Deceased Brethren

William Cecil Herman Kier (1886-1966) was a member of one of the pioneer families in the Cowichan Valley. His family came to the Cowichan Valley in 1862.

His grandfather, Archibald Renfrew Kier, was also a Freemason and is buried in Mountain View Cemetery, North Cowichan.

William Kier joined Temple Lodge No. 33 in 1912 and remained a member of Temple Lodge No. 33 until 1931, when he took a dimit.

He had a 43 year career with the B.C. Provincial Police, retiring as an Inspector in 1947.

William Kier in BC Provincial Police uniform, circa 1930 (photo courtesy of Larry Kier - private collection)
William Kier in BC Provincial Police uniform, circa 1930 (photo courtesy of Larry Kier – private collection)

Here is a brief biography William Herman Cecil Kier taken from his obituary in the Cowichan Leader newspaper and from other sources:

“Dies aged 79
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Wm. Kier policeman 43 years
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A former inspector of the old Provincial Police, and native son of Cowichan, William Herman Cecil Kier, aged 79, died in St. Joseph’s Hospital, Victoria, Monday.

He will be buried in Mountain View Cemetery, Somenos Road, near the family home, Saturday following a service at St. Edward’s Roman Catholic Church at 10:30 a.m., Rev. Paul Monahan, OMI, will officiate.

Mr. Kier was born here December 15, 1886. His grandfather, the late Archibald Renfrew Kier, arrived in this area from Ontario in 1862 with the first settlers.

Until his retirement in January 1947, Mr. Kier served 43 years with the former B.C. Provincial Police. In his retirement he farmed part of the historic property. His police work included some famous B.C. cases, especially in prohibition days.

He is survived by his wife, Mary; one son, Eldon, Duncan; three daughters, Mrs. Tommy Flander, Vancouver; Mrs. Dick Maher, Surrey and Mrs. Jack Andrew, Vancouver; three brothers, Basil and Sidney, Youbou, and James, Thetis Lake; three sisters, Mrs. Henry Roberts, Sonora, Calif., Mrs. Harry Black, Vancouver, and Mrs. William Patrick, West Vancouver; also seven grandchildren.

Prayers will be offered at Hirst Funeral Chapel Friday evening at 7:30 p.m.”

(Source: Cowichan Leader, 14 September 1966 –  from Cowichan Valley Museum & Archives collections)

“Funeral services for William Henry Cecil Kier, former police inspector, who died September 12 in Victoria, were held Saturday from St. Edward’s Roman Catholic Church, with Rev. P. Monahan officiating.

Pallbearers were Tom Flander, Ken Ployart, Larry Kier, Norman Tinkler and W.J. Goldie.

Prayers were said in Hirst Funeral Chapel Friday evening.

Interment took place in Mountain View Cemetery, Somenos Road.”

(Source: Cowichan Leader, 14 September 1966 –  from Cowichan Valley Museum & Archives collections)

William Kier is buried in Mountain View Cemetery, North Cowichan.

William Kier grave stone, Mountain View Cemetery, North Cowichan (photo by Temple Lodge No. 33 Historian)
William Kier grave stone, Mountain View Cemetery, North Cowichan (photo by Temple Lodge No. 33 Historian)
William Kier grave, Mountain View Cemetery, North Cowichan (photo by Temple Lodge No. 33 Historian)
William Kier grave, Mountain View Cemetery, North Cowichan (photo by Temple Lodge No. 33 Historian)

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