August 8, 1957 – August 28, 2014
It is with intense, sadness that we announce Mac’s sudden passing. He was a devoted, loving, husband, father and grandpa. His dedication and leadership shone in his thirty years of service as a diver in the Canadian Military and as the owner/operator of AL-LYN IRRIGATION SYSTEMS since 1995. Born in Winnipeg, MB., he spent much of his childhood in Southern Ontario, then settled in the Victoria, BC area when not on his second love, the Sea. He is survived by his first love, Sandy, his wife of 36 years and two sons, Matthew Allen, (Crystal) and Bryan James, along with seven grandchildren; his mother, Gladys and three sisters as well as The Creamer Clan – his second family. He will be sadly missed but fondly remembered by all who knew him.
Details of a “Celebration of Life” are to be announced at a later date. Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Bros. Funeral Home
29 Responses
To Sandy & Family, I wanted you to know what a great man Al is in my estimation. He was always willing to help, had a keen insight and quiet wisdom regarding so many things. The thing that impressed me the most about this man of so many talents was his genuine way and humility. He will be missed in the Irrigation Industry for certain as he was a good mentor and teacher to many. He earned his rest and will no doubt start new and challenging projects in the next stage of being. While I miss him I can almost hear his quiet deep chuckle and him chiding “Quit being so melodramatic!” Sending you all good energy at this sudden and difficult turn. Looking forward to catching up with him again someday … until then be well Al!
To Sandy and the family, I’m so sorry for this sudden passing of such a great husband, father and friend to all of you. Al was like a father to me, spending many hours guiding me through any number of challenges as my diving supervisor. As so many others have stated, he was a great teacher to many of us. Yet first and for most he was a good friend and I will really miss him. God speed my old friend.
I am so sorry to hear of Al’s passing. I sailed with him and knew him well. He was a wonderful person. I appreciate the opportunity to attend his “Celebration of life”.
Ron
I want to take a moment to express how deeply sad I am to hear of your family’s loss. Al was my first Chief and he was always there for me as a young leader trying to learn the ropes. He always took time to point me in the right direction. One summer night he stayed with me until nearly dark, preparing YDT SOOKE for her Ship’s Readiness Inspection the next morning. Al could see how nervous and worried I was at the prospect of this major test by Sea Training the following morning and I never once had to ask him for his help, he was just there, always at my side. The next day we passed with flying colours. Thank you Al, God Bless you and your family.
Sandy, Mathew and Brian, my thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of great loss. It is with profound sadness he has left so young. I wish I had the opportunity to know him more. He came to Ottawa once, we had dinner and took my boys for a walk. He played with them and was very encouraging, it is one of my greatest memories. May the experience of peace and contentment he brought to our lives that evening, be remembered always.
My sincere condolence.
It is with surprise and sadness that I learned his departure. All and I remember fondly when we worked together at FDU (A) School. He was an excellent instructor always looking to the welfare of his students.
Five bells passed and repeated, diver finish his work. May he rest in peace but never forgotten.
Yves
Our thoughts and prayers are with the MacDonald family. We are
to hear of his sudden passing. Al was a great friend and mentor to all divers, he had his own way of cutting through the BS, and putting things back into perspective. He will be missed.
Sandy, Matt, and Brian; Bonnie and I were shocked and saddened when we heard Al had passed away. Al was a true friend and a man I respected for his honesty, wisdom and support. As a fellow classmate in 78 Al was a true leader and driver who helped his mates get over obstacles and challenges. I have always admired his professionalism and his no BS attitude. Al and I bumped into each other throughout our careers and it was always like we were neighbors having a laugh and a beer. I will miss my friend. I am sure this is a difficult time for your family, rest assured we will all cherish memories of Al.
Sandy, Matt and Brian
I wish you all, deepest condolences from my family and I. I was shocked to hear of Al’s passing. He was always a person who couldn’t sit still and was certainly not shy of labourious work. He was an integral part of my career as a Clearance Diver. He understood leadership and made going to work meaningful. He will be sadly missed by the entire diving community but never forgotten. As the current Coxswain of FDU(P) I also send, on behalf of the entire unit, our deepest regrets.
Our thoughts are with you during this time of mourning and if there is anything you need we are there for you.
Sandy, Matt and Bryan, my deepest sympathy for your loss way to soon. Enjoyed working with Al years ago back on the Cormorant in Halifax. He a great diver and friend.