Albert H Wells (1924-2011)
Albert (Ab) was born in Port Angeles and relocated to Victoria the following weekend. His father Albert Ernest was a member of the Victoria Police Department and was killed in the line of duty in 1927. Young Ab was involved in many sports including baseball, football, ping pong and golf and worked at various small jobs before enlisting. After joining the Army at 18 he was posted to Nova Scotia and finally Lester Field in St. John’s Newfoundland where he was injured by live rounds in training prior to his unit being despatched overseas. After returning to Victoria, Ab married Joan in 1949 and with new responsibilities followed in his father’s footsteps by joining the Victoria Police Dept. After 20 years of service in the VPD, Ab decided that a professional career in the Life Insurance Industry was his next challenge. With determination and hard work, Ab was the first Representative in his branch to achieve CLU status and obtained Life Member status of the Million Dollar Round Table. Ab and Joan retired to Parksville before finally returning to Victoria where they lived in View Royal. Ab is survived by wife Joan, brother Peter Winter (Lorna) of Campbell River and their three boys Burt (Sheila) of Victoria, Mark (Lisa) of Nanaimo and Brad (Nell) of Perth, Western Australia and their 8 Grandchildren and 6 Great Grandchildren.
Donations can be made in his memory to the Red Cross, CNIB (Canadian National Institute for the Blind) or the Shriners. A private service has been held in Victoria, BC. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.mccallbros.com.
“It’s not what you achieve in life, it’s what you overcome”
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Kees Schaatsbergen
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Hal and Pat Temple Thank you, Joan, as well as the boys for letting us know of Ab’s condittion so I could have one last visit with him before he left us. Ab was my oldest friend, having known him since he returned from the service. We were great pals and shared a love of the same big band music that continued right up until the end.
Pat and I always enjoyed the time we were able to spend with both of you on our visits to Victoria, the last being three years ago. We know that with love and caring of your family and many friends, the healing process will hopefully be easier. We send you and your sons and families our sincere sympathy at your loss…..Sincerely…..Hal and Pat Temple
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Ivy Paterson Joan and Boys: Sorry to hear of Ab’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Love, Ivy
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Tammy (Bulpit) Rule To Auntie Joan and all the boys and your families, I was so sad to hear of Uncle Ab’s passing and did not hear in time to be at the memorial service. I am sorry I missed you all – Brad, I haven’t seen you for probably 30 years! Anyway, my thoughts are with you all and the great memories of visiting all of you in Victoria.
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Jessica(Jay) Oh Gramps,
You are an inspiration to me and to many people…with your positive outlook and love for life…you touched a lot of people just by being who you are. You held soo much love for your entire family and we loved you back and charished every moment we spent with you. I will miss your loving and happy voice and we will take care of Grams for you….until you two meet again in Eternity!…you’re probably singing and rejoicing right now and having a blast…..I’m sort of jealous in a way….can’t wait to see you again up there…..
I have a lot of amazing memories with you that I remember for my entire life…you made an incredible difference in this world and you loved….which is the most important thing…..is to love…and I love you.Your Jay….forever and for always….see you soon Gramps.
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Ralph and Gail Mueller Dear Mark, Lisa & Family,
Our Thoughts, prayers and hearts are with you during this most difficult time. May your cherished memories of your Dad sustain you now and always. I know there are no” good words”, just know we are thinking of you and Ralph and I will always be here for you.”You have always been there for Ralph and he will be there for you Mark”.
Love, Ralph and Gail xoxoxo
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Paula Vanderwal We are so very sorry for your loss.
All our best wishes
from Paula and the Sendial ladies.
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Ambie My precious Grandpa,
Words can’t express how much you mean to me; When I think of you, a huge smile beams across my face and I truly giggle out loud. I will truly cherish all the memories that I have with you growing up, all the walks we took through your backyard gardens to sitting on your lap to show me a new magic trip. Thank you for blessing with an amazing Dad and I will miss you so much.
Always and Forever,
Your Ambie xxoo
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MARK WELLS Dad, i will cherish the memories forever.You were the best Dad anyone could hope for.I will miss you forever,thanks for everything you have taught us 3 boys,we will,and have already missed you immensely.I love you with all my heart,and will remember everything you instilled in us over the years.All my children,and grandchildren,will have fond memories to last a life time.Thanks for everything Dad,I will love you for a lifetime,and don’t worry about Mom,all of us will look after her until the 2 of you meet again.All my love to you Dad.
