Sylvan Davis “Silver” ARMENEAU

Sylvan was born March 22, 1916, in Regina, Saskatchewan. After serving in WWII, including as a member of the Duke of Connaught’s Own Rifles, he was hired by the VPD on May 1, 1946. His 24-year-career included tracking down escaped inmates, and a Loomis employee who absconded with $300,000.

Sylvan served with the 12th Field Armoured Corps overseas (Italy, Germany, and Holland) during WW II. He was also a member of the Duke of Connaught’s Own Rifles.

Sylvan was hired onto the Vancouver Police, May 1, 1946, as PC 314. He was promoted to Detective in 1951, and assigned to the Robbery and Homicide Sections.

He worked the file where four Oakalla farm inmates escaped (November 1955) and acquired firearms. Two were captured shortly thereafter when their stolen getaway vehicle was rammed by a civilian. Two others eluded police, but were captured two days later.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sylvan was later commended for his Detective work on the case of the Loomis employee, who absconded with $350,000 and fled to South America.

 

 

Sylvan would be one of many Detectives to work the (Constable) Leonard Hogue file in 1965.

He superannuated May 1, 1970, but sadly passed after only two years of retirement on August 30, 1972, in Vancouver. He is buried at Forest Lawn, Burnaby.

 

References

Vancouver Sun, Nov 5, 1955, pages 1-3 – Escaped Convicts

Vancouver Sun, Apr 16, 1959, page 12 – Detectives Commended for Solving Robbery

Vancouver Sun ““ May 22, 1963, page 9 – Hunt on for Guard (Loomis Employee steals $350K)