ALBERT (AL) MALBRANCK

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ALBERT (AL) MALBRANCK Al leaves to mourn and treasure his memory, his wife of 54 years, Jo Anne. Children, Larry (Lori), Cindy (Leo), Randy and Allan (Anita); beautiful grandchildren, Lisa, Kristen, Jennifer, Nathaniel, and Lauren and Brittinee; sisters-in-law, Olga Malbranck, Mary Lukovich, Nettie Benzelock, Ollie Hodges and Ellen Kondrat. Brothers-in-law, Len Stomp, Joe Kondrat and numerous nieces and nephews. Predeceased by parents Daniel and Irma; brothers, Jerry, George and Jerome; sisters, Anna and Alice; brothers-in-law, Frank Lukovich and Peter Benzelock. He was born at St. Boniface Hospital in 1933 and apprenticed in the watchmaking craft at age 14. He established Al's Jewellers at 18 and built it to a leading position among single outlet stores. A lot of his customers were known on a first name basis and to a lot of Winnipeggers he was known as Al the Jeweller . He was proud of the role he played in hiring watchmakers, goldsmiths and diamond setters from around the world and many learned and later established their own businesses. Jerome, Al's nephew, also apprenticed in watchmaking and became Al's partner, and with Jo Anne, became a family business with up to 40 employees. Al was a member of the National Watch and Clock Collectors Association of America, a certified watch inspector for CNR and CPR watch inspections, and he was one of the first in Manitoba to be appointed to servicing Bulova Accutron watches in 1969. Al was also an advisory board member of the Watchmaking School at Red River Community College. Al had a special love for Folklorama and the many lifetime friends he met and cherished. Al was the original sponsor of Folklorama and gave his support for 37 years. Al was a supporter and served on the board of directors of the St. Boniface Hospital Research Foundation, a member of the St. Boniface and Manitoba Wildlife Association, a member of the Belgian Club, and the Thunderbird car club. He was an honorary member of the Norwood Knights of Columbus and honorary member of the St. Boniface Game and Fish Association. He received many honours over the years, including the commemorative medal for the 125th Anniversary of the Confederation of Canada, and The Golden Nugget Award by the Canadian Jewellers Association, and the Award of Excellence by the Canadian Jewellers Association. Al met Jo Anne at age 17 and married at age 19. It was love at first sight and they raised four children. He always valued Jo Anne's love and support personally and in business. The family enjoyed summers for 23 years in Lac du Bonnet, which evolved around Al's love for fishing, hunting and water-skiing. After that, Al and Jo Anne became snowbirds and there are many fond memories of travel together, and many friends made along the way. A special thanks to doctors, nurses and staff of St. Boniface and Seven Oaks Hospitals. The family is extremely grateful to our many relatives and friends who prayed for Al and his family and provided numerous acts of kindness and support over the years. Special thanks to Larry, Cindy, Leo and Randy, who gave so much support during their Dad's illness. They were there to help with everything. Many thanks to Cindy and Jerome for carrying on the business. At his request, cremation has taken place and a Remembrance Service will be held on Wednesday, October 11, 2:00 p.m. at Glen Eden Funeral Home with reception to follow. If friends so desire, a donation may be made in Al's memory to the St. Boniface Hospital Research Foundation or a charity of your choice. Arrangements entrusted to: Glen Eden Funeral Home 4477 Main St. 338-7111

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 10, 2006