Albert Wilson Crow

February 20, 1952 – December 9, 2012

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Albert Wilson Crow on December 9, 2012. He died peacefully surrounded by his loving family after a lengthy, courageous battle with cancer. Predeceased by his father, Ronald Wilson Crow, his in laws Wayne Morson, Barrie Pearce, Jack and Claudia Robbins. Survived by his loving wife of 36 years, Susan, his adoring daughters, Michelle and Heather, treasured by his mother Ruth Crow, siblings Lynda Hind (Terry), Gloria Morson, Richard Crow, his sister in law Shaaron Lees (Bill), and several nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles, friends and colleagues.

Al was born in Melville, Saskatchewan on February 20th 1952. His early years were spent on the family farm attending the one room Good Hope School House before the family moved into the city where he attended Central School. In his early teens Al successfully competed at the national level (3rd in Canada) in bowling, travelling west for a competition which eventually brought his family to the west coast. They moved to Victoria in 1966 and he attended Lansdowne Junior High and then Oak Bay High School where he met his high school sweetheart, Susan (Robbins). After graduation Susan and Al attended UVIC, and Al completed his Bachelor of Business Administration and Commerce at UBC in 1975. Al returned to Victoria to complete his Charter Accountant designation and began his career at Thorne Riddell (1975-1983), continuing there (Peat Marwick Thorne) as Vice President (1983-1987). Al acquired his CIRP (Chartered Association of Insolvency and Restructuring Professionals) designation and was licensed as a trustee under the Federal Bankruptcy Act of Canada in 1985. Al was the CEO of Gidden Industries, overseeing the successful operations of numerous retail tourist stores in British Columbia and Alberta from 1987-1993. He was a dedicated and astute businessman as owner, operator and president of Speedpro Systems Vancouver Island (1993-present) developing many franchise stores on the island. Without exception, Al’s store was recognized both monthly and annually as one of the top performing stores in Canada.

Al began his involvement with the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce in the 80’s becoming a Director in 1987, was President in 1993 and served on the Board of Governors from 2006-present. Al’s community involvement was extensive including: member of the City of Victoria Mayor’s Advisory Committee; BC Chamber of Commerce Finance and Taxation Committee; Tourism Victoria Destination Marketing Committee; Victoria Conference Center Advisory Committee; Director and Treasurer of the McPherson Foundation; University of Victoria Faculty of Business Board of Advisors to the Dean; Glenlyon Norfolk School Longrange Planning Committee; Victoria Commonwealth Games Adopt an Athlete Committee; Province of BC Ministry of Education Program Evaluation Advisory Committee; Victoria Association for the Care of the Dying (Hospice). These accomplishments were recognized and recorded in the Canadian Who’s Who (Executives and Professionals) beginning in 2001.

As a couple, Al and Susan, spent many hours with close friends playing tennis, participating in dinner groups, going to dances, entertaining friends playing games, enjoying their hot tub and ‘gourmet’ dinners followed by Spanish Coffees and Blueberry Teas. Al, Susan and their friends, enjoyed so many laughs and practical jokes as they celebrated each other’s milestones. As a family the Crow’s were blessed with the love and friendship of several close family friends establishing annual traditions valued by both generations.

Al’s greatest love in life was his family. He was a devoted husband and father who prioritized time with his family above all else and was exceedingly proud of his girl’s accomplishments. He never missed the opportunity to support his girls and let them know they were loved. He spent countless hours supporting them in the dance studio, at sporting events, and on the sidelines of the soccer field. Al’s relationship with his family deepened as his children got older. Their time was spent making cherished memories taking his girls shopping, treating them to massages, and traveling to exotic locations experiencing unique adventures in each place. Al always welcomed his girls’ friends into his life and home, prioritizing Friday pub nights. Fondly referred to as “D” by his children and their friends, Al made everyone welcome serving drinks, telling stories, providing sound advice, and genuinely caring for each and every one of them. He was known for his Sunday car washes, washing all the vehicles in the Lansdowne lineup. Like his father, Al valued education and supported his daughters to establish themselves in their chosen careers. Daily, Al looked forward to hearing stories about the students and enjoyed visiting Michelle’s classroom. He was honoured that Heather followed in his footsteps as a Chartered Accountant at KPMG and took great pride in presenting her at the CA Convocation. Their nightly conversations always included business advice and tales of auditing. In his final year, fulfillment also came from helping his daughters to complete projects around their new home.

He’ll be remembered for his wonderful personality, sense of humour, exceptional work ethic and generosity leaving an unfillable void in all the lives he has touched.

The family would like to thank Al’s large team of Vancouver cancer specialists, Victoria physicians Dr. M. Kilshaw, Dr. F. Egan, and the caring Hospice team.

A gathering of family, friends and colleagues will be held on Sat. Dec. 15th from 2-4pm at McCall Bros., Johnson at Vancouver St. Victoria. Flowers gratefully declined; Al would prefer your support for his daughters’ participation in his honour in the Ride to Conquer Cancer. Donations can be made at: www.conquercancer.ca/goto/mcrow2013 www.conquercancer.ca/goto/hcrow2013 or to Victoria Hospice.

Condolences may be offered to the family below.

www.mccallbros.com.