After a diagnosis of esophageal cancer in October of 2014, Albert died in his home in Cobble Hill, BC. Albert is survived by his children Michael and Laurel, daughter-in-law Julie and granddaughters Harriet and Myriam; by his sister Jeannine of Toronto, mother Hanna of Claresholm, AB and extended family. He is predeceased by his father Douwe (John) of Stavely, AB and brother Gary of Sherwood Park, AB.
Born in Ft. Macleod, Albert grew up on a farm near Willow Creek, and attended school in Stavely. He was a Boy Scout in his youth and a Scout leader as an adult. Albert served 35 years in the Canadian Navy, mostly as a sonarman. He was married to Joy Phillips for 30 years and lived in the Fernwood/Hillside neighbourhood of Victoria, BC for most of the 70s and 80s. He moved to Cobble Hill where he spent countless hours gardening and working his small farm. Albert was active in the Cobble Hill AA meeting at “the Shack.” He was a well-loved member of his community and had a wide circle of friends from many walks of life.
Albert valued hard work, self-reliance, good food, a good bargain, and good neighbours. Three weeks ago he painted his house, in the last weeks of his life he worked in his garden and when he couldn’t do that, he would walk in his yard and supervise and instruct the friends and neighbours who came by to help feed the chickens and move irrigation lines.
In lieu flowers, donations can be made in Albert’s name to Cowichan Valley Hospice Society 3122 Gibbins Rd, Duncan, BC V9L 1G2, Canada.
https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/cowichan-valley-hospice/
A Time of Remembrance and Open House will be held at Farmer’s Institute Hall in 3550 Watson Ave., Cobble Hill, BC on Saturday, September 12, 2-4 PM
Online condolences can be offered at www.sandsduncan.ca