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ALLAN FREDERICK WRIGHT
Date of Passing: Apr 12, 2016
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryALLAN FREDERICK WRIGHT 1933 - 2016 Instead of tears of laughter this week, Al's house was full of tears of sadness as we said goodbye to an amazing father, wonderful husband, loving grandfather and incredible friend. Al put up an admirably strong fight over the past many years, and especially through his last few days, but finally succumbed to his illness and passing away peacefully, surrounded by family, on April 12, 2016 at Grace Hospital at the age of 82. His kind heart, patience, sense of humor, really "lousy" jokes, and everlasting love of country music will be missed. Al was predeceased by his parents, Annie and Stan Wright; brother Ed (Helen); brother Cliff (Mona); sister-in-law Evelyn; and sister Pearl (George). He is survived by his wife Jeanne; daughter Kim (Mike) Van Cauwenberghe and grand-daughters Chelsea and Kyana; brother Lloyd (Marion) Wright; brother-in-law Ed (Janice) Sorba and sister-in-law Olga (Andrew) Hawryluk, and numerous nieces and nephews. Dad was born in Treherne, MB in 1933. His family of seven lived south-west of town until their house burned to the ground in 1936, forcing them to live in a grainery for several months, until a new house was purchased. In 1944, Al, his four siblings and mother moved into Winnipeg. At the time, Al's father was overseas fighting in Second World War. While in Winnipeg, Al attended Greenway School, General Wolfe Junior High and Daniel McIntyre Collegiate. At the tail end of 1951, Al began his 35 year career with the insurance company, Canadian Indemnity. In the late 50s, Al hired a sexy secretary named Jeanne Sorba. It was love at first sight. They went together until July 1960 when they said their vows, and proceeded to live and love together for many years. They had some bumps in the road of life, but the good times far outweighed the bad. In 1970, their prayers were answered when I, their daughter Kimberly was born. As the only child, I was never spoiled at all!! Dad used to tell me they obtained perfection on the first child, which is why they only had one! Al worked for Canadian Indemnity until 1986 when the company changed ownership. Over his last few years in the workforce, Al worked for Innova Envelopes, Block Brothers Realty and Misericordia Hospital before retiring in 1993. Al was also well known as a co-owner, along with his brother Lloyd, of the "Wright Place", a memorable little cabin along the Assiniboine River, North West of Treherne. That cabin had the reputation of supplying hours of fun spent snowmobiling, playing the horse race game, hunting deer and gophers, drinking, singing and playing guitars around the bonfire (joined by the coyotes) and tricking guests to come out in the fall to rake leaves. Over the years, Al and his family took several road trips across Canada and the U.S. One favourite trip of Al's was to Minnesota to attend a concert starring country music icon Connie Smith. Al teased Jeanne for years by declaring his undying love for Connie Smith, yet Jeanne still allowed him to meet her in person, get a hug and a signed CDa lifelong thrill for my dad. My dad also had a love of wildlife, belonging to the Sportsman Game and Fish, Manitoba Big Game Trophy Association, Manitoba Wildlife Federation and the Wild Gobblers (yes, that is a real club.). He taught me tons about the love of the outdoors, animals and nature. One of MY highlights, was when both my parents joined me in the US when I was doing duck research for Delta Waterfowl. Dad was in his glory on that ATV searching for duck nests! And what can we say about country music. There was nothing Dad loved to do more than play his guitar and sing along, or put in a CD of his favourite artists such as Alan Jackson, Wilf Carter, and Marty Robbins. One additional accomplishment of Al's was his connection to the Royal Canadian Legion. He loved spending time there playing pool top or just meeting with the guys for a rum and coke, and recently, in October 2015, received his 40 year membership pin for the Charleswood Legion. My dad's kind heart, sense of humor, and love of friends and family were his most amazing traits. His patience was incomparable and his strength mindboggling. Over the past few decades Al struggled with a disease that challenged him on a daily basis, yet he never complained or looked for sympathy. He was forever a fighter and will always be remembered through the fun stories that will go on for years to come. We love you Dad. A service will be held for Al at Chapel Lawn, 4000 Portage Avenue, on Saturday, April 23, at 2:00 pm. A private burial will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations would be appreciated to either the Royal Canadian Legion, or the Manitoba Wildlife Federation. For those who wish to sign the online Guest Book please visit our website. Chapel Lawn www.chapellawn.ca 204-885-9715
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 16, 2016
Condolences & Memories (10 entries)
