Alan Andrew McCrindle

Al is survived by his adoring daughters, Camille and Carrie, his two grandsons, Parker and Owen, his big brothers, Frank and Ali, niece Kristie, “Neph” Mike and a friendship family that spans decades and generations. He leaves this world for the next where his Mum, Zeke, Loki 1 and Loki 2 are waiting for him.

Born July 27, 1950 in Kenya, Alan Andrew Anstruther McCrindle commenced a life-long distaste for pants, shoes, and sleeves. Moving later to England, Al discovered the Rolling Stones and a love affair with rock & roll was born: sixty years later in Canada you could still hear him rocking out to Mick and Keith anytime you were lucky enough to drop by.

A firm believer that even “if you can’t get what you want, but if you try sometimes, you get what you need”; what he needed was the companionship of his tapestry of friends. He cultivated his relationships with you as he did his garden - with love, attention and time. Each of you enriched his life in different ways and he loved you all so dearly.

An avid reader, sports fan and fisherman, Al was fascinated by nature and loved skiing, gardening and any body of water. “Wild horses couldn’t drag him away” Known to read multiple newspapers a day, he was deeply invested in and cared about the world he inhabited.

Al lived his life on his own terms, happiest when his hands were in the dirt or his feet were in the water. He belonged among the wildflowers or in a boat out at sea. His career of booming and fishing enabled him to happily spend his days outdoors – rain or shine, that man only voluntarily went indoors for sleeping or for Tom Brady.

To Al’s many “daughters” (to whom he opened his home and arms time and again), he loved you all and was so proud to watch you catch your dreams before they slipped away.

Al wore many hats: Brother, Uncle, Mentor, Friend, Poet, Gardener, Dog-Lover. But none did he wear prouder than Dad and Grandpa. Camille and Carrie are so honoured to be Al’s daughters and are so grateful to be raised by a larger-than-life man who lived each day seeking knowledge and in constant awe of the wonders of the world and the people around him.

For those who loved Al, forever would not be enough time.

When I die

Don’t ask why

Be happy, not sad

It isn’t that bad

No tears

No faces!

Such a wonderful life

I’ve lived

Memories of childhood

All good

Every day to enjoy

Like a little boy

So, don’t ask why

Do not cry

Have fun, laugh and smile

See you all in a while

~Big Al