July 10, 1946 - June 22, 2023
In Loving Memory ~
Al, Alex, Alec, Daddy, Papa, no matter how you addressed him he always answered with a smile, handshake or hug.
Al was diagnosed with Pulmonary Fibrosis and left this world, using MAID, "his way" on June 22nd with his family by his side at the age of 76.
Al was born in Comox, BC to Douglas and Curly Hamilton. He was the only brother to three sisters; Fran, Pat and Phylis(Doug). The father to Angela and Tracy (Demos) and bonus dad to Tanya (Coke) and Shannon (Mike). Papa to Christian, Emily, Constantine, Katriana and Riley. Great Papa to Nevaeh and Oliver.
Al is survived by many and missed by all but there is a big void in his chair next to his sweetie of 22 years Judi.
Known as helpful Al around the neighborhood, he was always ready to lend a hand, tool, advice or hug. (just don't ask him how to use Amazon Prime, the printer or most electronics). He was the king of Emojis on his iPhone 5 but that was his limit!
Al's colorful career began after high school. His resume included construction, Noranda mines, the Gold River Mill and numerous jobs as a log scalar.
After marrying his first wife, Karen in 1973,he apprenticed for heavy duty mechanics and finished at the top of his class, winning his 'Big Red toolbox' as a reward.
His career took him and his family all over BC, until he returned to the Valley and moved to the family ranch. At the age of 62, with 2 bad knees, he was deemed "good for nothing" and was forced into retirement.
Al's favorite job was as a volunteer fire fighter at the Port McNeill fire department.
Al started every day with a bowl of corn flakes, Facebook and a whole bunch of good intentions. It didn't matter what he actually got done in a day but if he could make at least one person smile then he had done his job.
In December, family and friends from all over the Island braved a winter storm to gather and celebrate a life well lived. He was overwhelmed by the amount of people who came to see him, share stories and listen to memories. He insisted "he wasn't a nice guy" and had us all fooled but if love could've healed him, he would've lived forever. He ended the day saying, "Love you all, it was great seeing you and see you on the other side, wherever the hell that may be".
Al pushed through another 6.5 months filled with visitors, phone calls and texts from family and friends.
Al kept us laughing until the end, even when we were crying. He had courage and humour at unlikely moments.
He knew his passing would be hard on us and he tried to stay as long as possible, but he ran out of stories to tell.
He left us with one final thought; "why did the chicken cross the road?"
Al has the answer on the other side with the chicken.
Breathe easy Al!
A special thank you to DR. Reggler and nurse Tanya "Missing someone is a way of keeping them close"