With the best and fondest memories,
Mark,Lisa &and all the kids xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxox
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John and Midge Nanson Dear Joan and Family. So sorry to hear of your loss. Nice that Brad was home with you all. I have some great memories of being with your family over the years in Victoria. Much love to you all. Midge
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Corrine Corry To the Wells family,
I was sorry to hear of the passing of Albert. I haven’t seen any of you since we were young and, of course, I still think of you all that way. Uncle Albert will always remain in my memory as that feisty, handsome man. I think of him playing Bobby Darin’s version of “Mack the Knife” on his HiFi; beautiful Aunt Joan, with her stunning red lipstick, standing next to it while you boys ran wild. What an exuberant family. I am sorry I lost track of your lives.
I wish I could be with you for the service. I send my love. Corrine
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Tina Parsons Dear Joan and family…so sorry for your loss. Ab was a fine man, and I cherish the times that Art and I spent with both of you. “Buzz “had some stories about how Uncle Ab always watched out for your brother Dick and him, when they were young teenagers!
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Glenda and Grant Brad, Nelly, Sarah and Laura
We didn’t know your father very well but our thoughts are with you as you deal with his loss. Will have a chat when you get back to Aussi Brad.
Love
Glenda, Grant, Kylie and Sam
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Ross Cooper Brad & Janelle,
Barb & I pass along our thoughts to you, your family, your Mom and your brothers on the passing of your Dad.
I have some great memories of Ab, whether it was the chiding we use to take on our escapades or the ribbing around the pool table in your basement.
He was truly a family guy, positive about what the day was going to unveil and it showed everytime we were around him.
He was one of the good guys,
Sincerely,
Ross & Barb Cooper
Powell River, B.C.
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janie richardson (williams) Hi Brad,
My sincere thoughts are with you and your family….I will not be able to attend the service but I will be thinking of you..
I will always remember the good ole days of camping with you and your mom and dad and family at loveland lake in campbell river.
Take care
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Bruce Grey Your father’s big laugh will always be with me & his memory lives on every time I see you. Wish I could be there tomorrow for the service to see the images, memorabilia, & hear all stories that made Ab the great Dad & person that he was.
Your Buddy on the other side of the Globe,
Bruce
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Dick & Jean Hello Joan & Family! We are with you in thoughts & prayers as you go through this time! Ab was so dear to you all, and to us as well! Thank you for your message Mark….Peter & Vicki will be joining us as we celebrate you Dad’s life. Blessings & Love , Dick & Jean
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Jonathan Sheldan I am very sorry for your loss. I met Ab years ago regarding his history with the Victoria Police and his father’s tragic loss during his own service and grew to respect him a great deal. I would like to offer condolences to Ab’s family on behalf of the men and women of the Victoria Police Dept.
Jonathan
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Peter & Vicki Waterman & Family Aunty Joan, Bert & family, Mark & family and Brad & family. So sorry to hear that Uncle Ab passed away. We are so happy to have had a nice visit with him, just 3 weeks ago! Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Much love from Peter & I and our family!
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Mark Trenholm Sorry to hear off your loss Brad , Mark and Burt. Ab or Mr Wells when I got to know him was a great man. He was alot of fun when we met camping back in the 70’s. I always remember him singing Rock the boat, rock the boat baby, rock the boat. He shared his wisdom with me that helped me growing up. Thinking about the future and how to plan for it.
Mark
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Larry Simon I am so sorry for your loss Bradley,your father was a great man and had a great way of caring for people around him.I will miss him dearly but know that you are the man your dad wanted you to be. Your friend forever, Larry.
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Lisa Grey My heart is with you Brad and your family. So sorry. We sure did have some good giggles in the sun room in the olden days with your Dad & Mom, I will always remember those times. Take care Lisa.
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Bernie Shaw So sorry to hear about Ab. He was a big part of my life growing up as neighbours in Oak Bay. Albert, Mark and Buzz (Brad) and I shared so many things over the years. The Wells’s back door was always open.
He will be missed by many.
Bernie
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Peter and Lorna Thinking of you all. Take care of one another.
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Shane Russell I am very sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing Brad.
My thoughts are with you and your family.
Shane
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Mark Lawless Brad and Family, very sorry to hear of your fathers passing. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.
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Joe & Barb Rae Our deepest condolences. Our Thoughts and prayers are with the family at this difficult time. All our Love
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Gerrie-Anne Corry We are very sorry to hear of Uncle Albert’s passing. Our thoughts are with your family.
Gerrie-Anne
Sorry for my direct contact in this codol. form. But I live in Holland-city Monnickendam, age 81. Me and my wife met Gerrie-Anne(see first name in the list!) in year 1970. Can you please make contact to her?. That would be fine after so many years.
She stayed in 1970 one week in our house with 4 girlfriends. Thanks for your contact for me to her.
Best regards,
My name: Kees Schaatsbergen inThe Netherlands