Book of Memories for Ferne Alexander

Condolence From Michael Robertson

Thu, 19 Nov 2015 14:13:07 EST

Joe, Nort and family , Sorry to hear of Ferne's passing.

Condolence From Bev MacLeod

Tue, 27 Oct 2015 12:16:04 EDT

I worked in Identification Bureau as a civilian clerk in the 60s and admired Ferne for becoming a leader in what was then a man's domain. I was married to S/I Tom MacLeod until his death in 2009. Over the years he spoke highly of Ferne and her commitment and loyalty to the Force and the community. My sympathy is extended to her family.

Condolence From Sue Bochner

Mon, 28 Sep 2015 15:04:26 EDT

My name will mean nothing to Ferne's family but Ferne and I served on the Board of Children's Aid Society of Toronto together more than forty years ago. I was just in my early 20's and she became a mentor. In fact, she recommended me to Sick Kids in order that I sit on a very contentious committee for that hospital, her trusting that I could handle the situation. She was one of my favourite people - bright, sympathetic, understanding of issues, decisive, and just a really good person. I was in awe of her and admired her. She spoke fondly of Fenlon Falls in those days. Please accept my deepest sympathies. The world and Fenlon Falls has lost a special person.

Condolence From Mary Jane Steenberg

Mon, 28 Sep 2015 11:45:58 EDT

I read of Ferne's passing on September 19th and wish to send along my condolences. I am a cousin and God child of Joan McMaster who worked with in Fern in the Toronto Police Services. I remember many good times together and much laughter. And Ferne's home on Balsam Lake was such a unique and lovely place.

Condolence From Patricia Post

Fri, 25 Sep 2015 15:50:44 EDT

Ferne will be remembered by all the officers in the Metro Service who had the distinction of having worked for and with her. She was an inspiration to all the young policewomen who joined in the early 60's and 70's. A great role model all her life who I admired immensely. She was an intelligent woman who was a credit to the Service and should be commended for being the first high ranking policewoman in the Toronto Police and rose to the challenges presented. I for one will certainly remember her.

Condolence From Charlie Stewart

Thu, 24 Sep 2015 16:48:40 EDT

Jo and Norval - When we lose a loved one here on earth, we gain an angel in heaven that watches over us. May you take comfort in knowing that you have an angel to watch over you now. I extend my most sincere condolences to the both you

Condolence From Dorothy Taylot nee Ruthard

Thu, 24 Sep 2015 16:04:33 EDT

I'm so sorry for your loss. She was a lot of help to me when I started Metro Police. Sincerely Dorothy

Condolence From Dawn Brereton

Tue, 22 Sep 2015 20:34:34 EDT

I had the honour of working with Ferne when she was a member of the Board of Directors of the Children's Aid Society of Metropolitan Toronto. She was greatly committed to the plights of teenagers and was a woman "ahead of her time" in terms of her thinking. I remember many conversations with Ferne about her love of jazz as we both enjoyed the music of Errol Garner, especially Concert By The Sea. Rest in peace, Ferne.

Condolence From Toronto Police Service- Women's Internal Support Network (W-ISN)

Tue, 22 Sep 2015 15:53:38 EDT

The Toronto Police Service W-ISN sincerely appreciates the contribution Supt. Fern Alexander made not only to the Toronto Police Service, but to women in policing across the Country. As we approach National Police Officer Memorial Day on Sunday, September 27th, Fern and her commitment to policing will definitely be in our thoughts. Warm regards, TPS W-ISN

Condolence From Barb and Jerry Jenkinson

Tue, 22 Sep 2015 10:31:53 EDT

Dear Jo and Norval, our deepest condolences on learning of Ferne's passing. She was one of Jerry's special customers as a Car Salesman. She always had a cheery word when they would meet about town. She certainly was a well respected lady thorough her life and her career. May she rest in peace and God Bless!

