Ackerman, Alfred

September 25, 1935 – February 20, 2017
at the age of 81 years

Celebration of Life:  Sunday, May 28, 2017, 1:00 p.m., Eagle River Golf and Country Club, Sicamous, BC

      On February 20, 2017, Alfred (Al) Ackerman passed away at his home, in Sicamous, BC.
                Al was born in Erickson, BC on September 25, 1935. He grew up on family farms in Erickson, BC, Mission, BC and Blackfalls, AB. He headed off at a young age to make his way in the world, beginning with road construction and heavy equipment operation in Alberta. While working in the Wetaskiwin, AB area, he met and married Marlene (Krause) on June 20, 1958 and they shared 58 years of life’s adventures together. They had two children, Cindy and Wade. While in Wetaskiwin, Al worked at Pahal Motors as a salesman and later advanced to sales manager.  Al, with business partner Ray McIntyre, started and operated a farm equipment dealership. During his Wetaskiwin time, he enjoyed bowling, hunting, fishing and camping trips with family and friends. Learning to fly and piloting his own airplane was another accomplishment.
                In 1974, Al and family moved to Canoe, BC to experience the Shuswap area. Al had brief semi-retirement spent boating, fishing and entertaining visiting family and friends.  Then Al and Ray McIntyre, decided a new business venture was in order, they developed an industrial property for a houseboat building enterprise. Next, Al designed and built the Eagle River golf course.
                In 1982, Al and Marlene moved to Sicamous and lived at an upstairs suite at the golf course clubhouse until 1988. They then settled in on Rauma Rd, in Sicamous, along the river which became home for Al’s later years. During this time, Al continued with various property development projects in the Sicamous area. Al also took up the sport of golf, which turned into a passion. He loved the challenge of the game and the camaraderie on the course and in the clubhouse. Al and Marlene enjoyed spending many winters as “snowbirds” in the southern United States, travelling by motorhome, exploring and meeting up with friends.
                Al’s accomplishments in life were important to him and the relationships made with people along the way were at the centre of his life. Throughout his life, he worked and played hard, tried to get and give a fair deal, his word and handshake mattered. Company was always welcomed – stories and jokes were told, opinions were stated, people were teased, beverages were enjoyed, meals were shared and many hands of cards were dealt, and yes, a few cigarettes were smoked. Some of Al’s favourite things in later life were having coffee with a buddy, pestering Marlene in the kitchen, kicking tires at a dealership, checking up on what was happening around the neighbourhood and town, tinkering in his garage, time outside on the deck appreciating the view and watching a lot of golf. Al had the good fortune of forming many long term friendships. Over the years, neighbours and acquaintances became friends and friends became like family.
                So with sadness, along with a wink and a punch in the shoulder, dear Al – Alfie – Dad we say farewell, your strong character and presence will be greatly missed. Your story of a full life, lived large will continue to be told.
                Al is survived by his wife Marlene Ackerman, daughter Cindy Bazzana (Ron Pelechaty), son Wade Ackerman and grandson Aaron Bazzana. His sisters Elise (Betty) Wilken, Hilda Campbell, Ann Rylan, Grace Stabeck, sisters in-law Judy Lawton and Gladys Tainsh, brothers in-law Tom Lawton and Ken Titus, along with many nieces and nephews.
                Al was predeceased by his parents Anne & Thomas Ackerman, infant children Randy and Todd, sister Joan Zannet, mother and father in-law Amanda & Albert Krause, brothers in-law Andy Wilken, Merle Campbell, Les Rylan, Bill Zannet, Arne Stabeck and Bill Tainsh.
                The family wishes to thank friends, special neighbours, Dr. Beech, the staff at the Shuswap Lake General Hospital, Salmon Arm, BC and the Community Care ladies for all of the support and kindness during the last few months.
                A celebration of life will be held in the late spring, when the grass is green. 

12 Comments

  1. So sorry to have to read of my dads passing by google! I’m sorry I only had the opportunity a few times to enjoy my dad’s company but what I got to know of him I really liked He was very friendly and Full of humor Until we meet again I will be thinking of you
    Your Daughter Cindy Porsnuk

  2. My special memories are plentiful but my favorite is when I beat him at cards…. we had to play until he won Took until midnight… so many laughs Uncle Al loved to golf also… good times were always had!! Love him and will surely miss him from Ron and Deb Toole…also grateful to how he treated my brother James such a good influence … our sympathies to all the family

  3. Marlene, Cindy and Wade,

    My brother Rick told me of Al’s passing. I remember as a kid loving to go to your house and hang out. He was bigger than life and always fun.

    Thinking of you all!

    Karen (Holthuysen) Whiteman

  4. Marlene/Cindy/Wade,

    So sorry for the loss. Big Al was a very special Uncle to me, even before he took me fishing for the first time over 50 years ago! Huge part of my life with so many stories to tell. He was always their for me. What a privilege to stay close to him & even share in a few more laughs shortly before his last few days.

    JZ

  5. Hello Cindy and Marlene
    We were so sorry to hear of the passing of Uncle Al. He was always bigger than life and will be greatly missed.
    Our hearts go out to the family. We feel your sorrow and pain and long for the days when healing occurs.
    Until then, know that you are in our hearts and our prayers.
    All our Love
    Terry and Brenda Klassen and Boys

  6. Dear Auntie Marlene, Cindy and Wade
    Thank you for your tribute to Uncle Al. He will always be in my heart with fond memories.
    Rest In Peace Uncle Al.
    Love Noon

  7. Marlene, Cindy & Wade

    That’s a great tribute for AL, it sure brings back a lot of good memories, BBQ’s in Wetaskiwin, Canoe and on the road when RVing.
    many great fishing trips. AL was one of a kind a big man always generous. I loved that big guy. he sure made his family proud.
    Marlene please call me any time, if there is anything I can do for you. looking forward to the celebration of his life in the late spring. I it would be nice to see a commemorate memorial plaque in AL’s name put on the golf course he created. Big hugs
    Love Ken Titus

  8. Dear Marlene and Family;

    it is with great sadness hearing about Al’s passing, but we also cherish the moments we’ve had with him. He was a great character with a wonderful infecting sense of humor and always made us giggle. Al will always be greatly remembered and truly missed as a fine respectful man, a valid customer and a good friend.
    If there is anything you need help with, Marlene, please don’t hesitate and let us know.
    Our thoughts are with you and your family.

    Sincerely;
    J.R. Morgan, Astrid Erbo, Mike Horsefield and the whole team at the AFD Gas Station

  9. Marlene, Cindy & Wade
    What a great tribute to Al’s life….he definitely lived his life to the fullest, and will be greatly missed by his loved ones and all that knew him!!! Keep a special place for him close in your heart and thoughts
    Now Alfie go rest high on that mountain

  10. So sorry to hear about Uncle Al. Have quite a few good memories from the times we all got together for visits! Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers. Please let us know when the celebration of life will be, we will try and make it down for that. Love Janet and family

  11. So sorry to hear the news of Al’s passing. Our thoughts and prays will be for him and Marlene as well as the family.

    Please, if there is anything you need let us know how we can help.

    Martine and Art

  12. Dear Marlene, Cindy & Ron, Wade, and Aaron;
    I felt gifted to spend some time with Al over the years, and especially the time spent with him and his family in January this year. In celebration of Al’s cherished life, I share many good memories of great times that bring a smile to my face. He was ever kind, generous and helpful to me and made me feel welcome and appreciated. He will be greatly missed. My heart is with you all. May God give you His peace at this time of sadness.
    Love, Gladys.

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