Alvin Randolph Puhlmann

Al passed away peacefully, comforted by the profound love of his family, who were gratefully able to be by his side. Following a courageous four-year struggle after suffering a stroke, he is now at peace and in a better place.

Devoted Family Man

At the heart of Al’s life was his family. He met the love of his life, Rose (Boucher), while posted with the RCMP in Westlock, beginning a beautiful journey together. The couple married in 1963 and together, they built a beautiful legacy.

Al was a proud and loving father to his three children: Michelle, Nadine (John), and Kurt (Angele). You could always see the immense pride he took in his family. Al’s joy grew even more with the arrival of his five grandchildren: Emerson, Jacob, Karlyn, Kaden, and Presley, whom he adored deeply.

Al is also survived by his brother, Herb (Nyoni) and will be fondly remembered by many nieces and nephews. He was a deeply loved cousin and a warm, uncle/grandfather figure to the children in his extended circle, who fondly remember wishing he was their grandpa growing up. He took great pride in his family heritage and loved sharing the stories woven within his family tree.

A Life Well-Traveled and Lived

Al was born in Assiniboia, Saskatchewan, on September 16, 1938. His early years were spent on the family farm until the age of seven, when he moved to Vernon, British Columbia. Throughout his vibrant life, Al resided in several communities across Western Canada, including Westlock, Fort Chipewyan, Swan Hills, Edson, Edmonton, and St. Albert, before finally returning to settle in Vernon, B.C., in 1997.

Al had a deep appreciation for the world, creating beautiful memories traveling with Rose across Europe, Asia, Hawaii, South America, and the United States. He had a particular fondness for Mesa, Arizona, where he and Rose owned a beloved home away from home at Venture Out for many years, creating a wonderful community of lifelong friends.

A Dedicated Career in Service

Al spent his professional life protecting and serving others. He enjoyed a distinguished career with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), where he rose to the rank of Sergeant in Alberta. He retired from active duty in 1984 after 26 years and 1 day of dedicated service. His commitment to the force continued for another decade, working as a property manager for the RCMP until 1994.

To those who worked alongside him, Al was a man of immense integrity who commanded nothing but respect, always standing firm in his knowledge of what was right. He often spoke fondly of his days on the force, beginning with his Depot training, where he absolutely loved working and training with the horses, a foundational experience that stayed with him throughout his life.

Community Spirit and Favorite Pastimes

Al was incredibly community-oriented and spent countless hours coaching his kids in their sports, including basketball, softball, baseball, and hockey, alongside volunteering for various local organizations.

An avid sports fan, Al spent his leisure time watching baseball, hockey, soccer, curling, and tennis on T.V., alongside classic westerns and nature shows. He was an active athlete himself, playing slo-pitch until he was in his 70s. He also had a deep love for swimming, a passion sparked in his youth when he worked as a local lifeguard and proudly accomplished the feat of swimming all the way across Kalamalka Lake to “Rattlesnake Point”.

Al also had a deep love for the great outdoors. He was an avid fisherman and hunter who cherished the legendary moose hunts shared with close friends, spending hours talking, laughing, and storytelling while driving the bush roads. He equally loved hunting other game alongside a circle of great friends, making unforgettable memories in the wilderness. His love for adventure also took him deep into nature on trail rides in the backcountry on horseback, where he felt right at home.

Al was a man of many talents; he loved music from the 50s, 60s, and 70s, sang in choirs and plays, and even played the ukulele. He could often be found doing home renovations, tinkering on vehicles, or enjoying a friendly game of crib or poker.

A Warm, Humorous, and Gentle Soul

Al will be remembered as a true "people person" and an unforgettable character. He possessed a fantastic sense of humour that brought light and laughter to everyone around him. He loved nothing more than sharing a small group gathering, welcoming regular visitors, and enjoying the company of family and friends, especially when it involved sharing a meal, as he absolutely loved to fish and thoroughly enjoyed eating crab, lobster, and all kinds of seafood.

His quiet daily comforts, like a warm cup of coffee, or taking a peaceful soak in the bathtub, reflected his gentle, contented nature. Alongside Rose, Al found spiritual comfort in Church Services on Sundays.

Al’s warm smile, his quick wit, his steadfast dedication to his community, and his profound love for his family will be deeply missed, but never forgotten.

Thank you to Creekside staff who loved Dad as though he was family.

Above all else, Al always wanted to be right next to Rose. We take comfort in knowing he is saving a spot and waiting for his next dance with her up in heaven.