Albert "Al" Lawrence Putland

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of Al Putland, a deeply loved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend of many. Al passed on Friday, June 5, 2026 at the impressive age of 95.

Bringing happiness and laughter to those he loved was his greatest pleasure and there are no words to thank him enough for everything he gave us. He will be forever in the hearts of his beloved wife Mary Anne, his children Tracy, Debbie (Mike), Kelly (Kevin), his grandchildren Amanda (Tino), Nici (Josh), Mikayla (Kyle), Emily (Quinn) and Abigail. He will also be deeply missed by his great grandchildren Karson, Scarlett and Kasey.

Al was born in Eastbourne, Sussex England on December 31, 1930. It was fascinating to listen to his stories of the war as he remembered so many details and experiences. Before his life journey from England to Canada, Al left school early to become a mechanic and that trade helped him get his start in Canada where he eventually spent a long career at Stelco working as a diesel mechanic.

So many kind words have been used to describe Al over the years which include kind, loving and always having a big smile. A true gentleman, Al embodied a kind of timeless chivalry – always holding the door, offering his seat and instinctively putting the comfort of others before his own. Al was a social butterfly and threw himself into whatever activity he could find to be around people. He thoroughly enjoyed volunteering at the Legion and at Sackville Senior Centre but had a passion for volunteering with the Children’s Aid Society where he transported children to and from appointments. He had many stories to tell about those drives and was well known to the children as the volunteer who spoke like Donald Duck. His grandchildren and great grandchildren also have many giggles to remember him by.

Al had many life joys which included biking, rollerblading and canoeing with Mary Anne. He had a passion for soccer that he enjoyed playing and coaching. He maintained a long-time friendship with his soccer buddies in England and went back “home” for reunions as often as possible. Al was very proud of his accomplishments in Karate which he took up and enjoyed later in life. Another hobby he thoroughly enjoyed was his carpentry. He would spend countless hours in his garage workshop crafting planters and other items to gift to his neighbours, family and friends.

A loving family man doesn’t seem strong enough to describe the warmth he had for all of his family. He loved the get togethers, picnics and any chance he had to be around family. We all knew though not to touch grandad’s hair, he was proud of his thick locks right up until his final day. Of course, that gave us all a reason to mess his hair and get him laughing.

Many thanks to the staff of both the satellite location of HHS/St. Joseph’s Hospital and to Extendicare for the exceptional care he received over the last year. Cremation has taken place and a private celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Though his body was frail and tired, his spirit was full of grateful appreciation to be able to draw another determined breath every second he had on this earth. He is now on a journey to a reunion with family and friends he has not seen in a long time. We just hope there is a plate of fish and chips waiting for him when he arrives. To quote Al … Arrivederci!