — Oct. 9, 1970. Schrader’s reads June 24, 1929 — Oct. 9, 1970.

Prosko spoke at the 50 Year Commemoration to honour both officers outside the Prince Albert RCMP detachment Friday. She didn’t focus too much on Oct. 9, 1970, or when both men were born. She paid the most attention to that dash in the middle.

“It’s the dash, those years between and what you do with them that actually matters. That dash is meant to celebrate life and that’s how I want to share with you how dad chose to live his dash,” Prosko said. “He spent it trying to be mindful that we are only on this earth for a little while. Dad always said that he wanted to go quickly and with his boots on. Well dad, you got your wish.

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“He spent each day with kindness and compassion and purpose. Dad always wanted to make a difference with the people he interacted with. He wanted to inspire others his family his co-workers and his clients.”

Lynn Prosko lays a rose during the 50 Year Commemoration of her late father Sgt. Robert James Schrader, and Const. Douglas Bernard Anson. (Jeff D’Andrea/paNOW Staff)

Prosko talked about how patient her father was. He had to be, as he and his wife Connie were raising five children, including two sets of twins. All were born in a five-year period.

“Dad was very slow to anger. This man had the patience of the saint,” Prosko said. “I mean, he had five kids within five years and four kids under the age of two. Who does that?”

Another important quality Schrader had was being able to forgive, something he had taught Prosko. Prosko’s used that lesson in how she and her family has dealt with Robertson’s actions.

“He always showed me that life was too short—to choose forgiveness and let it go,” Prosko said. “I chose a long time ago to forgive the man that altered our family unit. Hatred is such an emotionally exhausting feeling and I vowed that he was not worthy of my time,” Prosko said.

After Robertson fled the scene, the largest manhunt in the province’s history was used to locate the trapper and woodsman. Tim Kelly, the late father of current Prince Albert RCMP Staff Sgt. Brian Kelly, was part of that historic search.

“I can still recall him talking about how he and other officers sat in the residence awaiting the possible return of Robertson,” Brian Kelly said on Friday, adding that several veterans that were in attendance also took part in the search efforts.

Robertson was eventually found dead on May 10, 1971, lying under a pine tree not far from his home.

Photos of Sgt. Robert James Schrader (left) and Const. Douglas Bernard Anson. (Jeff D’Andrea/paNOW Staff)

In front of the detachment, a table was set between the memorial plaques of both Schrader and Anson. Photos of both men were placed on the table, along with a rose laying ceremony where family members and those close to Schrader paid their respects.

Schrader and Anson are buried with full honours beside each other at the RCMP Academy, Depot Division in Regina.

Supt. Ted Munro said ceremonies like Friday’s are vital for keeping the memories of officers like Schrader and Anson alive.

“It’s important that we remember their sacrifice not just on anniversaries like today, but every day. These memorials help us do that,” Munro said. “Honouring those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice of the line of duty is to the utmost importance to the RCMP, the north district and our division.”

Prince Albert RCMP officers pose outside their detachment after the ceremony. (Jeff D’Andrea/paNOW Staff)

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Jeff.dandrea@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @jeff_dandrea