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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.

Arrangements entrusted to Fischer’s Funeral Services & Crematorium Ltd., Salmon Arm (250) 833-1129. Share memories and condolences through Al’s obituary at www.fischersfuneralservices.com.



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