CAIRNS, ALBERT JAMES
Albert died peacefully after complications of a stroke. He worked hard to rehab and was doing well but recovery was not in the master plan.
Albert is survived by his loving wife of 66 years. Phyllis; daughters; Gail (Ernie), Cindy (Frank); sons; Jim (Celeste), Martin (Lori); grandchildren; Stephanie (Donny), Matthew (Dawn), Chelsea (Mike), Cairn, Devin (Tanya), Shayanne (Rory), Sierra, Mackenzie (Shi), Isaac, David (Lara), Jenny (Brad), Amanda (Matt); great-grandchildren; Chloe, Radley, Trey, Hailey, Avarie, Holly, Ethan, Eli, Derrick, Little Isaac, Huxley and Madden; sisters-in-law, Mary-Ann and Grace as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.
Albert was predeceased by his sister, Betty, and husband Clary; brother, Lyle and in-laws, Aggie, Ken and Roddy.
Albert touched many lives in his 88 years. Albert has always said, “If I were to die tomorrow, I’ve had a good life.” July 18 Albert suffered a stroke, his recovery was encouraging during his month at the U of A Hospital. His three weeks at the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital showed great promise with home fully on his mind. He took a turn for the worse after aspirating. He worked hard but it was too much and he left us peacefully with family at his side. Many thanks to the Health Care workers who tried their best to help Albert succeed in his quest to make it home.
What a life Albert had! Growing up in the Depression he learned about hard work and how to wheel and deal. He came by his mischievous nature honestly which he learned from his Dad. One of his favourite things to do was push buttons to get a reaction “stir the pot”. He did have a sense of humor! Albert met the love of his life with a little nudging, okay, a lot of nudging from brother-in-law Ken. Phyllis and Albert married, worked through tough times but always managed in the end. They raised four children and instilled the strongest sense of family, creating their legacy. Albert had dreams which he brought to reality with help from family and friends who also saw his vision. Just look at the farm! The door was always open and the coffee pot on. If you needed something and Albert had it, you had it. Company, coffee, crib, cards, dice, floor curling, those are the things that engaged Albert. He still loved splitting wood. A sunny day on the front deck looking south was his favourite spot, after his easy chair, of course. Albert so loved his animals. Happy, his faithful dog, Weasel, and Tigger sitting on his lap getting petted, was a joy. Albert lived with love and integrity, in return, he is well-loved and respected.
You will be missed dear Albert but you will never be far away, forever in the hearts of those who knew and loved you.
No Funeral Service will be held, a Celebration of Life will take place in the spring.
