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ALBERT JOHN PARK
Born: Apr 09, 1922
Date of Passing: Mar 18, 2015
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryALBERT JOHN PARK April 9, 1922 - March 18, 2015 It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our dear Dad, just 22 days shy of his 93rd birthday. He will be missed immensely by his sons Don (Denyse) and Ken (Jo-Ann). Dad was predeceased by the love of his life, Dorothy, affectionately known as Dosh. At the age of 22, Dad enlisted and shortly thereafter was off to Europe to assist the Allied Forces in fighting for our democratic freedom for that alone, we are eternally grateful. Dad spent three years overseas as an infantryman, then sergeant, with active campaigns in Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands. We are so proud of his contribution to our country as was he. For the past five years he had been writing the "memoirs" of his experiences, which we will always treasure. While in Europe, Dad met a Scottish Lass, Dorothy Dowson, and they married on May 15, 1946. They then moved to Moose Jaw to start work and raise their two sons. Dad spent all of his working career in retailing first with the T. Eaton Co., and then with Marshall Wells and McLeods stores, where his outgoing and friendly manner translated into so many long-lasting relationships. In 1981, Mom and Dad moved to Selkirk spending the next 30 years enjoying the town, where Dad was known by most everyone, as he visited his favourite spots Smittys, the A&W, the bowling alley, Selkirk arena and the Riverboat. Al and Dorothy were long-time members of Little Britain United Church in St. Andrews. After Mom's passing in 2004, Dad carried on with his precious four-legged companion, Julie, forever at his side. During his retirement, his passions included attending the Selkirk Steelers hockey games, gardening, making his delicious shortbread cookies (which he shared with so many) and, of course, the odd visit to the casino! In 2012, Dad moved to the Waverley Seniors Residence where, once again he made many friends socializing (and joking) with staff and residents alike. Al, a proud but humble man, was loved by all who had the opportunity to meet him. "Everybody loves Al" is what was routinely said about him. He had a heart of gold and generosity was his middle name. He was an inspiration to us in so many ways, not the least of which was seeing him struggle and fight his last battle with congestive heart failure that took him away from us. The difficulty of losing our Dad, our best friend, our mentor, is so painful to say the least, but we now realize he has been released from his last battle of suffering and he is once again with Mom. We will always love him for being THE best Dad and miss him forever. Donations gratefully accepted to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, the Winnipeg Humane Society or charity of your choice. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 28, 10:00 a.m., at the Thomson "In the Park" Funeral Home, 1291 McGillivray Blvd., Winnipeg.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 21, 2015
Condolences & Memories (8 entries)
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I had the immense pleasure of meeting Al while working at the Waverley. This place won't be the same without his smiling face and his jokes. Al routinely told me stories about his past, right down to the last time I saw him in VGH. Al and I consistently exchanged 'Oh! Henry' chocolate bars, even in his absence from the Waverley. I will miss him dearly, and I am so sorry for your loss Ken and Don. xo. - Posted by: Rebecca Dawson (Friend) on: Mar 30, 2015
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Our long time friendship with Don offered us the opportunity to meet Al and Dorothy. They were truly an amazing couple. Their warm friendliness, and cheerful demeanor made us always feel as part of the family. And OH those shortbread cookies.....were wonderfull ! We are truly saddened by Al's passing and extend our sincerest condolences to the family. Debbie and John Gara - Posted by: John Gara (Friends) on: Mar 28, 2015
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Al was a loving, gentle, caring, thoughtful soul. He always had a smile on his face and a kind word for everyone. I will miss our visits which included spaghetti supper dates at Little Britain United Church, coffee and shortbread cookies at his house in Selkirk while wandering through his garden and raspberry patch, lunch at Tim's and Boston Pizza near the Waverley, and sometimes just coffee and listening to his favourite songs. I wish I knew how many of those delicious shortbread cookies Al made in his lifetime! Al loved life and was such a joy to be around. I will truly miss him. - Posted by: Barb Woods (Friend) on: Mar 23, 2015
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Mr Park was the nicest person to work for. He treated me so nice. I loved his shortbread cookies. I sure will miss his funny jokes. - Posted by: ellie (Friend) on: Mar 22, 2015
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I am so saddened to hear of the passing of Albert. He was a kind, loving, thoughtful man who always had a wonderful joke or a precious memory to share. It was a joy to have had the pleasure of meeting Al and he and his cookies will be forever missed by many. - Posted by: Kirby-Ann Hintz (acquaintance) on: Mar 21, 2015
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Everyone at Boston Pizza Selkirk will miss him so much. He was such a wonderful man to all and his generosity was truly phenomenal. Everyone who has met him is such a blessed individual. Our deepest condolences. - Posted by: Danielle () on: Mar 21, 2015
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I had the pleasure of meeting Al while I worked at Smitty's in Selkirk. He was so special and I am sure I can speak on behalf of all the girls at Smitty's, when I say he will be missed and so will his tasty shortbread cookies. RIP Al xo - Posted by: Melissa Terry (Friend) on: Mar 21, 2015
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I met Al when I lived at the Waverley. I admired him as I do all vets. He had a great sense of humour. We had a silly routine of accusing each other of stealing bananas. I'm sorry he's gone and will always remain grateful for his service to Canada and the world. Rest in peace, Al. - Posted by: Don Wood (Friend) on: Mar 21, 2015