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ALVIN RONALD MCGREGOR
Date of Passing: Jul 10, 2023
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryALVIN RONALD MCGREGOR
In the morning of July 10, 2023, Alvin McGregor passed away at age 80 after a lengthy battle with Multiple Sclerosis at Deer Lodge Centre.
Al was predeceased by his parents, Gladys McGregor (nee Foster), Daniel Ronald McGregor and many aunts and uncles in the UK. Al is survived by his wife, Diane (nee Podjan) and daughter, Shelagh, son in-law, Nathan Kolisnek.
Al was born in Kent, England during the Second World War in 1942. In 1946, he emigrated to Canada with his mom to reunite with his dad in Morden, MB. He thrived at school and baseball. Al met his wife Diane of 56 years and lifelong friend, Fred Penner or "Penner". He was a boy scout and worked at the Experimental Farm in the summer. After high school, Al attended United College for a BA and was called to the bar in 1968. Many Saturdays Al volunteered setting up the first legal aid clinic at University of Manitoba. In his early career he worked on a variety of cases with Roy Gallagher. Al was designated QC in 1982 and teamed with many firms in Winnipeg over the years including Greenburg, Sheps and Chapman. You could often find him at the Charter House, Rae and Jerry’s or his office holding court with Rivie Ruskin (Riv), his legal secretary. Later in his career he focused on labor law working with unions such as the Teamsters, UFCW, Air Traffic Controllers, Winnipeg Police and many more. Many of his cases are documented in case law. Work wasn’t work for Al. He loved every minute of it. He loved the challenge, the people and the law. Al was a trail blazer for people with mobility issues. He was one of the first to use an electric scooter around Winnipeg and had many local restaurants and public buildings put in wheelchair ramps. In his leisure time, he enjoyed making bread, walking the family pet Toto on weekends and listening to all kinds of music from Willy Nelson, The Boss to Frank Sinatra. Al was an avid sports fan. He had season tickets to Jets, the Moose, and the Goldeyes. Dad appreciated James Bond Martinis, and good meals at the best restaurants. Al loved going to concerts and Operas, plays at the Theatre Centre, Jazz and Fringe festivals. His lack of mobility never stopped him especially when it came to travel. From European tours to Blue Jays games; New Years getaways to Grand Forks and summers at a rental cottage at Victoria Beach. As a father he was calm, generous and influential model. As a husband he was kind and loving who lived life to the fullest that he could. Al had a very sharp mind, a penchant for trivia – more recently a faithful viewer answering Jeopardy questions nightly. He was a voracious reader and would love to banter with anyone. Al was loyal, honest and dedicated fueled by some sort of unextinguishable drive and curiosity. He was well known and well loved. He liked to make an impression on whomever he met.
Our family has been supported by many friends over the years, especially Roger Alec who was a constant steadying hand when Dad lived at home. Thanks to all of the staff at Deer Lodge Centre for the care you provided Al over the last eight years. His more recent short term memory loss and constant pain would not have been easy to deal with. Our family appreciates the connections you made, the kindness and compassion. And to those who could banter - Dad appreciated your sense of humour immensely.
Al’s ashes will be interred at a private ceremony in Morden, Manitoba and Westminster Square London, UK in honour of Winston Churchill.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Deer Lodge Centre Foundation, WASAC or a charity of your choice.
Condolences can be left at Wiebe Funeral Homes Ltd.
A Celebration of Life - "Last Call in Court" will take place at Rae and Jerry’s lounge on Sunday, July 30, 2023 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. RSVP Shelagh at mcgregorshelagh@hotmail.com.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 15, 2023
Condolences & Memories (2 entries)
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I knew Al from when I was 10 years old and I would go to my dad's office. He and my dad not only worked together but became fast friends and would share a drink together after work. I have such fond memories of Al and am so sorry for your loss. - Posted by: June Gaklager (Worked with my dad) on: Aug 03, 2023
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My condolences to Al's family and friends. I first met Al in the 1970's while working with United Steelworkers. Then when I moved to The Workers Compensation as a labour representative and later a Provincial mediator in Labour Relations we met at the bargaining and grievance table often. I respected his approach and courtesy to persons he met and worked with. He'll be missed by many. - Posted by: Allan Fleury (Acquaintance through Labour Relations for many years.) on: Jul 22, 2023