My deep condolences to Vic and the rest of the family.  

 Here's a memory from September 2, 1974 - Labour Day Weekend.   Al might have mentioned the trip from Montreal to Toronto to see this concert.  I was driving my mother's car.  We almost lost our lives on that trip somewhere on the 401 but it wasn't our time yet.  I was driving in the passing lane.  Some idiot passed us on the grass center medium and pulled in 3 cars ahead of us.   The car behind him when he pulled in hit the brakes and started fishtailing.  So did the car in front of us.  I had to hit the brakes too, and we somehow slid through a gap in the traffic in the inside lane and ended up facing the other way in the ditch.   It was so fast that we really didn't know what happened, but there were some people hitchhiking who filled us in on all the terrifying details.  I didn't want to get back in the driver's seat, but Al told me that if I didn't do it now, then I might not ever do it.  I took his advice and we carried on to the concert.  Not knowing Toronto and because Al had a friend in there who had an apartment, we followed a highway sign that said Yonge St. and drove for miles down it for what seemed like hours until we finally reached the place.  If I recall correctly, Al slept under the dining room table - I took the bathtub.  It rained the whole show and somehow we managed to find some plastic and huddle under it.  Memorable trip and I miss everybody who went on weekend with me and am sorry we lost touch over the years.  A story and ticket stub from the past.  I will remember him fondly and always. 

I was very saddened to hear of Al's death recently. Even though I hadn't seen Al for at least 25 years, I remember him fondly for the great times that we shared in the 1970s and early '80s. The world was our oyster, as it were, and we feasted on it.  
Al introduced me (along with a host of other characters at his apartment) to bridge, backgammon, cycling, lively conservation and music. There was always music, with stacks of LPs lining the walls. Best of all, there was Al's pride and joy --- a pair of Altec-Lansing A7 speakers that could fill a small concert hall.
Those speakers figured prominently at a house he, Rob McCrindle and I rented on a quiet street in Pierrefonds, Que. Al always enjoyed showing off the A7s whenever the opportunity arose, and wanted friends to hear what they sounded like. Al's musical tastes were varied, so one afternoon he put on J.S. Bach's Toccata and Fugue to demonstrate what the speakers were capable of at top volume. 
The windows rattled and the house shook as the sounds of Bach filled the air, so much so that several startled women walking nearby stopped in their tracks to listen to what they were convinced was an organ concert in the suburbs. I'm guessing that Al was probably very pleased with the results.
Years later, Al sold the speakers to a grateful audiophile in Beaconsfield before they finally found a new home in Oakville, Ont., where they now reside. A fitting legacy, I think.
And I will always remember Al when I crank up the stereo to listen to Bach.
To his wife Valerie, his children, stepchildren, his brother, and the entire extended family, please accept my heartfelt condolences. He will be dearly missed.

Scott Howarth
Toronto

I was in first contact with Alan in the late 70’s or early 80’s over the telephone when I started with Ringball in Ontario.
He was always pleasant to speak to, over the years when I met him at the corporate golf tournaments he always had a smile on his face and was very happy to participate in the golf tournaments.
Later on in my career I would visit Montreal on a few occasions per year and I always looked forward to our discussions.
Our discussions were in large part about hockey and the Toronto Maple Leafs and very little about business. Alan it was good to know you may you RIP.
My condolences to Alan’s family & friends.

Valerie, I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your husband.   Sending our sincerest condolences.  

Dear Valerie,         Sorry for your loss.  It seems to be  too early, but I am certain  that you will be together again.   -  Love Uncle Bob and Family 

Dear Valerie,
We were so sorry to hear about the passing of your husband Alan.  Our deepest sympathy.  Thinking of you and your family at this difficult time.

Steve and Suzanne White

Val, Emily and Andrea,
Please accept our condolences on the passing of Alan.  We are so sorry that you have lost him.  Although we didn't see him often, every time we did he struck me as a gentle and kind man.  I'm sure that you will all miss him terribly and we are wishing you strength.
Love 
Rob and Shannon Marcuzzi

Please accept my heartfelt condolences for the sudden passing of one of my favorite coworkers.  Alan was a wonderful man to work with.  As happy as I was for him to retire , I missed seeing him here at Ringball and was very sad to hear of his passing.  
I remember him so looking forward to retirement to enjoy being with his family and playing golf and reading.  I hope he got to enjoy all these things in the short time he was retired.
Sincerely,
Louise




Andrew & Mackenzie, I remember you well from the days your dad and I were Cub Scout leaders. I was sad to hear from my son Alexandre Couillard about your dad's passing. I hope good memories will soon eclipse the sadness and other emotions of what has just happened. Praying for you and your family as you journey through this valley, Paula Young & family (Kirkland)

I met Al on a badminton court at John Abbott College in September 1971.  Both lefties, and at a similar level, friendship began.  We shared a Chem lab, and soon spent a lot of time together.  After College, he visited me in Sept Iles, and I, him in Montreal.

Together we embarked on the adventure of our lives in 1974 by setting out to cycle to  British Columbia and live in a gold miner’s cabin on Findlay Creek.  Upon our return to Montreal, most of our free time was shared, board games played, bridge matches, and general mayhem.

We shared a house on the west island, a tent for months while cycling, a miner’s cabin up a logging road in the Purcells, and an occasional apartment.  Al was an Important part of my life, and a true brother and friend.  I will miss him.  Rest in Peace, friend…

Photo from outdoor concert in Toronto - Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young

OBITUARY

Alan Steel

13 May, 1954 – 13 April, 2023

Lahaie & Sullivan Cornwall Funeral Home - West Branch

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