Making his rounds at the B.C. Legislature, peace officer Kelly Dukeshire is often asked if he plays basketball.
In fact Dukeshire is a UVic Vikes Hall of Fame inductee, who was part of four straight national championship runs with the team.
“UVic as a group won three more after we left, so we had seven in a row, which, I don’t think has been beaten,” says Dukeshire.
“It was a very good career … I was surrounded by great people.”
Perhaps the game which stands out the most is the 1981-82 national championship game at the old Memorial Arena.
“It was wonderful being able to win a championship in front of all your family and friends and all the people that you know in the city,” says Dukeshire.
“So that’s probably obviously the highlight is doing it on your home turf which we never got the chance to do other years.”
After his time at UVic, Dukeshire became an officer with Saanich Police before moving to the legislature in 2014. Now Dukeshire is just months away from retirement and reflecting on his career.
“I go through the Springsteen Glory Days song all the time but I try to avoid that cause you’ve got to live in the now,” laughs Dukeshire.
I’ve got a lot of great memories and a lot of great experiences … but I’m looking forward to the next chapter.”
While he’s ready to move on, the people are what Dukeshire will miss from his time at the legislature.
“The people in terms of the staff in the building, the politicians, the public that comes through the building every year,” says Dukeshire. “There’s a lot of engagement with people which is what I like to do.”
Kelly Dukeshire, number 44 above, was part of four straight national championship runs with the University of Victoria Vikes. (File)
Cole Sorenson
