Al Donaldson
July 20th, 2014
Donaldson, Al
Born 1937 in London Ontario
This remarkable man’s heart of gold stopped beating Sunday July 20, 2014 with family at his side.
Deeply loved and sadly missed by his bride of 54 years, Eleanor aka ‘Lefty’, children Jodi and Barry (Laurie), grandchildren Laura, Cara, Jon & Maddie, extended family and dear friends.
Pages could be filled with the details of his life well lived and positive impressions made. Those who knew Al (‘Good Old Al’ as he would often introduce himself) have their own stories and experiences on which they can reflect. Without a doubt those memories bring a smile.
As husband, Dad and Granddad, Al embraced those he loved both literally and figuratively. He gave the best hugs and kisses, winks of love, approval and mischief and smiled with his eyes right to the end. He believed in the importance of laughing to the point of tears and could always be relied upon to tell the best (and the worst) jokes to make someone smile. To family he was the smartest man we knew – capable and knowledgeable about multitudes of things, offering life lessons, insights and support.
Known for his sense of humor, dry wit, warm and generous heart, integrity and service to community, he was wise, hard working and dedicated to his family and friends. He was committed to service with the Lions Club, Royal Canadian Legion and Canadian Gas Processors among others and had approximately 30 years experience in the Petroleum, Electric Utility Construction and Manufacturing Industries. He believed in lifelong learning. He was an avid reader, took and taught CBE Continuing Ed courses, ran his own businesses and researched and pursued varied hobbies and collections. In work and play he was an inspiration.
Al loved music and the outdoors, particularly backpacking in the mountains, the Radium Valley, golf and travel. After retirement, a true snow bird he looked forward to Arizona winters and summers at Pioneer Acres.
As he wished no services are planned but to thank his dear family and friends for the years of fond memories and friendships shared. If desired, memorial donations may be made to The Alberta Cancer Foundation, The Alberta Heart and Stroke Foundation, Pioneer Acres of Alberta or The Alzheimer’s Society.
Not a day will go by without our thinking of Al’s, Dad’s and Granddad’s love of life and family, mischievous sense of humor and gentle soul.
Messages:
Lefty and family, My sincerest sympathies. I recall Al's laugh and his joy at living. His laugh was contagious. I am doing okay now and have about 8 years before I can retire. Regards, Laurie
I will never forget the great times Al and I had hiking in the mountains and the every day conversations.
Al was a great neighbour and a great guy. Whenever we met he was always smiling, and invariably had a story to tell - most were in the form of a joke,(some were funnier than others) and he enjoyed telling it as much as those to whom he was speaking. Al also believed in the community, and served it well. The world needs more Al Donaldsons, and if they did the world would be a much better place. Brian Stevenson
Dear Lefty: I was very sorry to see Al's obituary in The Herald today. Please accept my sincerest condolences to you and your family. I hope that many years of happy memories will help ease the pain you all must be feeling at this most difficult time. Kindest regards, Margaret Sparkes
Sorry to hear about Al, he was a good guy