Condolence From Wendy Sullivan Jones PW 5585

Mon, 21 Sep 2015 23:00:52 EDT

Thanks Inspector for hiring me back in 1969 and for all your guidance and knowledge. It was the best time of my life. Rest in Peace and we send our condolences to your family. Wendy & Barry Jones.

Condolence From Greg Jones - Sgt 3056 (Retired)

Mon, 21 Sep 2015 20:33:11 EDT

An understanding and compassionate leader. A Pioneer for many women in Policing. A mentor to many regardless of gender. RIP Dear Lady.

Condolence From James Clark

Mon, 21 Sep 2015 17:46:08 EDT

I was saddened to hear of the passing of Ferne Alexander. Ferne was a positive leader in the police service and someone that I had great respect and admiration. Bless you Ferne you will be missed by many.

Condolence From Georgina "Gina" Bellamy

Mon, 21 Sep 2015 14:36:43 EDT

A true pioneer, a lady before her time, in the world of Policing, and her contribution to women in policing was immense. A pleasure to work with, a true mentor, and her retirement left a huge void in the female sector of the Service. R.I.P. Ferne. I always valued the time I spent chatting to you.

Condolence From (Mrs.) Kay Wilson (Burford)

Mon, 21 Sep 2015 14:00:34 EDT

I joined Metro Police in May 1960 and Ferne was my first Inspector. I left the force in 1967, but always kept in touch with many of the PW"s. It was a pleasure to see Ferne receive her promotions, etc. My sincere condolences to Ferne"s family. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Condolence From Eric Hood

Mon, 21 Sep 2015 12:53:43 EDT

As a psychiatrist in training I came to know Ferne in the early 1970's, when she worked closely with the Clarke Institute's Family Court Clinic. The needs of youngster in trouble with the law were a priority for Ferne. She was a very warm and supportive person and it was always a pleasure to deal with her. I am sure that the Metro Force gained much from her membership.

Condolence From Gerry Steff

Mon, 21 Sep 2015 12:52:24 EDT

So sad to read of Ferne's passing . She was my Superintendent back in the 80's when there were few females amongst the 'brass' at that time. I recall that I had failed in my bid for promotion and Ferne invited me in to 'talk' ! She was so personable, friendly and encouraging that , rather than giving up, she motivated me to keep trying. I did and was ultimately successful . We were all so saddened when Ferne took retirement around 1982 ? as she was so popular amongst the rank and file, we felt she could easily have gone on to become Chief of Police. Maybe she had the wisdom and smarts to enjoy life following other pursuits. Go well Ferne. You will be remembered as one lovely lady.

Condolence From Edna Clark (Brown)

Mon, 21 Sep 2015 11:33:35 EDT

In 1971 then Insp. Alexander interviewed me for the position of cadet with the Metro Toronto Police. I found her to be a kind and caring individual and it was a pleasure to work for her at the Women's and Youth Bureau at 60 Richmond. I expected her to fire me after I damaged her new police car taking it out of the garage but she was very understanding. She was a pioneer for women in policing in Toronto and taught myself and many other "PW's" how to handle yourself in this male dominated profession. Her advice served me well throughout my 32 years with the force. I had a great deal of respect for her. My sympathy to her family.

Condolence From Eve Fulton

Mon, 21 Sep 2015 10:09:01 EDT

My condolences to Ferne's family. I worked with Ferne when I was a Juvenile Probation After-Care office in the 70's. I remember her compassion and kindness not only to the adolescences I worker with but to me as a probation after-care officer as well. Ferne had a wonderful manner of making everyone feel that they mattered. Thank you all of that.

Condolence From Barbara J. Ewles

Mon, 21 Sep 2015 09:06:58 EDT

My Deepest Sympathy to Ferne Alexander's Family. Ferne was truly a leader in the Toronto Police Service, I remember as an Auxiliary Constable, meeting Ferne, and her outstanding team of Female Police Officers way back in the 1970's and talking with her. God Bless and Keep Her.

Photo shared: SKMBT_C25315092011320.jpg

Sun, 20 Sep 2015 02:04:11 EDT