January 7, 1940 – November 23, 2023
Allan spent his last days at the Riverview Health Centre, surrounded by family and friends. After a short illness he passed away in the early morning of November 23rd.
Allan was born and raised in Elmwood/East Kildonan and the record of his baptism can still be found in the registry book at Gordon King United Church. His parents Ethel and John raised Al and his sister Joan in their house on Hart Avenue. In his younger days he worked with his father as a chimney sweep, then after graduating high school started a career with City Hydro, where he would work for the next 32 years. He was active in the early days of CUPE Local 500, and would often boast that he was involved in the implementation of the first computerized billing system used by Hydro. Friends often joked that while he had a long career he was actually retired longer than he ever worked.
Al enjoyed many sports – baseball at school, curling and tennis and golf in his later years. He loved to watch sports on TV as well, and was a fan of the Jets and Blue Jays.
Al married Lynne in the early 60’s, and they had 2 children – Debbie (Marc) and Glen (Wendy). They continued to live in a small house in Elmwood. After separating Al would meet Cheryl, with whom he also had 2 children – Hal and Lee-Ann, and a step-daughter Lisa.
Eventually Al would settle down with his wife Wendy and their home on Southwood would become the site for many family gatherings, especially at Christmas. Wendy was famous for her cooking and baking, and continued to provide treats for family Christmas’ for years.
While there were many changes throughout his life, there were some things that remained constant. One was his love of West Hawk Lake. A lifelong member of the trailer village at West Hawk Al spent many summers with family and friends enjoying his trailer at “the lake”. Another constant was his friends, many of whom he met while still a boy on Hart street, and who remained his friends until his last days. Often they could be found at one trailer or another, grouped together around a fire, a horseshoe pit or on the beach enjoying each others company and conversation (and a few of Al’s home made beers as well). In later years they would meet up for curling, darts or just to have a few at the Legion. Those that lived further afield kept in touch regularly by phone, and later by email.
For many years Al played a regular Sunday poker game with Glen and a group of friends, many of whom became good friends and visited while he was in Riverview. There was a lot of teasing and laughter at these games where Al was affectionately known as “The Old Man”.
Al (Papa to his grand and great grandchildren) leaves behind his sister and children, as well as his extended family – grandchildren Allan (AJ) Bartosh, Matthew Bartosh (Biljana), great-grandchildren Jayla, Kelsey, Laila, Axel, Brooklyn, nieces and nephews, and all of his special friends – Ed (Nancy), Frank (Joan), Bob (Kathy), Tammy, Karen. Glen’s family Wendy, Harris and Jo also enjoyed many family dinners with dad, and Harris was a frequent visitor at Riverview who always left Al laughing. Everyone that knew Al always appreciated his sense of humour and generosity.
We wish to thanks all the friends and family who have expressed their care and concern, and especially those who were able to come and visit Dad while he was ill. A special thank you to from the family to Ed and Nancy Gray for being our rock from beginning to end. Our deepest gratitude to all the staff and care givers at Riverview Health Centre Palliative Care Ward, whose compassion and caring ensured that dad was able to spend his last days with the most comfort and peace that could be imagined.
A celebration of life will be held at Royal Canadian Legion #9, 920 Nairn Avenue on January 13th from 2 to 4 pm. Please join friends and family to, as dad would say “Have a beer!” and remember our father, friend and family.
Please consider making a donation to the Riverview Health Centre Foundation in memory of Allan in recognition of their care and kindness, that some other family can benefit in their time of need.
