ALBERT EDWARD (AL) GASCOIGNE

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ALBERT EDWARD (AL) GASCOIGNE Peacefully on November 5, 2008, Albert Gascoigne passed away at the age of 87. He will be sadly missed by his wife of 61 years, Dorothy; his daughters, Lorraine, Heather, Dorothy and Shari; son-in-law Hank, and grandchildren; Meghan, Amanda, and Lee. Born in Regina, SK on August 17, 1921, Al excelled at his school studies and enjoyed playing hockey. Together with Dorothy, he was a dedicated member of the Salvation Army Regina Citadel where his love of playing the trombone began as a Bandsman. He enlisted in the 12th District Depot Band in August 1942. In October 1945 he became a Salvation Army War Services Supervisor and was posted to Southern England and Germany. Upon his return to Regina in October 1946, he and Dorothy were married. Their life together took them to Estevan, Weyburn, Regina, Prince Albert, Saskatoon, and Winnipeg. They have enjoyed life-long friendships made with neighbours, at many Salvation Army Corps, and through Al's work. Al is fondly remembered as a loving and kind husband, father and grandfather, a thoughtful and caring friend, and a revered and respected colleague. His life-long passion and talent in photography leave a legacy of wonderful memories, his last major work being the Flood of the Century in 1997. Dedication and an exceptional work ethic were the hallmarks of his distinguished career, which began with J. M. Sinclair, then Western Grocers, Federated Co-op, the Codville Co., and finally the Manitoba Department of Agriculture, whose Marketing Branch he joined in 1973 and where he remained until retirement as Director in 1991. Al's tireless, dedicated efforts to promote Manitoba food products throughout his time as Director, garnered such success that he continued his work as Director Emeritus for many more years. He took great pride in the relationships and genuine friendships developed between the Province and Japan through his more than 20 Trade missions. This is evidenced by the tributes and messages of heartfelt loss received from Japan. Al's interests were many and diverse - his family, The Salvation Army, travelling with Dorothy, birdwatching and photography all lent richness to his life and the lives of those he cared about. The family thanks all those who have sent messages of remembrance. It has given them comfort and pride that Al is remembered as a good and honourable man, a caring, valued friend who made a difference and who touched the lives of all he knew. In the words of his grandson an awesome person. Al would be humbled by the sentiments expressed. A family Memorial Service was held at Elmwood Cemetery on November 10, 2008. Donations in Al's memory can be made to the Alzheimer's Society of Manitoba, 120 Donald St., Winnipeg, MB R3G 4G2.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 29, 2008