July 5, 1940 – August 29, 2024
On August 29th, 2024, with his family at his side, Al left us peacefully. Al’s wife Cathy was his best friend. They shared many years of love and happiness. Al will be greatly missed by their family, Tanis (Paul) and Derek (Brittany)
“Papa Al” will remain always in the memories of grandkids Jayme, Nolan and little Kenzie, just 2 months old. How he loved to share in the kids achievements in both academics and in sport … his support will go with them always.
Al treasured the family time he shared with is his Cousin Alma Acheson and her son Bill. Alma, named after Al’s mother, looked up to Al as she would a big brother, she will miss him greatly.
Home and family were so important to Al – he cherished the beautiful home he built in Springfield, much of it with his own hands. He loved to remember sharing that major “building” achievement with his Uncle Nicki. He never wanted to live anywhere else, and managed to stay in his house till just a few weeks before his passing.
His life with Cathy was filled with “family” activities … Tanis and Derek benefited greatly from Al’s guidance, love and encouragement. Derek posted immediately after his passing: “I was so fortunate to have Al there as a father figure in my life, he was always there for our family.” Tanis echoed her brother’s thoughts expressing her gratefulness to Al for his love and support.
Al’s love of his pets has to be mentioned. Every dog and cat Cathy and the kids brought home was welcomed by Al. Feeding time was one of his favourite times. We wonder now how many miles he walked in his lifetime, with a dog, or two (or three) at his side.
Al was the only child of Fred and Alma (nee Shenkarchuk). He grew up on Munroe Avenue in East Kildonan, graduating from Miles Macdonnell Collegiate. He was born to achieve in all he did, and he did so with honours. He earned his Degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Manitoba. He loved to tell anyone listening that he wrote his final Engineering exam on Friday and started work at Manitoba Hydro on Monday! He worked there for his entire career, retiring as Vice President of Transmission and Distribution. During his working years with Hydro, he continued his education, earning his MBA, again from the University of Manitoba.
Letters and cards received at his retirement told us all who Al was to anyone who knew him. So many wonderful words referring to his “distinguished” career, to the quality of his friendship and dedication to all he did. So many thanks for his support and friendship from so many.
After his retirement from Manitoba Hydro in 2000, Al was asked to join the board of Sask Power and enjoyed serving for a number of years.
Al loved and respected sports, giving many hours, days and months to his most loved sports … curling and golf.
Here is a summary of his sports achievement:
Curling:
*Honorary Life Member and President of Elmwood Curling Club
*President of the Manitoba Curling Association
*Chairman of Winnipeg World ’91 Curling Championship
*2 time winning team member of the Charleswood Car Bonspiel (1964 & 1970)
*Named “Curling Executive of the Year” (1991)
*Inductee: Manitoba Curling Hall of Fame
Golf:
*Honorary Life Member and Past President of Elmhurst Golf Club
*Chairman, Re-Building Committee – Elmhurst Clubhouse that had been destroyed by fire in the early 70s
*President of Golf Manitoba
*President of Royal Canadian Golf Association – 1997
*Delegate to World Amateur Golf Council – 1997 to 1999
*Inductee: Manitoba Golf Hall of Fame – Builder/Golf 2006
Family, Home, Community, Sports … you left us with so much Al. We will remember the wonderful man you were. “Love You”
In Lieu of flowers, Al’s family will be grateful for any donation to Cancer Care Manitoba and to the Winnipeg Humane Society.
Family and friends are invited to share memories and condolences to Al’s memorial page using the comment field below.
