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John Alan (Al) McCRACKEN

March 4, 2004

John Alan (Al) McCracken passed away March 4, 2004, aged 86 years, born December 9, 1917 in Kamsack, Sask. to George and Eliza McCracken.

Predeceased by his parents and 11 siblings.

He is survived by his high-school sweetheart and wife of nearly 64 years, Jean Mae (Woodward); his son Douglas (Camilla) McCracken; daughter Brenda (Garry) Bysouth; his grandchildren, Ian (Miriam) McCracken, David (Christi) McCracken, Douglas (Trina) Bysouth, Darci (Brian) Bysouth-Mackie, Brent Bysouth, and Barbara Bysouth; and numerous nieces and nephews. Al has left a living legacy, his eight great-grandchildren, Connor and Sean (Ian’s) McCracken, Logan, Duncan, and Evan (Dave’s) McCracken, and Kaitlin, Taylor and Blair (Doug’s) Bysouth.

Born and raised in Kamsack, Sask., Al was invalided out of 16/22 Saskatchewan Horse C.A. in 1943. He managed lumber retail outlets 28 years (eight years with Dueck Lumber in Chilliwack). He switched to real estate sales (agent) 1970-1985. Al and Jean were married in 1940 shortly after Al enlisted in the Canadian Army. Early years were spent in St. Rose du Lac, Man., Kamsack and Saskatoon, Sask. before moving to Chilliwack in 1962.

Al loved his team sports - an avid baseball player, hockey player and curler in his early years, he was content to follow his favourite teams on televised sports in later years. Upon retirement, he took up painting, and his work is displayed by many family members and friends. Al was a Grand Master of King Solomans No. 58 Lodge (Masonic) in kamsack; a Rotarian in Saskatoon and Chilliwack; and he was recently presented his 60 year pin from the Royal Canadian Legion in February 2004.

Always a gentleman and a role model for family and friends, Al was loved by many and respected by all. He was a beloved husband, father, granddad, and grandad-the great to the family, “Father Goose’’ to many generations of relatives, friends and neighbours; well-known for his quiet wit, loyalty and reliability to the multitude who knew him.

The family wishes to thank Drs. Ron McLeod and Saul Goodman, and the emergency and palliative care nursing staff at Chilliwack General Hospital for their care and kindness. Cremation in care of Henderson’s Funeral Home. No service and no flowers by request. Should family and friends so desire, donations in Al’s memory may be made to the charity of their choice.

Those who wish to pay respects may do so at the family home at a “Come and Go Reception’’ to be held Thursday, Mar. 11, 2004 between the hours of 2-4 p.m.

“No more Mr. Nice Guy . . .’’



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