Obituary of Albert Airdrie

AIRDRIE - Albert George 'Al' Al was born December 12, 1936, in Elora, Ontario. He passed away in Lloydminster on Friday, March 30, 2012 at the age of 75 years. Lloydminster has been Al's home for almost 60 years. Al had the knack for looking at something, and within minutes knowing exactly how it should be built. His ability to see his visions through, along with a personal pride in his work and a strong work ethic, made him a success in his chosen profession. There are many places around the community where you can view his craftsmanship. While Al enjoyed the construction industry, his chief passion remained raising cattle. He had an eye for breeding and selecting, champion prospect steers and formed the Northminster 4H Club with Jim Sutherland in 1956. Al was an active member of the community; he was a director of the Lloydminster Exhibition Association, elected Councilor and then Reeve of the RM of Britannia and on the board of the Greenwood School, where he spent many hours working on the addition and renovating the facility. Many will remember spending time around the kitchen table telling stories and sharing laughs with Al. He had an infinite number of bright ideas and inventions, which were not all worthy of patents (or time savers)! Al wasn't all antics and misadventures; he was a loving, straight forward, no-nonsense guy who said what was on his mind. Al will be sadly missed by his wife Mavis, to whom he was married for over 55 years. Together they built a life on their family farm. He was a wonderful and loving father to his daughters, Gail (Richard) Drew and Susan (Jerry) Apperley, who will remember spending time with their dad, hunting, fishing, pie and wine making, and sharing other hobbies. He had a special nephew, Darwin (Sherry) DeLeeuw and family, with whom he enjoyed many outdoor adventures. He also enjoyed many summers camping and fishing at Ministikwan Lake with his grandchildren; Melissa Drew (Cody) and Miranda Drew, and Brandy (Cory) Brochu, Megan (Tim) Buckley, and Cody Apperley (Leigh). He was especially excited to take his great grandson, Owen Brochu, on the fishing boat, for which he had already bought a fishing rod for this summer. Al's siblings and their families still live in Ontario. Al leaves to mourn; Marion Hoegner, Isabelle (Chuck) Trowbridge, Stan (Louise) Airdrie, Margaret (Chuck) Merry, Bruce (Donna) Green, Geraldine Airdrie, Isobel Airdrie, Bob Hillson and their families. When Al moved to Lloydminster and married Mavis her family became his. He will be sadly missed by her sisters; Elsie (Johnny) Malka, Ruth Kuffner, Carol (Leo) Bugiak, Olive (Robert) DeLeeuw, as well as numerous nieces and nephews and many close friends. Farewell Al, Dad, Grandpa, Great-Grandpa, Brother, Uncle and Friend. When someone you love becomes a memory - the memory becomes a treasure. Al was predeceased by his parents; David and Ida, brothers; Russell and John; Step-sister, Judy Hillson, Brothers-in-law; Stefan Hoegner, Allan Gilroyed, and Walter Kuffner and Great nephew, Rhett DeLeeuw. The funeral service was conducted at the Wild Rose Pavilion, Lloydminster on Wednesday, April 4, 2012 at 10:00 A.M. with Joyce Carson officiating. Merv Mann read the Eulogy, written by Al's family. A video tribute was created by Al's grandchildren. Interment was at Lloydminster Cemetery, daughter Gail was Urn-bearer. Card of Thanks: Thank you to the three Good Samaritans who performed first-aid until the ambulance arrived, Carrie, ambulance attendants, and Dr. Almond and the nurses at Lloydminster Hospital for their care and compassion. Thank you to family and friends for the food, flowers, donations and condolences we received. Thank you to Dave, Joel and Glenn from McCaw Funeral Service for their assistance in carrying out Al's wishes. Mavis, Gail, Susan and families Donations in memory of Al may be made to the charity of the donors choice.