Inspector Funk was appointed as an aide-de camp on October 5, 2004. His last assignment was in February 2008, though he remained as an aide until the time of his passing.

You may wonder what it means to be an aide. The title “aide-de-camp” literally means “an aide in the field.” The position of aide-de-camp has a long and honourable history dating back to the times when Generals and high-ranking Commanders were mobile leaders, active in leading their armies, troops and cavalry into battle. Royalty have aides-de-camp, as do Governors General, Lieutenant Governors and senior military and police officers.

Aides serving the Vice-Regal offices wear their aiguillettes on their right shoulders while all others wear theirs on their left shoulders. There are different stories as to the significance of the aiguillettes, but I think the one most appropriate to the day and to Inspector Funk is that they served as hobbles for the General’s horse. The original braids were rope hobbles with stakes attached and when the commander dismounted and handed the reins to his aide, the aide would take the hobbles off his shoulder and drive the two stakes into the ground with, of course, rope hobbles around the forelegs of the horse. The fancy braids you see worn today are a stylized version of hobbles with metal spikes and regimental colours woven into the gold cords.

What do Vice-Regal aides-de-camp do today? They take care of us. They ensure we are safe, that our logistics and “field plans” unfold as they are supposed to. They serve as the first point of contact during events and they protect us, announce us and get us safely home. They walk in front of us to ensure the pathway is clear and safe, they keep us moving in the social circles of events and most of all, they make sure that we are on time. In short, an aide-de-camp does more than hobble our horses; they are invaluable to our success in everything we must do “in the field”. We rely on them, we appreciate them and we applaud them and their voluntary service.

Inspector Funk was one of those most valuable aides-de-camp. He served both former Lieutenant Governor Iona Campagnolo and he served me. I will remember him for his dedication to us, his smile and good humour even when he was obviously suffering and I will remember him for his kindness. The last time I spoke with Inspector Funk was on a visit to Prince George last winter. He brought Gwen and I to the university. He was a delightful, energetic individual who spoke highly of his community. He impressed me as a very honourable man, who thinks of others first, who cares about his people and his career. Thank you for sharing him with us; we have both been enriched by our association with Inspector Funk.

I bring my condolences, the condolences of my wife, the staff of Government House and the condolences of all the other Vice-Regal aides in British Columbia with whom he served. He was a good man and he will be missed.

LOCATION:1401 Rockland Avenue
Victoria, British Columbia
Canada V8S 1V9

PHONE:(250) 387-2080

FAX:(250) 387-2078

EMAIL:ghinfo@gov.bc.ca

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