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We have just learned about Al passing away and are sad to have missed his funeral. I, Garry, first met Al and Jean when my family moved to Chelsea Ave. I was 12 years old and as time went on I came to regard them as real gems for next door neighbors. They were a lucky gift for my family and me to have received. There are many fond memories that I can recall, particularly this one that displays Al's sense of humor. One day we were laying down some sod in our yard and Al happened to come out and see us. He immediately called out, "Green Side Up" and gave us a smile. We all laughed at his joke then, and a number of times after when Al repeated his humorous instructions regarding the laying of sod, always with his trade mark grin on his face. There are some people in this life that I will always appreciate and never forget. Al is one of these special people. Thinking of you Al and our condolences to Jean and family. God bless you all. - Posted by: Garry & Barb Lion (friends) on: May 13, 2016
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Dear Jeanne, Kim and family: We are so very sorry to know that Al has passed away. He was such a nice man and we enjoyed his company and humour around a bon fire. Jean and I(Carol) have known Al since we were kids on the farm (even though we didn't keep in touch until cabin days and Jean moved to the farm) Due to poor health Jean and I were unable to attend the funeral but our thoughts and prayers are with you at this very sad time. Love from all, Carol - Posted by: Carol McNeil and family, Jean McIntosh and family (Friend) on: Apr 24, 2016
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I worked with Al at CI (seems everyone did) in the late 60s. He was our boss but he was a great friend to all of us in his department. I never realized that Al was older by about 10 years than the rest of us. He was always kind and concerned about everyone. We were welcomed into his home in E.K. Jeanne and Al entertained us on a few occasions. Here's a cute story: Al was returning a trophy to the office that he had at home. He put it on the roof of his car and drove all the way to work with it there. It's amazing that it never feel off. He did wonder why he was getting so many strange looks. Sorry I never stayed in touch. My memories are heartfelt. No doubt, he will be missed. - Posted by: Lorraine DeGrave (Valcourt) (Co-worker) on: Apr 21, 2016
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Our deepest condolences to the family - Posted by: Brian Strauman ( President - Manitoba Wildlife Federation) on: Apr 18, 2016
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To express sympathy in the loss of your loved one and to let you know that many thoughts are with you and your family. In the love that surrounds you, may you find strength. In the memories you cherish, may you find peace. With caring thoughts Miro Cerqueti and pharmacy staff - Posted by: Miro Cerqueti () on: Apr 17, 2016
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The "horse-race" game", a few beer, snowmobiling at Treherne, Spring fishing trips over many, many years with the Sportsmen group (did I mention beer), deer hunting seasons also at Treherne. Those are the times that I connect with Al. His attempts at singing are of course legendary. Rest in peace and God bless my friend. - Posted by: Denis LeGros , Mesa, Arizona (Friend) on: Apr 17, 2016
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My sincere condolences to Jeanne and Kim. Al was always more of a brother to me than a cousin and I have a million wonderful memories, like the first time I rode the train by myself from our small town into Winnipeg to stay with Al and his family on Simcoe Street. I was only 10 or 11 years old and that was my first taste of the 'big city.' Al spent some of each summer with me on our Holland farm. When I left Manitoba in 1952 to join my parents who had moved to B.C. I rode with Al and the family to the Calgary Stampede and to Banff before I continued on by train. We kept in touch over the following years but didn't see each other often enough. After my wife died in 2001 I made several trips to Winnipeg and Al and Jeanne always treated me like royalty. We spent numerous nights reminiscing until the birds were welcoming the coming dawn. Jeanne's 'all-night-deli' was always open and I gained weight on every trip. I will miss those wonderful times and the dozens of times we would phone just to talk about the double play the Jays got against the Red Sox in the 7th inning. I miss you Buddy. -Bill Atkinson - - Posted by: Bill Atkinson (First cousin) on: Apr 16, 2016
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It was our pleasure to know Al over the past few years. Always the gentleman, always something positive to say, and his sense of humor was fantastic !! Rest in peace Al Bob & Barb - Posted by: Bob - Barb Crawley (friends) on: Apr 16, 2016
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sorry.... my fat fingers got in the way He was one of the nicest.... Remember sitting at your kitchen table one night with friends and your dad was trying to get us to do a shot of tequila.... couldn't get past the smell... not even trying for half an hour..... rest in peace Al - Posted by: Jim Lane (co-worker) on: Apr 16, 2016
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Kim..my deepest sympathy to you and your family on the loss of your dad... It was quite a surprise when reading his obit that I found out that not only have I had the honour to have worked with your dad at Canadian indemnity over 40 years ago but now I have the pleasure of working with you.... There were some very nice people at C I... - Posted by: Jim Lane (co-worker) on: Apr 16, 2016
