Thanks to Penticton Herald files 1912
The greatest manhunt in the Okanagan’s history, up to that point occurred in 1912 – a hundred years ago.

Armed with a colt revolver, Walter Boyd James (aka “W. Poehlke, an American-born teamster, living in Kelowna) and Frank Wilson robbed Chater & Taylor’s Store in South Kelowna, March 16, 1912. They were quickly arrested in Penticton by Provincial Constable Geoffrey Haredale Aston, and were destined for return to Kelowna on the S.S. Okanagan. However, as they neared Peachland, James shot Constable Aston with a hidden revolver, and he and Wilson made good their escape. On March 20, they were recaptured at Wilson’s Landing. Constable Aston died at Kelowna on March 29, and Boyd James was subsequently charged with first degree murder. On August 9, 1912, at Kamloops, James was hanged for the murder of Constable Aston.

Current photos by Dave Whalley

Memorial for Sgt Geoffrey H Aston 1858 1912

Sunday at Fairview Cemetary, Penticton, a memorial service was held for Sgt. Aston who was shot and killed 100 years ago while transporting 2 prisoners to Kelowna on the SS Okanagan. The service was conducted by the Penticton Freemasons with a honour guard of RCMP in red serge, a contingent of retired police officers and the Penticton Fire Dept.

Aston’s grave at the cemetary has been renovated with a new concrete surround and a new bronze memorial plaque embeded in the concrete.

The Grand Master of Freemasons was in attendance along with a large contingent of Freemasons  who conducted the memorial service and also paid for the upgrade to the grave site and the new bronze plaque, Sgt Aston was a Mason and was a member of Greenwood Lodge.

The plaque says Sargeant which may have been granted to him posthumously as all newspaper references call him Constable.