Passed away peacefully at home on May 23, 2013. He was born in Dagenham, England on February 21, 1932 and emigrated to Victoria, BC in 1959. Well known as an excellent auto mechanic, specializing in British and foreign cars, he will be greatly missed by his family and many friends. Survived by his wife, Valerie; his sister, Susan and his brothers, Ted and Ken and their families; also by his children, Kevin (Jocelyn), Lynn (Chris), Craig (Shaye) and Darren (David) and his grandchildren and great grandchildren.
No service by request. Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Bros. Funeral Home
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Ken Squie
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Martin Segger “Do not go gentle into that good night” wrote Al Roberts’ poet-compatriot, Dylan Thomas, of his own father’s passing. But we are comforted in that Al did go “gentle”. Indeed, his was a life of friendships, philanthropy, as well a practical good works in keeping the decaying automobiles of his many customers on the road for longer perhaps than they should have. I relished many conversations with Al over the years. He had opinions about certain things, but he was spoke well of others. He was generous and well meaning. His community will miss him deeply; friends are saddened. My condolences to Val and the family, particularly his grandchildren and great-grandchildren who have indeed lost a very “gentle-man”.
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Linda Sproule-Jones I am so sorry to learn of Al’s passing. He will be missed. So many of us were so grateful for his vast knowledge and ability to keep our old cars in great shape long after we thought they ready for retirement! But more than that, Al was a friend. It was so pleasant to have a chat and catch up on his news and views and have a chuckle over something.
I wish the family peace and strength and hope you find comfort in many happy memories.
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Bev and Pam Highton Both Pam and I were saddened to learn of the passing of Al.
It was in the mid-seventies when I first met Al at his shop in Oak Bay. I had been recommended to have Al look at a Jaguar that I was interested in purchasing. The car was an XJ12L and Al took an associate and I for a test drive. To say the drive was exilerating would be an understatement as Al put the car through it’s paces. Ever since then Pam and I took all our cars to Al for repairs and maintenance. We always looked forward to a visit with Al at the shop as he would explain in infinite detail the work that was required. We also knew that a visit would take some time as he had a story and an experiance to share for every occassion.
We would like to take this opportunity to send our most sincere condolences to the Family.
Al will be missed.
Today I just received the bad news regarding Al. Through his business, I got to know both Mr. Roberts and Craig and certainly appreciated that relationship including the personal contact. Good luck to Craig and the rest of the family.