Al passed away suddenly, but peacefully, at home in his favourite chair on August 2, 2023, with his family present. He was predeceased by his parents Archie and Ethel McKenzie, brother Gordon and brother-in-law Mel Clark. Left to mourn are his wife Annie, sister Mary Clark, daughter Lisa McKenzie, son Jason (Lydia), stepsons Michael and Neil (Corinna), stepdaughter Tracy (Dan), grandchildren Tanya, James, Steven, Melissa (Noah), Ross, Megan (Riley), Melody and Isabel, great-grandchildren Oliver, Emily and Lucas, nieces Jennifer and Stephanie, and nephews Daniel and Sean.
Al and Annie met in 1974 and later married in 1980. They loved boating with friends, dancing up a storm whenever they could, volunteering, socializing at the Legion and Moose, and having coffee at A&W and Tim Hortons.
Al had a great life, filled with adventures and lots of family time. He devoted much of his time to helping people in the community, always there to help a neighbour, senior or friend in need.
He was well known for his woodworking skills, and many homes here in Powell River and out of town have his items, including dog houses, potato boxes, fancy bird houses, potato and onion boxes, benches, as well as many beautiful signs for different people and businesses adorn the town.
Al put in endless hours to help our community in regard to the farmers’ market and the seniors’ centre with varying jobs that included making signs, booths, helping children build birdhouses that he made the parts for, and planning and doing a major renovation at the Cranberry Seniors Centre. You could always find him putting up tables and peeling spuds and carrots for the group dinners.
Al loved spending time with his family and watching his family grow. He was always so proud of everyone. He would do anything for his family and spread his wealth of knowledge and humour to all of them. He was so talented in many ways and took the time to show and teach his family much.
Al loved boating and spent many years boating up the coast and up the lake with a tight crew of great old friends, and many nights up late playing guitar and singing.
He was an amazing artist with wood, concrete, drawing, sketching, poetry and music. He was not too bad at card games and dominoes. He loved family dinners as well as Friday night dinners out with friends.
The family would like to thank the first responders and other members who gave excellent assistance to the family on Al's day of passing. Thank you to Dr. Rossouw, Dr. Uhlmann, the emergency room department, and the ambulatory care crew for all their help over the years. Thank you, Robin, for helping with CPR before help arrived.
A celebration of life will be held at 2 pm on Saturday, August 19, at Cranberry Seniors Centre, 6792 Cranberry Street.
