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Allan Searle
1938 - 2015
Allan Searle
1938 - 2015
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1938
DIED
2015
Allan Searle Obituary
Born October 9, 1938 in Mimico, Ontario, Al graduated from the University of British Columbia and began a long career with Eaton's. For over 30 years, Al worked in a variety of positions in Lethbridge, Winnipeg, Vancouver and Calgary. He particularly enjoyed his time in Calgary as General Manager, Southern Alberta.
After Eaton's, Al's long term volunteer association with the Better Business Bureau turned into a professional opportunity and he became the Canadian President. At the time of his death he was Board Member Emeritus.
Al loved working and took on consulting roles after retirement, but always made time to golf with his friends and escape the cold for a few months every year with his wife Deb. He was also an avid reader and had a vast knowledge of many things, making him a terrible Trivial Pursuit player. He couldn't help answering every question, no matter whose turn it was, leading to great hilarity anytime the family played. Al will be remembered for his generous spirit, great advice and (often wicked) sense of humour.
He is survived by his wife Debra Laval, daughters Kim (Doug) and Allison (Dave), son Cameron (Allison), and two grandchildren Rylie and Tayven; as well as other relatives in Ontario and many friends.
A celebration of life will be held in Al's honor and announced at a later date.
The family would like to sincerely thank all first responders and the staff at Rockyview General Hospital in the ER and ICU.
In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations being made in Allan's memory directly to the Alberta Heart and Stroke Foundation, #100, 119 – 14 Street N.W., Calgary, Alberta T2N 1Z6.
A Celebration of Life will be held in Allan George Searle's honour on Saturday, September 12, 2015 at The Calgary Petroleum Club, (319 5 Ave SW) at 2:00 p.m.
Al aged 76, passed away suddenly, surrounded by family on Sunday, July 5th, 2015 in Calgary, Alberta.
He will be remembered for his generous spirit, great advice and (often wicked) sense of humour.
He is survived by his wife Debra Laval; daughters, Kim (Doug) and Allison (Dave); son, Cameron (Allison); his three grandchildren Rylie, Tayven and Berch; as well as other relatives in Ontario, and many friends.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
22 Entries
Colleen Templeton
June 4, 2016
Debbie, Kim, Allison and Cameron, I came to know about Al's passing only yesterday. My sincere condolences to you and your extended family. I am sure you feel his loss keenly.
We were neighbours on Glamis Dr. and when I think of my time at Eatons Calgary many of the memories contain instances of Al's kindness, thoughtfulness and especially his razor-sharp quick wit.
My thoughts are with you.
Garry Toy
September 12, 2015
Dear Deb, Kim, Cameron, Allison and families,
Our sincere sympathy in the passing of your husband, Father, Grandfather and our dear friend. There is insufficient space to express our memories and thoughts of Al and I will send out a separate email. I would like to think of Al as away, he will never be forgotten. He left rich memories behind and these memories of love, happiness, and good times will always keep him in your heart and in ours.
We are all blessed to have had Al in our lives. We look forward in celebrating Al's life with his family.
friends and associates.
Garry, Ella, and Garrison Toy
Andrea and Mike Chant and Family
September 11, 2015
Dear Deb, Kim, Allison and Cam,
We were heartbroken to hear of the loss of your beloved husband and Dad. He was such a wonderful man and kind soul. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
With deepest sympathy.
Todd Penney
September 4, 2015
Cam:
So sorry to hear of your father's passing. Sending you and your family our love.
Lauren and Todd Penney
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Ralph Lombardo
September 4, 2015
Dear Deb, and Kim, my deepest sympathies to you and your families on the loss of Mr. Searle. When I opened the paper and saw the obituary I was shocked and saddened. I recalled the memories of seeing "Mr. Searle" walk past our department at Eaton's and always smiling, saying hello and asking how we were doing. As a 17 year old kid selling records and walkmans I appreciated his kindness. Later when I went off to start my own business and needed referrals and recommendations he was there for me. I thank him to this day. He'd say, stop calling me Mr. Searle, its Al. I couldn't, he had my respect and admiration. God Bless.
Joanne Chyz
July 27, 2015
Dear Deb, my sincere condolences to you and your family on Al's passing. He was such a thoughtful, kind and generous man and when I think of him I can't help but smile. I will fondly remember his presence (occasionally heard, typically not seen) at many a book club, his generosity in support of CF events and his attempt to make a peach pie during a visit to Kelowna. With love and hugs,
Kebrina Caldwell
July 23, 2015
I will always remember Al's funny little sayings. To this day they make me smile and laugh. To Debbie and Al's family you have my heart felt sympathies. He was a good man.
