It is with heavy hearts that we announce that Al/Dad/Popsy passed peacefully in April 2020 at the age of 89. It is also with great joy that he joined his Lord and Saviour and the love of his life Bernice, with whom he shared 50 golden years.
He was also predeceased by his parents, Jacob and Leovina Otto, and six siblings: Joseph, Ruth, Lloyd, Angela, Benjamin, and Myrtle. Left to fondly and lovingly remember him are his four children, Sandy (Teri-Lynn) Otto, Randy (Shelley) Otto, Gina (Darren) Chard and Kara (Chris) Collins, grandchildren, Lindsay, Brittney-Lynn, Randi, Jordan (Mark), Alexandra, Trenton, Jessica, Kristina, Alissa, Jacob, great grandchildren, Hannah and Harrison, his sister Edna, and many nieces and nephews.
Al was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, the youngest of 8 children. He grew up farming, but eventually pursued a career in Air Traffic Control. He was a Supervisor at Winnipeg Airport, moving to Abbotsford in 1980 and retiring as a Supervisor in Vancouver.
Al's kindness, wisdom, humour, quick-wit, and lightheartedness made him a joy to be around. Not only was Al intelligent but athletic too - playing football in his early years even being invited to try out for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. He had lifelong loves of hockey and waterskiing, remarkably enjoying them both in to his 80's. Al enjoyed yard work, building homes, and working on the cabin, all for the family to enjoy. He travelled the world with his beloved Bernice - adventures had and life long friends made along the way. They loved the freedom their motorhome afforded them to explore Canada from coast to coast, much of the States and down the Baja to Cabo San Lucas.
Al's love of music was a large part of his joy that he shared with family and friends, whether playing the accordion by ear or kicking up his heels on the dance floor. Grandkids spent many visits standing at his knee while he played them hand-clapping, foot-stomping music. Al will be dearly missed by all who were fortunate enough to know him.
In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Alzheimer's Society. The family would like to thank the staff and volunteers at Bevan Lodge for their years of caring support. In light of the current restrictions on gatherings and out of respect for the safety of our communities, a Celebration of Life will be set at a later day.