Miller, Alfred (Al)
July 26 1960 – Feb. 18, 2013
Born Alfred E. P. Van der Ploeg in Port Alberni, Al was a man of many talents. As a young man, he fought forest fires in BC. He followed in his father’s footsteps, became a baker and worked alongside him at Mountain View Bakery in Port Alberni. For a time, Al owned a bakery in Langford. Later he returned to work in the forests of BC for many years and he loved the outdoors. In later years, he enjoyed carpentry and his parents, sister, daughter and grandchildren all benefitted from his skills. He always said a person needed to apply drywall mud with the same technique as icing a cake.
As teenagers, Al and his brother Pete spent many weekends sailing with their father on the waters of the Strait of Georgia. In the winter, they spent their weekends skiing together on Mount Arrowsmith.
Predeceased by his older brother and best friend, Peter Miller in 1986. Survived by his daughters, Nicole (Ryan), Jaime and Amanda as well as his four grandchildren who were the very brightest lights in his life: Kenneth, Hazel-Lily, Wesley and Olive-May. Also survived by his parents, Everett and Ena Miller, his sister Anita (Graham), his brother Marvin, and his two nephews, Elijah and Nicholas. Remembered by Pam, many aunts, uncles, cousins, and numerous friends.
Al passed away in Saskatoon on February 18, in the arms of his loving family. A Celebration of Al’s life will be held in Port Alberni at a later date.
He was a great man and a superhero to his daughters and grandchildren. He will be deeply missed by many and forever in our hearts.
“Sunset and evening star,
And one clear call for me!
And may there be no moaning of the bar,
When I put out to sea,
But such a tide as moving seems asleep,
Too full for sound and foam,
When that which drew from out the boundless deep
Turns again home.
Twilight and evening bell,
And after that the dark!
And may there be no sadness of farewell,
When I embark.”