In 2002 the doctors gave Al 8 months to live, saying that he had a re-occurrence of esophageal cancer which had been operated one year earlier. 16 years later after regaining excellent health and finding his passion of being in nature and volunteering with the Naturalists, Campbell Valley Park, various environmental committees and children's nature education groups, he passed away peacefully.
Al was born in Germany and spent many years in the Banff and Canmore area where his father had been a prisoner of war years before. He obtained two degrees from The University of Calgary and his Doctorate from U.B.C. and enjoyed a long
career at the University of Calgary where he spent 11 of those years as an Associate Dean of Humanities, working and helping students via administration.
After retirement in 1997, Al served as a volunteer Treasurer for the International German Teachers Association for 8 years and made 16 trips to various countries in Europe. He also did a lecture tour to New Zealand and Australia during his teaching term and later with a family member after retirement.
As well Al served two years as the Chairman of the Surrey Environmental Committee and participated in various other supporting roles wherever he could to assist in preserving the environment, and educating others to appreciate its beauty and importance.
He will be remembered by the dedication of a park bench in Campbell Valley Park, south entrance off 8th Avenue, by the old nature house, on Thursday,
August 30th, 11 to Noon. Please join us for coffee and enjoy a visit to the Park. Dress for the weather, you will be walking on the grass.
Service Details
11:00 AM