May 28, 1921 - November 1, 2009

Al was born in Saskatoon and had many happy memories of a carefree boyhood with lots of skating and hockey in the company of good chums. In 1934 he moved with his family to a farm on Vancouver Island. He always said having to milk a cow every day kept him on the straight and narrow!

After graduating from high school, he trained at Brisbane Aviation Company, then worked at Boeing Aircraft Company in Richmond as an expediter; this was followed by a two year stint in the RCAF during which time he earned his wings as a pilot. After the war, Al attended UBC for three years - he returned later to complete his Bachelor of Science Degree.

In 1949 he married Elizabeth (Betty) Bryan whom he'd met two years before in Qualicum Beach. From 1952 to 1961, Al was a field engineer with the Greater Vancouver Water and Sewer Board. Much of that time was spent on the construction of the Cleveland Dam on the Capilano River. The family became complete with the addition of a son, Bryan and a daughter, Margaret.

After returning to UBC to acquire certification, Al's career as a teacher began in 1963 with classes at Ralph Bell Elementary School in Kamloops. He later taught math and science at MacArthur Park Junior Secondary. Included in his teaching years was a year at Stratford Central Secondary in Ontario. His goal was to help every student understand the concepts presented and he worked hard to develop and use alternate materials and strategies whenever necessary.

Al never lost his passion for flying, and retirement in 1983 brought more time for his hobby of flying and rebuilding aircraft. He took great pleasure in short flights over the local hills and longer flights to Vancouver Island and Saskatchewan. Two of his most memorable flights were to Nome, Alaska and to the EAA Fly-In at Oshkosh, Wisconsin. He was one of the founders of the Thompson Valley Experimental Aircraft Association.

In August of this year, surrounded by family and friends, Al and Betty enjoyed their 60th Wedding Anniversary. Bryan and Maggie created a wonderful, memory-filled celebration that Al and Betty really treasured.

Al is survived by his wife, Betty; son, Bryan; daughter Maggie Michor; granddaughter, Alexis Michor; sister, Helen Wilson; sister-in-law, Jill Fuller; and nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents Ed and Elizabeth Strome and sister Jean Hunter.

The family would like to express their gratitude to friends and to the staff at the Hospice for their loving care during Al's last days: they truly made a difference.

At Al's request, there will be no formal service. Friends are invited to a gathering to celebrate his life at the family home at 2:00 P.M. on Wednesday, November 4th , 2009.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Al's memory may be made to the Marjorie Willoughby Hospice Home (72 Whiteshield Cres. S., Kamloops, BC, V2E 2S9) or the charity of your choice.