Honouring Chuck Konkel
From the Toronto Star and Humphrey Funeral Home
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August 27, 1950 – July 21, 2024
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Chuck Konkel, a distinguished author, police officer, international crime specialist and most importantly, husband, proud son of Ann, and the late Edward Konkel, father and friend. Chuck passed away on July 21, at the age of 73.
Born in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, Chuck was a man of many talents and accomplishments. He held a Master’s degree in International Relations and was fluent in several languages. His career in law enforcement spanned decades and continents, beginning as an Inspector in the Royal Hong Kong Police before joining the Toronto Police, where he became an acknowledged expert in both Asian and Eastern European organized crime. He also served in the Canadian Armed Forces.
Chuck collaborated with international law enforcement agencies, including Interpol, the National Police Force of Poland, the Dutch police force, and the Belgium police force, as well as the RCMP and FBI (including lecturing at Quantico). He was instrumental in executing high-profile search warrants and investigations that spanned the globe, from Moscow to Ottawa. His work with the Polish National Police and his advisory role to the late Commissioner of Police for Poland, Marek Papala, on behalf of the FBI, highlighted his commitment to combating organized crime. He was instrumental in his push to have Poland admitted into NATO through Canada as the late Bill Graham, then Minister of Foreign Affairs, used to call Chuck, Mr. Poland! He created the template for the Hate Crime laws in Canada for which he received an award from the Senate of Canada. He also received many additional awards for his accomplishments and bravery, both in Canada and abroad.
A prolific writer, Chuck authored three highly acclaimed thrillers, “The Glorious East Wind”, “Evil Never Sleeps,” and, most recently, “Who Has Buried The Dead?”, which was the competing novel to Oppenheimer about the H-bomb opposed to the A-bomb, created in the WWII Manhattan project. His works provided gripping narratives that reflected his deep understanding of geopolitical issues and crime. His media appearances on Larry King Live, NBC, PBS national radio, and David Letterman, among others, showcased his insights and expertise.
Despite facing a rare and challenging form of cancer, that only impacts one in two million people, Chuck’s resilience and dedication were unwavering. He continued to fulfill his professional duties with the Toronto Police, even while undergoing major surgery and over 55 chemotherapy treatments. His commitment to his work and community remained steadfast throughout his illness and the COVID-19 pandemic. He never missed a day of work in the field during COVID, except for attending his chemo treatments.
Chuck was also a passionate advocate for refugee sponsorship, working closely with various organizations, including the Office of Refugees, Archdiocese of Toronto, and Toronto Police chaplains, to support Yezidi and Mandaean refugees and the Tamil people who suffered so greatly.
In addition to his professional achievements, Chuck was deeply involved in his community. He served as a director of the Ontario Safety League and was committed to supporting Christian/Coptic refugees, recognizing the unique risks they faced.
Chuck’s life was a testament to courage, resilience, and unwavering dedication to justice and humanity. He leaves behind a legacy of remarkable achievements and contributions that have made a lasting impact on those who knew him and the broader community. Chuck also ran federally for the Conservatives and ran Konkel’s Karnival every year for the local community.
Chuck is survived by his family, friends, and colleagues who will miss his wisdom, strength, and unwavering spirit. He was the most wonderful father who would leave a board meeting to attend his daughter, Laura’s, school events and used to decorate her school with hundreds of balloons every year for Celebration Saturday, at Havergal College. He never missed an important event in Laura’s life from field hockey, to skating, ski racing (where he moderated the races every Wednesday with Robin) and attending track meets. He was a devoted husband to his wife, Robin, for 47 years. They stuck to each other like glue and loved each other so very much.
Chuck Konkel was never afraid to do the right thing. He never, ever thought about himself and he was always there to help others. He was decent, fiercely loyal, believed in God, and loved working with the police officers and civilian staff at the Toronto Police until he took his last breath. He will always be loved by so many! Chuck immigrated to Canada at the age of two, as a displaced person from Holland, after WWII. He paid his way through university cleaning the blast furnaces at Stelco (the steel mill) and truly lived the Canadian dream.
Chuck loved flowers and they are welcome!
The visitation will occur at Humphrey Funeral Home A.W. Miles – Newbigging Chapel Ltd., 1403 Bayview Avenue, Toronto, on Tuesday, July 30th, and Wednesday, July 31st, from 4:00 – 9:00 p.m. Condolences may be forwarded through www.humphreymiles.com. The funeral service will occur on August 1st at 10:00 a.m. at St. Anselm’s Parish, 1 MacNaughton Road, Toronto. A burial and reception will immediately follow.