Albert Stewart MACHAN
Sept. 6, 1919 - Mar. 23, 2013
The Machan family at large are deeply saddened by the death of our Father, Grandfather, Great Grandfather, best friend and mentor. Allie was born in Antler, Sask and took over the responsibility of running the farm, and helping his mother raise 5 younger siblings, after the death of his father Stewart in 1937. Three older siblings had already left home to work away. This was to be Dad’s role for life, looking after everyone in his family and developing the strong family bond that he had with all of his extended family. Also building his strength of character, loyalty and pride.
In 1948, Allie met Beth, a teacher, and they formed a union for life, marrying in July 1949 at Jedburgh, Sask. at Beth’s grandfather’s homestead. Allie, I am sure, had seen himself staying on the family farm forever but due to severe asthma during harvest Dad had to leave his beloved farm. On a trip to Port Alberni to visit with friends they decided to settle there. That was in 1955. Dad worked at Woodward’s until 1983 while Mom had gone back to teaching. In 1978 they moved to Parksville where Allie bought a boat, did lots of fishing, golfing and curling, until his back pain became so unbearable he had to give them up.
Al was involved in many activities over the years, being involved with whatever sports his 3 children were involved with: ball, soccer, hockey. No matter how tired after a day of work he would find time to have a few minutes playing catch or kicking the ball with one of his children or driving wherever they needed to get to. Family was always most important to him. Al and Beth were involved in many church, community and family occasions, always up for a game of bridge, crib or, for the kids, Rummoli was the favourite, for which Al saved his pennies in a jar. Both loved dancing.
Every summer meant a trip back to Saskatchewan to visit EVERYONE. Two weeks of whirlwind visiting, there and back. Incredible stamina but no one was left out. Al, of course, to get his seasonal dose of wheat, oats and good prairie beef. Always the farmer. Carol, Sandra and Wayne, and their families, always enjoyed going “home” which was wherever Mom and Dad were. There was always lots of people to visit, old teachers, shut-in friends whom Dad would take us to visit as he knew how much pleasure it gave them. Games of cards, great meals (mostly home grown) with lots of family and friends .
Dad, we are thankful that you have no pain and we hope you are taking in 18 holes daily and getting those seeds planted. We have many happy memories to get us by, but we miss you. Al is survived by his children Carol (Jim), Sandra and Wayne ( Leanne). Grandchildren Kirsti (Joseph), Kimberley (Ashley), Kayleigh (Dustin) and Kathlyn (Travis). Great grandchildren Bailey, Keeley, Noah, Mackynlee and Calder. Siblings Elsie, Glenn (Claire), Llew and Ken (Shirley) along with many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Donations in Dad’s name can be made to the charity of your choice. Dad gave to them all.
A memorial will be held Aug. 9, during a family reunion,
time and place to be determined.
Dad, we miss you.