William Elbert 'Al' Bjork

William Elbert "Al" Bjork passed away on June 15, 2008, at the age of 87.

He was born on a farm in Greeley County, Kan., on June 22, 1920, the eldest son of Charles William and Ellen Victoria (Bergquist) Bjork. He moved to Washington state with his family at the age of 16 and graduated from high school in Vancouver, Wash., in 1939. After graduation from high school, he was employed as a florist and also worked as a core sawyer for the Vancouver Plywood Company. On Aug. 15, 1940, he was married to Alta Vera Green of Vancouver with whom he had graduated from high school.

During World War II, Al enlisted and served in the United States Navy where he rose to the rank of Boatswain Mate First Class and was honorably discharged in November of 1945, after serving aboard the USS Wenatchee in the Pacific.

After returning home from the war, Al, Alta and Billy took a trip to Moses Lake to visit Gladys and Cecil Gilman, a couple they had met in Pasco. Al was offered a job in Moses Lake, so the young family returned to Vancouver, loaded up their belongings and moved to Moses Lake on Jan.18, 1946.

Al started his career in law enforcement on April 1, 1946, as the second member of the two-man Moses Lake Police Department. One year later he was appointed as the first Chief of Police in Moses Lake, a position he held for 26 years. From 1959 to 1973 Al also served as secretary/treasurer of the Washington Association of Chiefs of Police, and then for the merged Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs. Chief Bjork was one of the great pushers behind law enforcement training in the State of Washington during the 1950s and 1960s. He also placed a great emphasis on communications. When he first started in law enforcement blue lights on top of telephone poles in Moses Lake indicated the need for a policeman. These lights were activated by telephone operators when they received a call for police assistance and the policeman on foot patrol was expected to call the telephone operator for details.

In October 1973 Al was appointed as the first director for the Washington State Gambling Commission. He held this appointment until his retirement in 1980.

Al was a member of numerous social and civic organizations, including: American Legion, Lions Club, Elks Lodge, Boy Scouts of America and Veterans of Foreign Wars. He was also a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Moses Lake and served as Deacon and Elder.

He was also active in the Masonic Lodge and Eastern Star.

Over the years, Al was recognized many times for his service and leadership in law enforcement and to his community, state and nation. In 1973 Al was awarded the prestigious National J. Edgar Hoover Gold Medal by the United States Veterans of Foreign Wars in cooperation with the FBI. The award is given in recognition of outstanding abilities, compassion, integrity, honor and public service.

Following his retirement in 1980, Al and Alta purchased property on the Twisp River and built their own log home. They enjoyed the summer months at their beautiful site on the Twisp River and spent the winter months in Yuma, Ariz. In 1995 they moved back to Moses Lake and continued to spend the winter months in Yuma. Al loved to golf and was on the course with his friends several times a week in Yuma. Al and Alta enjoyed traveling, exploring their family genealogy and square dancing. Most of all, Al loved times spent with his family and being involved in the lives of his grandchildren. He believed in the value of education throughout his work life, and instilled that value to his children and grandchildren.

Al is survived by his three sons and their families, William E. "Bill" Bjork Jr. and wife Janet, son Dale Bjork and wife Rita, son Dennis Bjork and wife Karen, all of Moses Lake. Grandchildren William E. Bjork III and wife Janeen, Becky Palmer and husband Jeff, Derek Bjork, wife Jessica and Al's first great-grandson Basil Michael, Brad Bjork, Bryan Bjork and Kristin Bjork. He is also survived by three sisters, Wilma McDonnell of Eugene, Ore., Emilene and husband LeRoy Carlson of Woodinville, Wash., Luella Anderson of Kulm, N.D., and numerous nieces and nephews. Bev Meyer of Pullman was a very special friend to Al during the last five years of his life.

Al was preceded in death by Alta in September 2002, their son, Alvern in December 1951, his parents, two brothers and one sister.

Graveside services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 21 at Pioneer Memorial Gardens. Memorial services will follow at 11 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church of Moses Lake, 1142 West Ivy Street, Moses Lake, Wash., with Pastor Eric Frey officiating. Arrangements are in care of Kayser's Chapel & Crematory in Moses Lake. You may sign the guest book or leave a note for the family at www.kayserschapel.com.

If desired, donations may be made to the Moses Lake Police Benefit Association, P.O. Box 1579, Moses Lake, WA 98837.