(1948-2020). Al passed away August 26 in North Bay after a brief illness. He was predeceased by his father, William, and his mother, Jeannine Pilon, of Timmins. He is survived by his beloved wife of 50 years, Jackie Parke, his loving children, Kerry (Eric Boudreau), Jim, and John (Julie Lavigne), his grandchildren Gage, Aiden, Arlen, Piper, Stephanie and Kristie, his brother Bill (Liz Macinnes) of Timmins and his sister Dianne (Kelly Roberts) of Woodstock.
Al is also survived by sister-in-law Renee (John Levesque), brother-in-law Art (Louise Hébert) and numerous nieces and nephews. Al had a love of dogs and pets were dear to him throughout his life. He is survived by his fur buddies Bentley and Shalley and was predeceased by Jessie and Riley.
Al was born and raised in Timmins, where he met and married Jackie, his high school sweetheart. Most of his working life was spent in North Bay, as an accountant at J.S. Redpath Limited, then as co-proprietor with Jackie of A&J Tidas Bookstore in North Bay, where the couple became a well-known part of the downtown business scene in the 1980s and 90s.
Wherever you found Al, a joke was never far behind. No joke was too corny for him to collect and share with his family and friends, and he told (and re-told) them with infectious glee.
Al was a family man who loved nothing more than to bask in the warmth of loved ones. His devotion to his children carried over to his favourite pastimes of hunting, fishing and golf. Through all those hours they spent outdoors with their father, his kids acquired a lifelong love of nature.
Anyone who knew Al understood clearly the values that were important to him. Love of family was at the core of everything for him. His gratitude for those whose life he shared was always plainly visible. His family was his anchor and his compass, and he was their rock. If loving deeply and devotedly is the mark of a rich life, Al departed this world a very wealthy man.
A private family celebration of Al’s life will be held at a later date. Donations can be sent to North Bay Regional Health Centre (Cancer Treatment).