George Major
July 20, 2015
My heartfelt sympathy to all of Al's Family. It is with great sadness that I learned of Al's sudden passing. I worked with Al for many years in Winnipeg, Calgary and subsequently when I was transferred to Toronto. I will always remember the great times we had at work as well as away from work. Throughout the many years that we spent together he was a great boss and an always supportive colleague. We will never forget you Al.
JULIA WILLIAMS
July 20, 2015
Please accept my deepest sympathies on the sudden loss,. I worked as a Visual Presentation Supervisor for fourteen years at Eaton's. He Was An Outstanding GM . I will remember him with fondest memories
Edie Hedderick
July 19, 2015
Dear Kim my deepest sympathy for your Dads passing. He was a great man to work for a Eaton's. I have fond memories of us working together in Draperies.
Karen DiGeorgio
July 18, 2015
Dear Deb, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I am thinking about you and your family at this time and hope you are comforted with love and support. xo
Al Briggs
July 14, 2015
Condolences to the family of Al. I was GM of the BBB when the association due to inappropriate eastern action would have brought the BBB down. Al's effort and sincere integrity was the saving answer. Thanks Al we needed you and you came through in spades.
Shauna Ryan
July 14, 2015
Dear Deb and Family. We are so saddened to hear of your great loss. Al was such a wonderful man and he will be missed so very much. Remembering him with a smile.
Heartfelt condolences - Shauna and Murray Ryan
Sandra Crozier-McKee
July 13, 2015
Saddened to hear of Al's sudden passing. He was a true supporter of the work of the BBB. He will be missed.
Nick Sims
July 13, 2015
My sincere condolences to Al's family and all that knew him. I loved his humour,smile,and problem solving skills. Al has done just about every thing at the BBB and is somewhat of a legend at the Bureau. I will miss Al.
Nick Sims
Jeanie Wong
July 13, 2015
I was deeply saddened by the news of Al Searle's passing. Mr. Searle was such a great boss whom I worked as his personal secretary for almost ten years at Eatons. He will live on in my memory forever. With my heartfelt condolences to you Debbie, Kim, Allison and Cameron.
Linda Haines
July 12, 2015
Debbie, sincere condolences to you and your family. Al was such a gentleman. If it was not for his foresight, Calgary would not have a Better Business Bureau today. Doubt if a BBB is needed in heaven, but he and Norm could discuss it! They worked so well together. Thinking of you.
July 12, 2015
Al was one the most wonderful people I ever had the pleasure of knowing. He always had a smile, and a story containing some humorous, and often slightly sarcastic, comment. He always seemed to be in a good mood, and when he came to visit at the dealership, I always stopped doing what I was doing, as I knew that spending some time with Al, would take my mind off the pressures of work, and make that day a better day. We always hung out at the various BBB events, making those a better day as well. We have fond memories of our times at the Pete Club with Al, Deb and the Lanes.We also ended up spending time together in Kelowna, when life's journey took us both to the Okanagan.
To Deb and the family, out deepest sympathy, Al was one of the very best, and he has made our lives better having know him! We will miss him dearly.
Dave and Judy Hoeght
Jan Damery
July 11, 2015
Dear Kim and Doug....to you and your family, please accept our deepest sympathies on the sudden loss of your dad. Kim you always light up when you speak of your dad. We know his light will continue to shine in you! With love, Jan, Paul, Graeme, Colin and Padre
July 11, 2015
Our heartfelt condolences to you and your family, Debbie. Al was a great friend and mentor, whom we will always remember.
Sharon and Bonar Irving
Karen McKenzie
July 11, 2015
Debbie, I am heartbroken for you. Al was such a wonderful person and so giving. I have great memories of any CF events with Al assisting right beside you. I thoughts and prayers are you with and your family. Karen McKenzie
July 11, 2015
My sincere condolences on the passing of your dear husband, father and grandfather Al Searle. I worked at Eatons years ago with Al and he was a wonderful, kind and inspiring Manager that taught me much about the retail and service industry. My thoughts are with you.
Carol Ryder, Calgary
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12700 Macleod Trail South, Calgary, AB T2J7E5
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