1925 – 2013
Al passed away peacefully at the Royal Jubilee Hospital on July 16. He will be deeply missed by his devoted wife, Lillian, his daughters Sheri-Lee and Holly-Anne, his stepchildren Belinda, Roxanne and Stewart, and all of his grandchildren. He was predeceased by his beloved wife Vida Marion in 1970.
Al lived a full life of love and service. He was raised on a farm in Eastern Ontario, joined the Navy on his 18th birthday, fought overseas in WWII, and subsequently began a long and most successful banking career with the Bank of Montreal. He was very active in his Christian faith as he was a founding member of Beaconsfield United Church, on numerous service boards, was an elder at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian, Victoria and quietly helped so many others with driving, errands and compassion.
He was a steadfast and deeply loving husband, Dad and Grandpa. His complete devotion to Vida and the girls throughout her illness, was a light in the darkness for all and will never be forgotten. He was a blessing to all who crossed his path. God shone brightly through Al.
There was a private memorial service on July 20th and his remains will be interred at Finch Cemetery, Ontario, at a later date. In lieu of flowers, Al requested that donations be made to the Canadian Red Cross (www.redcross.ca/donate). Condolences may be offered to the family below.
-
Barbara D. Smith
-
Steve Fortner So sorry to hear of Aldon “Al’s” death. I first met Aldon around 1995. I was working at Broadmead Jewelers. One day he asked me….”Where are you from Steve?” I said Perth…..and my mom is from Chesterville! Well …….his jaw dropped, as he was from Finch! He went to the same high school as my mom! When mom came out that year……Al and Lillian took mom out for lunch. This was one of the many lunches they would have over the years when my mom would come out to visit. Al was a true gentleman. He and Lillian were at my wedding and he often said to my mom ” If Steve needs anything…….you tell him to phone me!” He would often phone to see how things were going and to ask how my mom was doing. They shared that special time of growing up and going to school in the Finch/Chesterville area just before WW2. Mom would always address “Al” as Aldon…….and I think he loved that…..as he was only called that when he was a young man growing up in the Ottawa Valley. They would talk and Al would ask my mom, “What ever happened to so and so” Mom would tell him……and he would smile. My mom was sad when I told her about Aldon’s passing but she has such good memories of those lunches and the going down memory lane. To coin a local Ottawa valley expression, we would say that “Al was a good lad” and he truly was. May God bless you all and give you comfort. Rest assured that Al is smiling down on all of us…..and we will all be together someday. Steve Fortner and my mom Jean Fortner (Kearns from Chesterville)
-
Victoria Swanson Dear Lillian, Sheri-Lee and Holly-Anne, and families,
Our family was deeply saddened by the news of Uncle Aldon’s death. In addition to being a wonderful husband, father and grandfather, he was also a very attentive uncle and great-uncle. We always enjoyed our visits with him and Lillian when we could get to Victoria; the city won’t be quite the same without him.
May the happy memories of your lives with him give you comfort and peace during this difficult time.
With love,
Vicki, Paul, Adele, Rheanna and Laurieve
It is with deep saddness that I wish to convey my very sincere sympathy to Aldon’s immediate family at this time of his passing. Aldon was extremely helpful to me throughtout my entire life. He was there for me when noone else was. He didn’t mind to get in there and do whatever was necessary to secure my well-being as much as he possibly could. His advice was paramount to me, for he counselled me very wisely and with true kindess. The deep love and devotion he showed toward my dear sister Vida and to Lillan as well, speaks of a very steadfast and loving soul. The abundant love, guidance and pride he showed toward his girls, Sheri-Lee and Holly-Anne cannot be measured. This also extended to his son-in-law, his step-children and his dear grandchildren. He will be acutely missed and never forgotten by his whole family and also by the many, many people who were given the priviledge to know him. Today I write this with a heavy heart for I still cannot believe he won’t he there…there, at the other end of the phone, always willing to take time for me, whether just for a chat, or to applaud my efforts, or to give me a few words of encouragement. He was a fine man and I will miss him tremendously.