Born in Laird, Saskatchewan in 1925, passed into the presence of the Lord he loved and served on Nov. 6, 2010.
Predeceased by his parents, John and Suzanna, and brothers Henry and John. Survived by his wife of 57 years, Alice (Hurley); Jack (Wendy Gill), Justin, Jordan, and Karen Funk; Jill (Bryce), Peter Alvin, Rebecca, and Allison Rashleigh; and Lindsay (Joy Grant), Natasha, and Carina Funk.
Al served as a wireless air gunner in WW2, earned a bachelors degree in biology at the University of Western Ontario, and a PhD in mycology from the University of Toronto. Al had a very successful 32 year career as a research officer at the Pacific Forestry Research Centre.
Al was a gifted Bible teacher, and shared his love of scriptures with many over the years. He loved all things in the great outdoors, from giant trees to tiny spiders, was a downhill skier, and enjoyed reading poetry.
Thank you for all who helped in his care, especially the staff at Mt. Tolmie Hospital.
Memorial donations in Al’s name may be made to Camp Imadene, c/o David Waldie, 986 Clatworthy Ave. Victoria, V8X 3N6, or to charity of your choice.
There will be a Graveside service on Monday, November 15th, 11 am, at the Royal Oak Burial Park. A Celebration of Al’s life will be held at Saanichton Bible Fellowship, 2159 Mt. Newton Cross Rd, on Monday November 15th at 2 pm
A humble, quiet man, we will miss him. Condolences may be offered at www.mccallbros.com.
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Mike and Sandy Renaud
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Jack Sutherland Hello:
DEAR JACK —-Thanks a lot for the information. It is really sad to loose such a nice person and a gentleman. I will appreciate it if you pass on my message of condolence to Mrs. Funk. I failed sending this through the site suggested in the attachment. Thanks.
PritamMRS. FUNK ———-
It is just yesterday that I got the news from a friend of mine, Dr. Jack Sutherland in Victoria, about the sad demise of your husband, Dr. Alex Funk. I am so sorry learn that. Please accept my heart felt condolence at the sad occassion. I do understand about your irreparable loss and how you must be feeling. However, we all have to accept God’s will. I will pray for your loss and hope that the Almighty will give enough strength for you and your family to bear this great loss. I will also pray to Him to and grant peace to the departed soul. God bless you all.
I used to be Dr. Funk’s colleague in Canadian Forestry Service from 1967 to 1997, although I worked in St. John’s, Newfoundland (for 16 years) and then in Ottawa for about 14 years before I retired in 1997. I have known Dr. Funk through his work and extra-ordinary research contributions in Forest Pathology during my visits to CFS Laboratory in Victoria for Program and Project Reviews. He was one of the most decent and kind gentleman, and an exceptionally keen scientific minds in CFS. During all my meetings with him I found him extremely calm and keen observant person who was always ready to listen and provide a good advice with a smile. I remember when I joined CFS in St. John’s Laboratory in 1967, he was the only person in CFS who wrote to me note welcoming me in to the Can. Forestry Service even though I did not know him at all, to which I thankfully responded. That surely reflected his magnanimous and welcoming heart. What a guy and what a gentlemen. God bless him.
Warm regards ——————-
Pritam Singh (psingh234@yahoo.ca)
1135- St. Jovite Ridge
ORLEANS, Ontario K1C 1Y6
m Singh sent this to me today and I am sending it on. Jack
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Marg and Gord Carr Dear Alice, Jill and all the family,
We were very sorry to hear of the recent loss of your husband / father / grandfather.
Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Love, Marg and Gord Carr(Alice, it was so nice to see you at the Brentwood parade this summer and have a little chat! It had been a long time since we had seen one another.)
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Ruth Barber Dear Alice & Family:
We were sadened to hear of Al’s death, but we know that he is enjoying heaven today. Our deepest sympathies are with all of you at this time. Thank you Alice for being by big sister, you are special to me even though we are miles apart. Ted is also in a care home but both of us were influenced by you and Al.
With much love
Ted and Ruth Barber
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Tad Woods Al was a true gentleman, not often said about men these days. It was a pleasure to work with him.
Tad Woods
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Colin Funk You will be missed Uncle Al. Thanks for the great time when you took me in and looked after me when I was 14. It was a great experience – my first real adventure skiing! Many thanks for the scientific talks. We shared a similar love of biology and the research world.
To Aunt Alice, Jack, Jill, Lindsay and your families you’ve had a great husband, father and friend. Blessings to you all.
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Elaine (Funk) MacKinnon To Aunt Alice, Jack, Jill, Lindsay & families ~
Your Dad was special to us all and he will be missed greatly.
Although we are separated by miles, our love, prayers and thoughts are with you during this time especially.We are so glad that we were able to visit while he was still in relatively good health a few years ago.
May God give you peace and comfort in the days to come.
Elaine, Bruce & Malcolm MacKinnon
Dear Alice, Jack, Jill, Lindsay and families,
Mike and I were truly sorry to hear of Al’s passing. He’s ‘home’ now.
We remember Al as a man of quiet strength. He was a wonderful Christian gentleman. I know my Dad enjoyed and respected him so much especially regarding Al’s love of nature.
There will be a huge void in your family but wonderful memories and the ‘assurance’ of eternity!