June 6, 1944 - January 8, 2025
Al was born in Detroit, Michigan on D-Day. After high school graduation he enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He served as senior medical ward corpsman in Guantanamo, Cuba during the Cuban Missile Crisis, and later as medic with the U.S. Marines.He married Phyllis in 1968. In 1970 they moved to Toronto and in 1972 he earned his M.A. He worked for Dellcrest Children’s Center and later for the Ontario Ministry of Health as a senior manager. He managed the pilot paramedic program and implemented the subsequent permanent paramedic program in Toronto. After Al retired he and Phyllis moved to the Sunshine Coast in 2004. Al became an active supporter and volunteer at the Sunshine Coast Botanical Garden. His life’s work was to be happy and to make others happy.Al passed away quietly at home Wednesday, January 8, 2025. He is survived by his wife Phyllis, son David, grandsons Atticus and Oskar, sister Karen Hutchinson, and sister-in-law and brother-in-law Sylvia and Oliver Christianson.A remembrance of Al’s life and laughter will be held at the Garden when the flowers are in bloom. The date will be announced later. In lieu of flowers donations to the Sunshine Coast Botanical Garden Society would be appreciated.
