Albert "Al" Duane Johnson

October 3rd, 2014

JOHNSON, Albert “Al” Duane

Albert was a man who loved the outdoors. When he wasn’t taking a phone call, sending e-mails or contemplating a solution to a problem, he liked to unplug and be close to nature. Whether that meant riding his horse, spending hours building goat and sheep pens, or heading out to his cabin where he loved "roughing it" with no power or running water, he was a down to earth country boy who respected the land and enjoyed hunting game on that land. His favourite place to be was at home on the farm, especially in the spring when all of the new baby animals were born into the bustle. He also loved watching football and cheering for the Stamps! Go Stamps Go!

Albert was very involved in the community and had a reputation of being a good man, a good leader, and a good friend, sitting as a director on the Bashaw Agricultural Society.

Though he looked forward to the day that he could be a full time country boy, he dedicated his life to help thousands of working men and women across the province, both union and non-union alike. To improve their standard of living and working conditions, he was the right man for the job and he put his whole heart into everything he did.

Albert was first elected as President of the United Food and Commercial Workers Union, Local 1118 in 1986 and was the longest serving, current, UFCW Canada President in the country. Albert was a mentor, teacher, negotiator, and leader who was well known and respected as someone who would stand up to bullies and would give the shirt off his back to anyone in need. He was especially proud of the work that Local 1118 did to help fight for the rights of thousands of Temporary Foreign Workers by not only seeing they were protected day to day on the job, but also guaranteeing their nomination for residency.

A man of simple tastes, he wasn’t much into fashion and flash, but he did love taking his mustang for a cruise with the love of his life, his wife Tammy, whom he met in 2000 and married on August 2, 2003, in San Francisco.

He loved his family dearly, was a strong family man and very proud of his children and his grandson. While his job kept him very busy, he cherished all the time that he could spend with his loved ones.

He is survived by his wife Tammy (nee Green); daughter Stephanie Jean Johnson (Edmonton); son, Ryan Scott Johnson (Edmonton); step son, Mark James Zirrie (Regina); Devon Curtis Zirrie (Regina); grandson Zachary Christopher Zirrie (Regina); mother, Jean Johnson (Delburne); brother, Doug Johnson (Val) (Red Deer); brother, Sam Johnson (Theresa) (Delburne); sister, Nancy Hughes (Kevin) (Moncton); sister, Terry Davidson (Derek) (Delburne); as well as all of his many nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles. Albert was pre-deceased by his father Franklin (Frank) Johnson.

Services will be held at the Harvest Centre in the Marquis Room at Westerner Park, Red Deer, AB on Friday, October 10, 2014 at  3:30 pm. A Celebration of Life to follow the Service at 5:00 pm.

Flowers can be sent to Alternatives Funeral and Cremation Services, 12 East Lake Way NE, Airdrie, AB by no later than Thursday, October 9 at 4:00 pm or in lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Albert’s namet to Leukemia Research c/o Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada, Alberta Branch, 110 – 1202 Centre St SE, Calgary, AB, T2G 5A5.

Messages:

It was with a very heavy heart and terrible sadness that I arrived (late) to Albert's service. I knew no one there....everyone I would know had left for the evening. I nervously asked a few people where to be pointed to "The Family" I was lost for words and I didn't even know how to begin an introduction. I was directed over to a small group who were looking at a photo album. I met this beautiful woman who had such an radiance in this time of grieving. Albert your family is so beautiful and your friend directed me to your beautiful wife and we exchanged soft words, hugs, and stories. I needed the closure so desperately.....You and I had a discussion the last time I saw you and it was heated. You taught me so many valuable things over the years. You guided me, argued with me, taught me, you mentored me. You reminded me so much of my father because you have the same morals and down to earthiness. Thank you Albert always for the memories I will always carry with me. Love and Blessings to you and Yours

To the entire Johnson family - what a huge loss for you all! I'm so sorry and like everyone shocked to hear of the sudden passing of Albert. Albert and I went through school together all K-12 grades. In those 13 years I don't recall ever seeing him angry or hearing a mean word spoken. He was always consistently kind, quiet and had the cutest little "shy" smile. Although we've seldom crossed paths since graduation I stand with our classmates as we grieve the loss of a childhood friend.

Jean, Doug, Sam, Nancy & Terry, we feel for your loss of a son and brother. And it is sad. I am left with the memories of awesome times we had spent together. Al, he had a cool slant of how he saw things. Usually it was entertaining and fun. Although we were related, I always considered Al as friend. Moreover, he was the kind of person anyone would look forward to seeing. I knew that being around him something fun was going to happen. If it wasn't fun, for sure it would be entertaining ! Al showed and taught me many things. I still thank my lucky stars I have all my fingers. He'd take some healthy swings with the hatchet when killing chickens ! That was Al ! Good memories, take care my friend Duane, Angelica and family

I am devastated to hear about Albert's death. It is a real loss for the working people in Alberta - particularly for the temporary foreign workers whose rights he championed with such integrity and determination. Albert always impressed me with his quiet intelligence, his common sense and dedication. I have seen him quietly point out the obvious contradictions in government policy to bureaucrats too immersed in their rhetoric to see the obvious. It was delightful! He was always so willing to take my calls for help for TFWs and was always upfront and just generally great to deal with. I will truly miss his presence. To Albert's family, all I can say is that I hope you take great comfort in having been able to share in the life of a wonderful man! He has left a legacy that I think you can be very proud of - his profound respect for all workers. My most sincere sympathies.

Dear Tammy, Aunty Jean, Doug, Sam, Nancy, Terry and Families. I have many fond memories of the times that I spent at the farm as a child. Many times when I'm out with my sons and we're throwing rocks the memory of the time Al and I were outside the house and Al threw a rock at the barn swallows on the line comes back to me. Unfortunately the kitchen window by the dinner table was behind them and the rock went through it. I appreciated his help getting a job at Fletchers long ago and would have had felt at ease if I had stayed in that vocation knowing that Al was representing me. Our thoughts are with you

Tammy: Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time Your faith and love of the Lord as well as knowing that your beloved husband Albert is being cradled in the arms of Jesus, will sustain you and give you the strength you need. Your Uncle Percy and I love you. May Angels Walk With You Always. Your Aunt Jean

Jean, Our sincere sympathy to you & your family on the passing of your son Albert. Our thoughts & prayers are with you @ this difficult time.

On behalf of Lavonne/Cliff Snaith Family, we are sadden and so sorry for the passing of Albert. We all hold the memories we have with him close to our heart. Please treasure the time and the memories you have with this awesome man. Keep him close to your heart. Know that all of you are in our thoughts and hearts. Our deepest sympathy to everyone of you. Wanda/Jack Davies, Marjorie/Jim Henderson, Valerie/Rick Meger, Angelica/Duane Snaith and our families.

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