It is with regret that we have to announce the death of a retired Police Officer : Sgt 26 Stephen (Steve) Joseph Regan, who died on the 30th November 2020, aged 90 years.
Stephen joined Durham Constabulary in 1948 and served at Billingham, Tantobie and Gilesgate, when he transferred to the Dog Section in 1956.
In 1964 he was promoted to Sergeant and became a Dog Training Instructor at Harperley Hall, where he remained until his retirement, together with his Police Dog ‘Heidi’ in 1978.
From the early 1960’s he was involved in dog training across the North East of England.
After retirement he worked for a short time at Minsteracres, Derwentside, supervising young offenders sentenced to ‘Community Service’.
In the early 1980’s Stephen went over to Saudi Arabia, where he worked in an administrative position with the Arabian American Oil Company (ARAMCO), dealing with animals going into the country. He also set up a type of ‘Kennel Club’ process enabling the registration of pedigree dogs.
Upon his return to the UK in 1986 he set up his own Dog Training business, before selling it on in the mid 1990’s.
Stephen became a resident of West Lodge Care Home, Billy Row, Crook some 4 years ago, with the onset of Alzheimer’s Disease and died of Covid related symptoms.
He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Stella; sons, Philip, Stephen and Stewart and daughter Clare and their respective spouses, Mary, Eleanor, Nicola and Marcus; nine grandchildren and four great grandchildren and brother, John.
A funeral service will be held at 11.15am Monday 14th December 2020 at St Cuthbert’s RC Church in Crook but due to the current restrictions this will be held for Family only.
The family have requested that no flowers are sent, any donations in lieu to the Alzheimer’s Society.
Our thoughts are with all the family at this sad time.
