Obituaries

It is with sadness that we share the passing of Albert Edward Wilson. He passed away peacefully surrounded by family at Eagle Ridge Hospital on Tuesday April 28th after a stroke. He was less than 4 months shy of his 94th birthday. Albert is survived by his loving wife of nearly 62 years, Ruth(nee Pfirrmann) and his 3 daughters Silvia, Carol(James), Rosemary(Jim) and his grandsons Ryan(Alexa) and Thomas(Arin)
Born in Ballykeel, Northern Ireland on August 8th, 1932, Albert grew up as the youngest of 10 where he learned the value of going with the flow and fending for himself. He was the last member of the family, surviving his last brother Ray by 4 years and last sister Joy by 9 years.
After a short stint in the police force in Northern Ireland, Albert was able to avoid the Troubles by immigrating to Canada with his cousin and joining the Armed Forces.
Albert’s daughters are cold war babies who owe their existence to their father’s posting to West Germany where he met their mothers.
Initially retiring in Germany made it convenient to travel to the UK to see relatives. They also travelled to at least 20 other countries to create memories that Ruth will cherish forever. Moving to Port Coquitlam in 2000 made it possible for family trips and cruises on this continent. Here, Albert continued square dancing, cycling, and long country walks. He was always fit and trim and a moderate eater. A role model for us all. In earlier years he ran and played squash and badminton.
Albert was until recently an active member of the Wilson Centre and the Silverchord Choir. He had also been a member of the Assumption Choir.
Albert was know for his easygoing and sweet nature and propensity to break out in song. The expression that epitomizes his approach to conflict is “when the going gets tough, the tough get napping” which helped him through the years where his gender was outnumbered by 4 to 1 in the household.
Albert was an avid gardener who greatly missed his garden while living in care homes in the last fews years. Being an adaptable person though, he quickly embraced the lifestyle and engaged in every activity on offer from bingo to singing to crafts.
Albert was much loved, cherished and attended to by his family in his final years which hopefully made up for an upgringing that provided very little care and attention. He never took it for granted and was always thankful. He will be sorely missed.
The funeral service will take place at Our Lady of Assumption Church on May 13th at 11am followed by a memorial service from 12pm to 230pm at Assumption Hall.