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Wilfrid McALISTER
Wilfrid McALISTER
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Wilfrid McALISTER Obituary
It is with great sadness that the family of Wilfrid McAlister (Poppa) announces the passing of our brother, father, grandfather and friend on Monday, June 24, 2013. Poppa is survived by his sisters Bernice and Jeannette; his children Bonnie, Brian and Ann Marie; his grandchildren Tiffany, Meghan, Trevor, Chantelle, Laurel, Skylar, Jared, Amanda, Ruby, Maggie, Anna, Patrick, James and Matteo. Poppa was born on May 9, 1929 in Blackfalds, Alberta and graduated from high school in Red Deer before joining the Canadian Navy where he served for five years. Upon leaving the Navy he joined Canadian Pacific Airlines and lived in Calgary before transferred to Vancouver with his first wife, Doris McLachlan. He then moved on to work at BC Electric, then B.C. Hydro and finally as a Realtor. Poppa's final home was in West Vancouver which he shared with his second wife, Margaret McAlister. Margaret passed away shortly before Poppa on November 11, 2012. Together they enjoyed sailing, playing golf and attending their grandchildren's many sporting events. Poppa particularly loved hockey and was very involved with his son's and grandson's hockey activities. He was a leader in his community including serving as the Council Chairman of three large condominiums. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge, and as an enthusiastic Canadian he was very active in politics. He was a lifelong devoted member of the Liberal Party and In his younger years he volunteered in every election. Poppa was very much a part of every family activity and will be deeply missed by all. The family would like to thank Dr. Jenny Shaw and the Palliative Care team at Lions Gate Hospital. Poppa choose to have a celebration of life party while he was alive so there will not be a memorial service at his request. For those wishing to share a memory of Wilfrid, please go to www.hollyburnfunerals.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
16 Entries
October 29, 2013
We first met Wilf when he was moving into his condo over in Nanaimo and did not have a clicker to get into the parkade and George loaned him ours and we have been friends ever since. He was a wonderful man - always kind and thoughtful of others. George and Wilf would get into some big discussions about politics - George being a conservative and Wilf a liberal!! Lots of good laughs. We kept in touch even when Wilf moved back to Vancouver. He and Margaret would come and visit us in Nanaimo. He will always be remembered by us and our girls.
Till we meet again Wilf!!! George & Dixie Borza
Tiffany Lucas
July 25, 2013
Poppa, I remember as a little kid asking you if there were phones in heaven. You said you weren't sure, but that you would call me if there was. I hope there are! Miss you Poppa. Love Tiff
Callene Bleviss
July 24, 2013
I always loved getting together with my West Coast family! It was so much fun! The one time that always makes me smile is Grandpa's birthday in Kelowna, at the Hallmans. The "Young Fun Kids" went out to party and paint the town Red, but really it was the "Old Boring Adults" that had all the fun and stayed out all night! When you came home Uncle Wilf and tried to find a spare bed in the wee hours of the morning, and ended up finding the one I had already occupied, I really shouldn't have kicked you out...I still feel a little bad about that?! When you didn't have anywhere to sleep, and I said too bad for you staying out so late!... I can admit now I was just jealous you "Oldies" had so much more fun than us!!...Sorry about that..
You were always so good to me and my family, and I'm really happy Shanell and Jaxon had a chance to spend time with you on the trip to Alaska.
We will all miss you...Love you always
Callene Norm, Shanell and Jaxon
July 14, 2013
Brother – I miss our late night phone calls discussing the events of the week or day and of course our mutual political party. I was happy we were able to spend some time together these last few years – the cruise to Alaska and we can't forget our trip to Cactus Corner . Lots of Laughs. It was a very special time we spent together in late May when we reminisced about our childhood and went through the boxes of pictures. I am so proud MY BIG BROTHER, the strength and positive attitude you had all through your life and also during your illness. Mom and Dad I know were so very proud of you. I love you and I miss you Wilf . Sadly gone but happily never forgotten.
Jeannettee
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John Ranking
July 5, 2013
Wilfred McAlister was a great member of Kind David Lodge #93. May our thoughts and prayers be with you all.
