ARTHUR ALBIN ALBERTSON

Peacefully with his family by his side, Arthur "Art" Albertson (95) passed away on January 8, 2024. Born and raised in Thunder Bay, (Port Arthur) Art was a man of the outdoors. He thrived in the woods and was at his happiest building things, chopping firewood, shovelling snow, mowing lawns or harvesting vegetables. He had an uncompromising work ethic and was a strong, fit man. He never set foot in a gym but was complimented by his doctor after a cardio stress test, telling him that at 90 he was fitter than most 50 year old men.

In his early years he delivered milk, logged and drove the horse team at bush camps and was a wheelsman on ships sailing the Great Lakes. He met his wife to be Sarah at the Kivikoski dance hall and was smitten resulting in their marriage in 1957. Soon after, he began his career at Can Car (Bombardier) as an estimator and then Manager of Production Control. Sarah and Art began their family the next year and soon moved into the home he built on Gorevale Road, where they lived together for 60 years. There he began his landscaping magic in building the "Albertson Park". Art and Sarah took great pride in the many flower and vegetable gardens, immense lawns, rock walls and the trees they planted. Up until a couple of years ago, he would be seen hand shovelling or snow blowing the long driveway. He wanted the snowbanks, "just so". Art had many hobbies including curling, bowling, snowshoeing, hunting, trapping, carpentry and furniture making. A friend created his signature stamp for completed pieces, "A Work of Art".

Having grown up during the depression, Art was resourceful. Why buy wood when you can cut, saw and plane your own. Of course he needed to buy a skidder and portable saw mill. This led to a side business of blade sharpener for others. Nothing gave him greater pleasure than a weekend outing of fishing with his buddies, a collective of varied tradesmen. Blueberry picking also featured big where he would spend entire days from morning til evening staying until they had picked them all. Art was a devoted family man and friend. He made us feel loved and supported in all endeavours and was always willing to lend a helping hand. Art loved to entertain the grandkids with the mower, snowmobile or ATV, younger ones in the cart and older ones driving or building birdhouses together and of course fishing. Each day Art had a project to tackle. During this past year however, he gradually lost his independence and his sense of purpose. He felt it was time to go.

He is predeceased by his parents John and Fanni, sister Lillian, niece Cheryl and wife of 64 years, Sarah. He is survived by his daughters Karen (Adrian), Katherine (John) and Sandra (Sam); six grandchildren: Noah (Britteny), Anna (Tyler), JJ (Alexandra), Aaron, Alena (Clay) and Jacqueline (Wayne); two great grandchildren Berkley and Liam; nieces: Gaylene (Ron), Diane (Simon) and Carol and nephew Leonard.

Dad, we imagine you in a great green forest by a lake with mom and old friends by your side. The fish are biting, the blueberry patch looks promising and the crib board is ready for a game.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Zavagnin for her many years of care for dad and we truly appreciate the kindness and daily support from the PSW's and nursing staff of Wesway and the fourth floor of Pioneer Ridge. They strove to make dad feel comfortable and at home this past year.

Cremation has taken place and there will be a Celebration of Life this summer with an announcement to be made closer to the date. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Wesway Home Service for Seniors program in Art's name.

Condolences may be offered at www.harbourviewfuneral.ca