A former Saint John police chief is being remembered as a determined leader who helped those in need.

Clarence “Butch” Cogswell passed away Monday at the age of 82, according to his obituary.

“While Butch’s positive effect helped lead many to fulfilling lives, he remained humble. He was a friend to the lonely and kind to the mistreated,” said the obituary.

Cogswell worked his way through the ranks of the Saint John Police Force to become chief.

Hired by the Saint John Police Force in 1962, Cogswell became acting chief in November 1997 and was appointed chief in March 1998. He retired from the force in October 2004.

Among the recognitions he received was being appointed to the “Officer of the Order of Merit of the Police Forces.”

Cogswell also received the Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Medal and the Queen Elizabeth Golden Jubilee Medal.

He was also honoured with a number of citations, including one from the city for saving a woman from drowning in Courtenay Bay.

Cogswell is also remembered as a committed volunteer and sports builder who had a passion for coaching and playing basketball.

He achieved 28 championships in 61 years, including four of six Canadian juvenile championships.

In recognition of his coaching abilities, Cogswell was inducted into the Saint John Sports Hall of Fame and received awards from the Boys and Girls Club of Canada and Basketball NB.

“He has touched thousands of lives with his passion for this game and as a result, many of these lives were influenced and motivated to excel,” said his obituary.