Alfred Louis Cordoni
March 17th, 2024
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CORDONI, Alfred (Al) Louis
September 18, 1936 - March 17, 2024
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Al on Sunday March 17th at the Palliative Care Unit, Burnaby Hospital, with his family by his side. Al was predeceased by his brothers, Tony, Elmer, Dante, Peter, and Harold; sisters, Elvira, Doris, and Lydia; brothers-in-law Dezo (Zak) and Les Szakal. He is survived by his sister Jo.
Al will be forever cherished by Vi, his loving wife of 66 years, daughter Gina (Jean-Yves), son Chris (Nané), granddaughters Danaan (Jake) and Shanti; sister-in-law Liz (Larry) Olkovick. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews, both in the Cordoni and Szakal families, who will sadly miss him.
Born in New Westminster, Al grew up in a fishing/farming family on the Fraser River near Fort Langley, the second youngest in a family of ten siblings. When he was fifteen, he moved to Commercial Drive in Vancouver with his mother, Josephine, brother Harold, and sister Joey. He attended Templeton Junior High and then Britannia High School. After completing Grade 11, he left school and worked at various jobs, including on tugboats, in shipyards and junkyards, and as a laborer. In his early twenties he became a welder and was a member of the Ironworkers Union.
As a young adult, Al was a political activist, an idealist fighting for a better world through marching, singing and through various affiliations.
In 1958 Al and Vi married. Al finished high school through night classes and went to university to become a teacher. Daughter Gina was born in 1962, and son Chris followed in 1964.
Al started his teaching career in Surrey in 1965, then promptly moved to Burnaby for the remainder of his career. In 1980 he earned his Master’s of Education Degree in Counselling Psychology from U.B.C., and worked in numerous elementary schools until his retirement in 1995.
Al was always an active union member throughout his adult life, dedicating many years of service to the Burnaby Teachers’ Association, while being a strong and constant supporter of the B.C. Teachers’ Federation.
Al was a supportive and loving husband, father, and grandfather. His gentle, kind nature was appreciated by all who met him. He was forever optimistic, always believing in the goodness of life. He had a quick sense of humour and a laugh that put people at ease. Al was a champion for equality and social justice and was a regular participant in demonstrations calling for peace, and for environmental and climate action.
Al was a soft-spoken man, yet an engaging conversationalist. He will be remembered as a person of integrity and a force for love. He will be deeply missed.
We want to thank the BC Cancer Agency, in particular Dr. Barb Melosky, who cared for Al for many years.
A celebration of life will be held on April 13th at 2:00 p.m. at the Maritime Labour Centre, 1880 Triumph Street, Vancouver, B.C. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your favourite charity or a cause true to your heart. To share memories or to leave a message of condolence, go to myalternatives.ca.
Messages:
So sorry to hear of Al's passing. When I started teaching and attending union meetings, I remember his voice always being one of thoughtful reason, focused on improving things for students and teachers. That's the legacy I know has continued with Gina (who I had the pleasure of working with) and am sure with all of your family - social justice, kindness, and joy. May your best memories sustain you at this sad time.
We both met Al shortly after we moved to Vancouver in 2005 in Solnotes choir. We were immediately drawn to this kind, humane, progressive man who always shone with dignity and honesty. His deep resonant voice grounded us in our struggle for social justice and equality. He will be missed and our condolences to Vi and the whole family
So sorry to hear about Al . I worked with Al at Second Street school for many years. I think we even carpooled a couple of times. He was the greatest guy always so caring and supportive of the students and the teachers. He had a really great sense of humour, and we laughed a lot . I remember seeing him down at the Jazz Festival years back. He would always take time to talk to people , never too busy. I loved his smile and his gentle spirit. Sorry for your loss. Condolences to his wife and family. Such a great guy. Patty Stoddard,
My heart goes out to your family in this difficult time of loss and sorrow. I first met Al as a new teacher at Capitol Hill Elementary School. Al was the counsellor. I have very fond memories of Al - his kindness, friendship and mentorship which I treasure to this day. Take good care. Merrilyn Cook
Enviamos un Fuerte abrazo Para toda la Familia. Atte. Gaspar, vianey.,jesus,Sabina keendui, Alex.
Sentimos mucho la perdida del Sr. Alfredo. Nuestra condolencias a nuestros amigos Gina y Juan. Y para la Familia Cordoni.. Estamos con ustedes.
Nos plus sincères condoléances à toute la famille. Nous nous souvenons ici de Al dans de meilleures circonstances bien sûr, un homme simple, gentil, avec beaucoup d'humour. Nous te souhaitons, Vi, beaucoup de courage avec le soutien bienveillant de vos enfants. Géraldine et Philippe
My heart goes out to you, the family and friends of Al. I knew him once, when I was twelve, and moving from Westridge after my grade 6 school year. Such a kind, intelligent and engaging teacher as one can only hope for! On my last day of school in Burnaby, he accepted my invitation and visited my parents at our home. What ensued was a wonderful sunny afternoon of engaged, lively and intelligent discourse that I'll always remember. When it came time to leave, he gave us that great smile and an excellent book for me to read over the coming summer. Such a fond memory of a good man. Once again, my condolences to all who knew Al.
Sorry to hear of Alfi's passing. Thinking of Vi and the family. He was a great friend to my family, and I enjoyed our discussions over the years. He and Vi were one of those couples that were exemplary.
Our deepest sympathy to Vi and family. Thinking of the lovely memories at Liz and Larry's birthdays parties and the greet chuts we hade with AL . Take care of yourself in this difficult time. Regards Helmut and Theres
I am so saddened to hear of Alfie’s passing. I remember him working at Chaffee Burke elementary when Angie attended it. He was an upbeat and wonderful man. He will be missed by so many. Sending love to the family at this very difficult time. ❣️
Our deepest sympathy to Vi and family. We are privileged to have known Al. We will truly miss his gentle calm presence and inspiring conversation at lively and loving family gatherings. Our hearts go out to Vi, Chris, Nané, Gina Jean-Yves, Danaan,Jake and Shanti. It seems so final but he lives on in You. Love, Eric and Faye
Thinking of you and the family Vi. So many lovely memories of you and Al that go back many years. Thinking fondly of our reconnection through North Lake too. Al was truly a champion for equality and social justice and his lifetime of contributions have made a difference for all of us. And as we know, the struggles continue. Thinking of you at this sad time. Take care of yourself. Love and Peace, Dianne
So sorry to hear of Al's passing. He was a great lifelong friend to many including my sister. RIP, Al and my condolences to Vi and his family. May his memory be a blessing.