Al passed away peacefully on July 13, 2024, in his 90th year. He is predeceased by his parents Mary (1974) and Henry (1981); wife Jean (1991); brother Harry (1992), sister Ida (2018), sister Dorothy (2012), and brother Raymond (2017).
He is survived by his companion, Catherine, daughter Toby (Andrew), son Kerry (Christy), sisters Jean and Amie, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Al was born in Morrisburg, Ontario and graduated from high school at Albert College (Belleville) in 1954. After working in the family business and then on the St. Lawrence Seaway Power Project, he moved to Vancouver, BC, in 1958.
He graduated from the University of Washington (BA 1963) and the University of British Columbia (MA 1968) in Community and Regional Planning. He worked as an urban planner for more than 30 years with several private and government agencies and retired from the city of Coquitlam in 1998.
Al was a devoted father and spent much of his time with his kids as a coach, manager and mentor in baseball, soccer, hockey and swimming (Burnaby Barracudas).
In 1982 he returned to his favourite sport, hockey, when the Burnaby Blazers were formed. He then played in many adult and senior tournaments until 2016. He especially enjoyed the Charles Schultz Snoopy tournament in Santa Rosa, California, where he played 20 times for various Canadian and American teams. His hockey buddies were a great source of support and friendship to him later in his life.
Dad will be remembered for his sage quotes, his charming sense of humour, and his ability to tell a story with a twinkle in his eye.
The family wishes to thank Dr. Erin Fu and Devon, Dr. Kai Lueke, the staff at RCH, and all the nurses (especially Stacy and Janet) with the Fraser Health palliative team for the exceptional care and empathy shown throughout his treatment.
Because of the good memories skiing with family and friends, Albert will be cremated, and his ashes scattered on Blackcomb 7th Heaven, near the ashes of his wife Jean. There will be no formal service at his request, but an informal celebration will take place in the Fall. Donations to the Canadian Breast Cancer research fund or a charity of your choice is appreciated.