cannabisnews.com: In Memorium - Gil Puder - Only The Good Die Young





In Memorium - Gil Puder - Only The Good Die Young
Posted by FoM on November 19, 1999 at 10:17:46 PT
DrugSense Weekly November 19, 1999 #124 
Source: DrugSense
With heavy hearts we are saddened to announce our loss of Gil. Gil had 17 years of distinguished service in the Vancouver Police Department. He was also an instructor at the Justice Institute of BC/Police Academy, and at Langara College Criminal Justice Department. 
Gil was a dedicated athlete. He played and coached basketball for the University of British Columbia Thunderbirds; he was a black belt in Canada Shotokan Karate participating in many local and international tournaments; and he actively participated in youth sports, coaching both basketball and soccer.He was an accomplished writer who regularly contributed to professional publications related to policing issues of Control Tactics/Physical Training, Use of Force and most recently Gil was a well known advocate for Drug Law Reform.He is survived by his wife Christine, sons Jason and Brendan; his mother Barbara, father Richard; brothers Randy and Jeremy (Freda), nephew Austen; Uncle Gary (Eileen), cousins Susan and Jay; grandparents Georgia and William Rickson; and many friends and colleagues. Gil had diverse interests and talents; he touched many lives and will be remembered for his strong beliefs and commitment to action. He always loved a healthy debate.A memorial service will be held on Friday November 19 at 2:00pm at Ryerson United Church, 2195 W. 45th, Vancouver. Donations in Gil's honour may be made to the BC Cancer Agency or the Canadian Cancer Society BC/Yukon Division.Pubdate: 16 Nov, 1999Source: Vancouver Sun (CN BC)Copyright: The Vancouver Sun 1999Contact: sunletters pacpress.southam.ca Website: http://www.vancouversun.com/ In Memorium Gil Puder - Only the Good Die Youngby Ethan Nadelmann and Eugene OscapellaDear friends of drug policy reform:Gil Puder, the Vancouver police constable who almost two years ago bravely broke police ranks and publicly challenged the futility of the war on drugs, passed away November 12 after a brief but intense battle with cancer.Those of you who knew Gil were aware of his courage in standing up to the entrenched prohibitionist policies of senior police ranks and government. We have lost not only an intelligent and outspoken advocate of humane drug policy reform, but a gentleman whose strength of character would almost certainly have led him to public office, much to the benefit of all Canadians.Eugene OscapellaCanadian Foundation for Drug Policyhttp://www.cfdp.ca/Gil Puder was a remarkable fellow -- a brilliant speaker and a courageous advocate who was among the very few law enforcement professionals in North America to speak out publicly against the war on drugs and in favor of substantive alternatives. He understood not just the limits and negative consequences of treating drugs primarily as a criminal justice issue but also the basic principles and practices of harm reduction. He made people think, and he had the courage of his convictions. He was an inspiration!Gil was only forty, with two young children, when he died suddenly of cancer.What a tragedy..Ethan Nadelmannby Ethan Nadelmann and Eugene Oscapella NOTE: A number of articles and opeds that demonstrate Gil's background and his excellent contribution to reform can be reviewed in the DrugNews archive. Perhaps the best among them include: CN BC: Gilbert William Harold Puder, RIPhttp://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v99/n1238/a07.htmlUS: OPED: There's More To Drugs Than 'Just Say No'http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v99/n1241/a02.htmlNote from CRRH: We have a one hour and 20 minute video of Constable Puder speaking in favor of drug policy reform this past March, courtesy of Chuck Beyer and BC MAGIC on CRRH's web site:Gil Puder, Constable with the Vancouver City Police:Constable Puder speaks for cannabis regulation and against the drug war (March 13, 1999) PUDER Gilbert William HaroldJuly 11th, 1959- November 12th, 1999. http://www.crrh.org/hemptv/misc_bcm.htmlClick the link to read all of DrugSense Weekly Update News:DrugSense Weekly November 19, 1999 #124http://www.drugsense.org/dsw/1999/ds99.n124.html
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Comment #3 posted by Dankhank on November 20, 1999 at 05:42:58 PT:
Good page
Thanks FOM for reminding us of Brownie Mary.She was a good woman ...
Hemp n Stuff
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Comment #2 posted by FoM on November 19, 1999 at 16:45:31 PT:
Very Sad Indeed
My first hero was this dear lady, Brownie Mary. I saw her on tv a couple of times and read about her in a few places. She is an unsung hero too. When she died I made a little tribute page to here. Here it is.
My Brownie Mary Tribute
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Comment #1 posted by kaptinemo on November 19, 1999 at 15:26:51 PT
Another bright light, fallen...
Another thing this man should be remembered for: the strength of his convictions. He stood up to no-doubt withering criticism, as the Drug Warriors doubly hate one of their own who decides he's had enough of the lies and speaks the (to them) unpalletable truth. As an old Marine once told me, "The really good ones seem to go first." Ave atque vale.
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