JANUARY 2, 1938- AUGUST 29, 2004
Roemer - Albert Stanley passed away at age 66 on Aug 29, 2004 in Nelson Hospital following a brave and courageous fight with melanoma. Al passed away never giving up. Al was born in Burns Lake, BC on Jan.2, 1938, the 3rd child of Harold and Irene Roemer. He was predeceased by his father in 1997 and his younger brother Len in 2001.
He is survived by his partner of many happy years, Judy Eaton; his children: daughter Heather (Gerry); son Albert (Darlene); 3 grandchildren: Candice, David, and Matthew.
He is also survived by his mother, Irene Roemer of Creston, BC; brothers Frank (Lorelle) of Coquitlam; Don (Claudette) of New Westminster and his sister Marilyn of Ft McCloud, Alberta. Also, many nieces and nephews.
Born Jan 2, 1938 in Burns Lake, BC, Al lived his first 3 yrs in the Danskin area, just south of Francois Lake. In 1940, his father took a job with the Cominco mercury mine at Pinchi Lake BC, the family moved there and stayed until the mine closed in 1944, and his father was transferred to Cominco's Sullivan Mine at Kimberley BC. After 2 yrs in Kimberley, in 1946, the family moved to Creston, BC, Al attended Creston schools, graduating in 1956 from Prince Charles High School and then matriculating in 1957. After High School, Al worked at the Sullivan mine at Kimberley for two years, then moved to Nelson, BC to attend Notre Dame University.
Al was proud of his work on many of the major hydro-electric dam projects in BC and Alberta. As a technician involving testing and concrete, he worked on the Kootenay Canal, 7 mile Dam, the Mica and Revelstoke dams and the Little Old Man River project in Alberta, as well a several other major construction projects like Selkirk College and Skookumchuk Pulp Mill.
From his very early years, sports were an important part of Al's life. Wherever he was, he sought out the softball and baseball fields, the hockey rinks, the golf courses and the ski hills. He played on baseball and hockey teams in Creston, Kimberley, Nelson, Cranbrook, and when playing for the Kimberley Dynamos,one of his home runs still stands as one of the longest ever recorded there. He leaves behind many friends and teammates wherever he played. We know wherever he is, he’s not far from a ballfield, arena, golf course or ski hill. We know he is hitting a homer, scoring a goal, putting a golf ball, or swishing down a snowy mountain. Al was a strong and talented athlete all his life. He will be missed by many.
Many thanks to all the home care nurses as well as the doctors, nurses and hospital staff at the Nelson Hospital who so compassionately ministered to Al during his struggle. Thanks also to many others who provided support, transportation, their kindness is much appreciated.
Friends wishing to make a memorial tribute are asked to make a donation to the Canadian Cancer Society in his name. A family memorial service is being held at a later date.