SEAMAN ERNEST ALVIN "Al"

Died peacefully after a brief illness on this glorious Easter Sunday, March 27, 2016, with his loving family by his side. He leaves behind the love of his life, his wife of 60 years, Marie (nee Traversy). Al was the much loved and extremely proud father of Duncan (Marsha), Janet Stanley (Glenn), Donald (Marie-Claude Beauchamp), Sandra MacKenzie (Ryan), Wendy Chaytor (Michael) and Grampa to Emily, Scott, Alexandre, Mélanie, Ilsa, Richard, Walter, and Charles. He is mourned by his sister Gennie Cuthbertson (late Dave). Al will be missed by his treasured pet, Jasper, the Alaskan Malamute.

 

Al was a brilliant, creative engineer and scientist. His career was exciting, beginning with the Defence Research Board working on cutting-edge radar development and later telecommunications research.

 

He then joined Carleton University Computer Centre followed by twenty years as an executive at Digital Equipment of Canada. After retirement he co-founded AstroCom Associates Inc., focusing on telecommunications and aerospace. He served on several professional boards.

 

He was a generous volunteer with the Lanark County Crime Stoppers, worked tirelessly with the Mississippi River Watchers in defence of his favourite river, and was the Director of the observatory at the Mill of Kintail, part of the Ottawa Centre Royal Astronomical Society of Canada.

 

He was also an ingenious practical joker who spent many hours creating humorous situations and events that drove some of his co-workers bananas.

 

Al was a lover of nature with diverse interests and hobbies including astronomy, genealogy, photography, geo-caching (over 3000 caches logged), and exploring Canada's great outdoors and waterways. He played poker for almost 50 years with his best buddies, endlessly winning and losing the same old pennies.

 

Friends may call at theC. R. GAMBLE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL Inc.127 Church Street, Almonte, Ont. (613)256-3313From 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, March 31. Funeral Friday to Holy Name of Mary Church, Almonte for Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. Reception to follow at the Almonte Civitan Hall, 500 Almonte Street, Almonte.

 

In lieu of flowers, donations to The Mills Community Support Corporation, 67 Industrial Drive, Almonte, K0A 1A0 would be gratefully appreciated.

(Source: John Gilbert)