Doris McLachlan
June 30, 2013
Missing you Friend- I am so proud of us that we were able to put the past behind us and become true friends. I am missing baking lemon pies for you and our talks re the follies of the younger generation who make up our wonderful children and grandchildren. Thank you for them and all the good times we had camping, sailing. skiing and travelling. I think of you now as sailing towards your new destiny and adventure and hope to see you there but not too soon.. P.S I will take good care of your plants.
Robert & Aileen Budd
June 28, 2013
Mac and I first met in 1947 in the Royal Canadian Navy. We were both on board H.M.C.S. Warrior and sailed from Halifax to England, where we spent a year in H.M.S. Ariel training in aircraft electronics. After returning to Canada in 1948 we were barrack cabin mates stationed at Shearwater, NS. Mac was Best Man at my wedding in 1950.
Even though Mac left the navy after 5 years and headed back out West, we remained in touch. Mac made frequent trips to visit Aileen and I after we moved to Parksville. He loved Aileen's home cooking, especially her fish chowder. And speaking of fish, Mac and I 'limited out' on our two big halibut fishing trips from Port Hardy. More recently we had a great driving trip together to Calgary to visit Mac's relatives and two old navy buddies, Zeke and Harold.
I have lots of interesting and funny stories I could tell about our escapades over the years.
As that fine old hymn goes:
'In the sweet by and by, We shall meet on that beautiful shore'.
Bob & Aileen Budd
June 28, 2013
As kids we went out together alot and with others in the summer we would walk 2 miles to the dam to swim taking some food so we could stay the day .we had a great time and then in the winter was the skating on the slough at caprons and the rink. When wilf graduated he joined the navy and was in for 5 yrs and then he came home married and with a great wife we all liked they moved to calgary so we went to visit back and forth and then they moved to the coast so we only visited on our holidays we went out to the coast and they came to alta especially at xmas but especially calgary stampede time we had barbecue breakfasts we had great family get togethers we shall miss you greatly and know you are not in pain now. now you are with mom and dad and mary love your sister berny
June 27, 2013
Rest in peace Wilf, You will be missed
Jim & Merle
June 27, 2013
Being one of the oldest of the" young" ones I remember when we would visit Vancouver from Edmonton or Calgary. We would be in short sleeves and the
"West Coast " cousins would be in snowsuits. We would all pile into the old station wagon with all the kids in the back section, adults up front and we would go through the tunnel, Aunt Doris would yell " hit the horn Mac!" And Uncle Wilf would lay on that horn all the way through to,the other side--- we would squeal with glee at that . During X-mas time they would come to Alberta and the men would clean off a patch of ice on the lake. Uncle Wilf would get everyone out playing hockey or take us for twisting rides on the sleighs and toboggans. After we would go into the house for fresh homemade ice cream. NO ONE liked ice cream more than Grandma and Uncle Wilf. Mel and I appreciated the help he gave us when we were a young married couple and needed some good advice. Uncle Wilf was a tough guy with a strong soul, take those wings and fly high Uncle Wilf--- you deserve them. Love you always, Judy and Mel
Brian McAlister
June 26, 2013
I'm going to miss you Dad, You were my best friend, looking forward to seeing
you again, but not too soon.
Love Brian
PS: You need to work on your crib game
Brian McAlister
June 26, 2013
Miss you Dad - you were my best friend. Looking forward to seeing you...not too soon I hope! And we will be pals forever.
p.s. you gotta work on your crib game pal.
Joanne Nielsen
June 25, 2013
Uncle Wilf you were such a great guy and left us far too soon! I admire your positive attitude, your sense of humour and the strength and dignity you had throughout your illness. I am very thankful of the time we shared while my parents were here in May. It brought back some very special memories going through the old photos and hearing stories of family and friends. You will be dearly missed and in our hearts forever!
Love you always Uncle Wilf!
Mike Radvak
June 25, 2013
See you later Wilf. You were always so kind to me. I remember how you were so impressed that I could catch a Steelhead. It was always a pleasure to see you.
Mike
June 25, 2013
Goodbye Daddy. I am so proud of you. You died with such dignity and tried so hard to make it easier for us. You loved us so much. If only I had one more moment, one more hug, one more sip of water with you. I love you and I will miss you so much. Ann Marie
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1807 Marine Drive, West Vancouver, BC V7V1J7
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