Al passed away suddenly on Friday January 10, 2014.
He was born in Royal Columbia Hospital in New Westminster B.C. on December 23, 1956. Al spent his childhood in Vancouver where he learned to love and play hockey from the early age of 7.
In 1981, Al followed his lifelong friends Helen and Frank to Nelson where he continued playing hockey in Nelson’s gentleman’s league for several years making many friends. He worked several jobs including Morning Mountain Ski Hill, Farmers Supply, Devito’s Shoe Repair, Forestry, Bel Maintenance and most recently for the Regional District of Central Kootenay.
Ultimately, Al became a Kootenay Man. He absolutely loved the outdoors and during the last 30 years he spent most of his free time in the mountains riding his dirt bike, camping or hiking.
One of his passions was to take friends, family and anyone willing to join him into the surrounding mountains pointing out the beauty and naming all the mountain peaks. In 2012 Al joined the Kootenay Mountaineering Club where he quickly became involved in trail maintenance and led many club hikes.
Al is survived by his wife Sheila, step son Jeremiah, parents Marg and Earle, brother Garry (Sharon), many cousins, aunts & uncles and extended family.
We are extremely grateful for the over whelming love and kindness expressed by family and friends, the Beasley Fire and Rescue team, paramedics, the staff at Kootenay Lake District Hospital and Neal the sander. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday January 18, 2014 from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm at the Best Western Hotel, Nelson.
In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Heart & Stroke Foundation in Al’s honour. (www.heartandstroke.com)