(February 3rd, 1943-August 20th, 2017) It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Al who left us on Sunday, Aug. 20, 2017 after a short battle with cancer. He was 74-years-old. He is predeceased by his parents Francis and Victoria, Nephew Glen, Nieces Charlotte, Katherine and Sister-in-law Anna.

Al was born in Smithers, B.C. The oldest of 4 children he was raised in the neighbouring Village of Telkwa where tales of his youth are legend. When it came to most sports, he was a natural athlete. He loved hockey and as a young adult he had a chance to play for the Boston Bruins farm team.

Al had his hands in many professions. He worked for BC Tel, owned his own skidder logging in Northern BC, dabbled in heavy duty mechanics and ran a Husky gas station. The last 17 years of his working life were his greatest pride as he and his wife Brenda owned and operated an A&W in Houston, B.C. He loved his early mornings at the grill and coffee with the regular crew. Customers and staff became his extended family.

Al retired to Nanaimo, B.C. in 2014 and quickly became part of the community. He could be seen at the Nanaimo Aquatic Centre most mornings, The Meeting Place on Sundays and volunteering at Loaves and Fishes Monday evenings.

Al was a loving husband to his wife Brenda of 47 years, a very proud and generous Dad to daughters Tracy and Terry (Dale), “Papa” to Drew, Mark, Samantha and Avery, and he was a fun loving Uncle to many wonderful nieces and nephews.

Al was always there to help; he had a passion for volunteering, he loved hosting friends and was the life of the party at most gatherings, and he was the mastermind behind many a practical joke. We will miss his generous nature, his willingness to lend an ear and his sense of humour that never left him during his four-month fight. Without him there is great void that will never be filled.

Special thank you to the most amazing nurses and physicians at Nanaimo Hospital; Dad received outstanding care in the ER, the Transitions Unit and the Palliative Care Unit.

A celebration of Al’s life will be held on Saturday, Sept. 2, 2017 at 1:30 p.m. at the Houston Community Hall on Butler Ave in Houston, B.C. All are welcome.

In lieu of flowers please donate to your local food bank, favourite charity or volunteer at something you love. Al would get a kick out of that.

Condolences through firstmemorialnanaimo.com.

• Date : 2017-08-20
• Location : Nanaimo