ALBERT JOSEPH (AL) CHURCH

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ALBERT JOSEPH (AL) CHURCH With deep sadness we announce the sudden and peaceful passing of Albert Joseph Church on May 1 2010, in the home he loved most at Otter Falls, in the company of his beloved wife Margery. Albert left this world as he lived in it, with dignity and confidence in the goodness that waits beyond. Albert is predeceased by his brothers Howard, Leonard, and sister Janet Monson. He will be missed by sons Murray (Gail), Alan (Lynn), David (Wendy), and Robert (Marion), seven grandchildren Dawson, Hailey, Tami (Mike), Devon (Aleksa), Tiffany (Kyle), Daniel (Andi) and Brennan, and by four great-grandchildren Jacob, Solomon, Ephraim, Phinehas. He will also be missed by his brother Stuart (Lorraine) and many nieces and nephews. The fourth of five children Albert was born on November 13, 1924 on a homestead near Oyen, Alberta. At the age of 10 he moved to Camrose because of the Depression. In 1942 Albert enlisted in the Canadian Infantry and trained for service in the Second World War. After the war he studied Agriculture and graduated from the University of Alberta in 1949. Albert met Margery Leone Knaut at a skating rink in Edmonton. They fell in love and were married in Camrose on December 26, 1950. They enjoyed 60 magical years of marriage. Albert went to work in Calgary for Massey Harris, transferring in 1957 to Winnipeg continuing his career with the Manitoba Government. He served 30 years with the Department of Agriculture as Director of Animal Industry. Al was instrumental in establishing the Manitoba Cattle Producers Association before his retirement in 1982. Al maintained a love of the land and respect for hard work throughout his life. He and Marge purchased a cottage at Dorothy Lake in 1966 where he taught his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren to appreciate the simple excellence of living in nature. Al and Marge spent their summers, week-ends and 24 years in retirement living in the beautiful Whiteshell Provincial Park. Al and Marge loved to golf and spent 15 years as Snowbirds at the Alamo Country Club in Texas. Al was a charter member of the Windsor Park United Church and sang in their choir for over 25 years. He continued as an enthusiastic singer entertaining throughout his life with Barbershop Ensembles and other groups. Thank you to Harvey and Dagmar Zechel for their continuous support and courageous company during Al's final hours. Also to the Whitemouth R.C.M.P. and Ambulance Service for their competence and compassion. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to a cause which cares for people and the earth. Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, May 6 at Windsor Park United Church, 1062 Autumnwood Drive at 1:00 p.m., followed by a reception. Cremation has taken place.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 04, 2010