Monday, October 26, 2015
I first met Al in 1965 -- 50 years ago. My family had moved into 8 Kilkenny Drive in Agincourt and Al's lived across the street at #1. That area proved to be a gold mine of lifelong friends for me, with Al being a key member of a small group of guys that now share a long and rich common history. From 3rd grade on up, I have countless great memories of Al that include football, Halloween pranks, skiing, breaking into the HMCS Haida (and getting caught), first cars (Al's was a VW Beetle), vacations, first beers, girlfriends, cottages, having kids, divorce -- everything that life has to offer.
Al was always the guy with the quick smile and ability to find good in things. I remember going through a particularly tough time a number of years back, which Al must have heard about because he called me one day to talk. He never actually brought up the issues I was facing, but at the end of the call he simply said "You realize I have your back, right"? That statement had an enormous and immediate positive impact on me at a time when I really needed the support. I've never forgotten it and I never will.
I saw Al in May when we both attended a memorial service in Toronto. He was the same as always -- happy, positive and easy to be around. Although I hadn't seen him for a couple of years, it was as if it had only been a couple of days. I never dreamt that would be the last time I saw him.
Al, I can't believe you are gone. The world is a lessor place today, but I feel privileged to have called you my friend.
