Albert ‘Al’, Walzak, LCdr RCN (Ret’d) CD2, 80, of Halifax, died peacefully on Friday, Oct. 26, 2012, at home surrounded by his family.
Al was born in New Waterford, N.S., the eldest son of the late William and Gertrude (Stepaniak) Walzak.
After graduation from St. FX University in 1955 with a bachelor of arts degree (major in geology), Al joined the Royal Canadian Navy Reserve as acting sub-lieutenant. He retired as a lieutenant commander after serving 36 years. During his career he sailed on various ships and had shore postings on the east and west coasts before retiring from the maritime command staff in December 1987. He became involved in volunteer work with refugees and immigrants which led him to a second career working with immigration as a settlement officer with the Metropolitan Immigration Settlement Association. Al worked with MISA for eight years helping refugees and immigrants seeking settlements and shelter in Canada, and this passion to help others continued in his volunteer work until the very end.
Albert was a man of action and compassion, always putting the needs of others before himself. In recognition of his work with those in need, he and his wife, Virginia, were awarded the Elizabeth Ann Seton Award by the Sisters of Charity in 2007. A man of faith, Albert was an active member of Saint Lawrence parish and more recently Saint Benedict parish in Halifax. In his retirement years, Al especially enjoyed spending time with his family and friends at their cottage on Pigott Lake. The door was open to all and his generous hospitality and kindness were felt by so many. As a wonderful storyteller, he has richly entertained many with his life experiences and tales.
He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Virginia (Bowes); children, Gina (Mark Young), Kelly, Taya (Bob Shields) and Albert ‘Buddy’ (Lisa Haydon); his grandchildren, Mitchell, Meagan and Stephanie Young, Brian, Jeffrey and Christina Meagher, Erin and Adrienne Shields, Amy and Maryn Walzak, and great-grandchild, Owen Meagher. Albert is also survived by his uncle, Stanley Stepaniak; sisters-in-law, Theresa Walzak (Bucky) and Phemie Walzak (Russell), all of New Waterford; as well as a niece and several nephews.
Visitation will be held at J.A. Snow Funeral Home, 339 Lacewood Dr., Halifax on Tuesday, Oct. 30 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. A mass of Christian Burial will be held at Saint Benedict Church, 45 Radcliffe Dr., Halifax, at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 31, Fr. James Mallon officiating. Burial to follow in Gate of Heaven Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Refugee Sponsorship Program, Archdiocese of Halifax or Saint Vincent de Paul Society, Saint Benedict Council.
Loving thanks are extended to a dear friend who was constantly at his bedside. The family would like to express heartfelt thanks to the palliative care staff of the QE II Hospital and to the Victorian Order of Nurses whose presence and outstanding support enabled us to care for Al at home.
Online condolences can be sent to www.jasnowfuneralhome.com
“… it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.”
St. Francis of Assisi

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