Submitted by: Dan Rich

Albert J. Poelvoorde

Feb. 4. 1927 - July 17. 2008

South Bend Tribune 7/20/2008
MISHAWAKA - Albert J. "HOK" Poelvoorde, 81, passed away on July 17, 2008, in his home surrounded by his family after a long battle with colon cancer. Al was ready to meet his buddies in the big tavern in the sky, and often said he was ready to get on with his next adventure. Al was born in Mishawaka on February 4, 1927, the only child of Raymond Poelvoorde and Marina (Van Hyfte) Poelvoorde, both from Belgium, and his stepfather, Edward Daoust, who all preceded him in death. Al was attending Central High School when he enlisted in the Navy as a seaman navigator during WW II. He along with other veterans came back to Central High School to finish their education and formed one of the finest football teams in high school history. Al received a football scholarship to attend college in San Francisco. Al joined the South Bend police force in 1953. Some of his best memories came from walking his beat on the midnight shift. He often recalled the colorful citizens of the night and told stories of their lives and experiences. He became a detective sergeant in 1963 and attained the rank of detective captain in 1969. He was captain of the Intelligence Division along with Vice and Narcotics. In 1956 through 1966 he formed the first Police Department Scuba Diving Team and understood both the beauty and hidden dangers of the St. Joseph River. He retired from the Police Department in 1974 after almost 22 years of service. Al's public service was not over; in 1974 he joined the prosecutor's office as a special investigator under William Voor. He left the prosecutor's office in 1978 and was Mishawaka's Street Commissioner for a brief period. To this day he would get a twitch when severe snow reports would bring out the plows; his family believes it was from his days as street commissioner.

However, in 1979 he went back to the prosecutor's office as special investigator under Michael Barnes, where he stayed until his retirement in 1998. "HOK" as he was known throughout the community, loved his work and believed in helping those citizens that were the most vulnerable. A truly unique individual, Al lived his life to the fullest and floated through the social stratosphere with ease. His phenomenal sense of humor and story- telling are some of the best parts of his legacy. Al is survived by his children, Scott (Sandy) Poelvoorde, Gainesville, FL, Sheral Litell, South Bend, Stacey (Tim) Shreve, Dowagiac, MI. Grandchildren, Aaron and Adam Poelvoorde, Haille and Alissa Litell, Amber, Hilary, Daniel, Whitney and Kelsey Podell. Preceding him in death was Al. Bino Poelvoorde. In Al's retirement years he enjoyed his grandchildren, friends and was always ready to play his polka cello. Al recently founded a "think tank" of sorts called the R.O.B.B. Group, that met at American Legion Post #303 to discuss world events and solutions. He was a member of FOP #36 and American Legion Post #303.

Family and friends may visit on Monday, July 21st, from 4 to 8 p.m. in Hahn Funeral Home, 505 W. 8th Street, Mishawaka. A private family burial will follow at a future date. In lieu of flowers, donations are requested to be made to Pet Refuge, 2300 W. 6th Street, Mishawaka; to the Humane Society of St. Joseph County; or to the Center for the Homeless. A Policeman's Prayer Dear Lord, be with me on my beat This day and every day. Grant that each weary block I walk May ease a brother's way. Let me be kindly to the old And to the young be strong, ' But let me triumph over those Whose acts are cruel or wrong. And when my own last summons comes And I stand in Your Court, Lord, may my rest with You be long, My punishment be short.