It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Al Mill on Thursday March 31st, 2022, at 66 years of age. Al lost his 6 month battle with cancer in Edmonton, which has been home for the past 11 years.
Dearly loved & missed by his wife of 44 years, Karen (nee White) & beloved father to Scott (Katherine) & Adam. Loving & proud grandfather to William & Olivia & greatly missed by his sister, Karen, & brother, Gord. Al will be forever missed by his family, friends & colleagues.
Al has been cremated as per his wishes. Karen will be bringing Al’s ashes home to Ontario at a later date.
The following are tributes to Al posted on Facebook by his sister, Karen, & sister-in-law, Janice:
Cancer Sucks.
We lost my Brother Alan Douglas Mill ( July 20 1955 – March 31 2022). Alan bravely tried to fight his cancer and give us all more time with him, his journey after diagnosis last October was not easy. Al was so lucky to have his wife Karen, my heroine, by his side every minute. Scott & Adam his wonderful boys were also rocks who came together to make every day a little easier. Alan’s Grandchildren William & Olivia were bright spots in his life and brought twinkles to his eyes.
My little brother was kind, caring and loving, smart & funny, handsome and athletic, he was an amazing Father, Husband, Brother, Uncle, Son, Grandfather and friend, he had a big heart and helped so many. Alan provided a job to so many friends and family and was there for any one who needed a little help, he was encouraging when people he cared about were down and needed a hug or a strong steady shoulder to lean on.
Alan was 4 years younger than me and when he came along I loved playing little Mother. In my teens he was a huge teasing pain in the butt. Once we all made it safely to our 20s Alan and Karen were wonderful friends, we partied together and enjoyed many
gatherings and evenings of cards as couples and family. We loved each other’s children and enjoyed watching them all grow and thrive. All our hearts are hurting. Alan is already missed by so many.
-Karen
Al entered, my sister, Karen’s life when she was 17…high school sweethearts, they were!
Tall & lanky with sharp features, and oh, so good looking to my 14 year old eyes…that’s how I first remember Al Mill.
His boys, Scottie & Adam, inherited that distinct Mill gene, & look so much like their
father. The Mill gene is strong & also lives on in Scottie’s son, William.
Al was so proud to be Grandpa to little William & Livvie.
There are so many good things that we loved & will remember about Al.
Al never changed, he was always the same…such a steady, even nature.
I always thought that Al was the yin to Karen’s yang. Karen was the excitable one & Al was more the laid back & calm one. Many a time over the years, I heard Al calmly say, “It’s okay, Kar. It’s okay…settle down.”
We admired Al’s grit & his never-give-up attitude. Al met with adversity in his life more than once, but never backed away from it. He kept his nose to the grindstone & persevered.
Al was a natural athlete & good at any sport he tried…but his two favourites were hockey & golf. I never watched so much hockey as I did in the two weeks that I spent in Edmonton with them in November. I left knowing not only the whole Leafs roster, but the Oilers, of course, as well 🙂
Al was always game! He loved card games, board games, you name it & Al was up for it! Over the years, whenever we all got together, Al was always up for a challenge & a bit of fun.
We are so very thankful for our time spent with Al, Kar & Adam this past September when they were finally able to make their annual trip home after Covid. Al’s last 6 months were a testament to his determination, his unwavering positivity, his sense of
humour which never left him & his innate goodness & decency.
Al gifted us with one last visit home the weekend before he passed. It was a happy time for family & a few close friends because we simply followed Al’s lead. He made it easy for us.
We will miss Al terribly, but we are grateful & blessed for our almost 50 years of making memories together.
I am sure that by now Al has already played a round or two, or even three, of pain free golf & know that our dad will be only too thrilled to have such a worthy opponent
or partner as Al!
God Bless You, Al!
-Janice
I worked with Al while he was at Wawanesa in Edmonton. He was a wealth of information and a great approachable guy. He worked hard and was able to make the work environment enjoyable and memorable. He was able to speak on many aspects of life especially golf and hockey when we weren’t talking restoration and construction. He will be missed . Condolences to all members of his family, friends and acquaintances.
I am going to miss my Uncle Al. I always enjoyed his humor and stories he had to tell. I will always remember him and the good family times we shared together. All my love to Aunt Kar, Scottie, and Adam. xo
My deepest condolences to Karen and to all of Al’s family and friends.
I had the great pleasure of working directly with Al starting in November of 2020. Knowledgeable, committed, and determined are just a few of the words that come to mind when I think about Al.
Al experienced significant pain and discomfort prior to his diagnosis and while he was in treatment. Even through this, Al was truly remarkable to me in how much he focused on meeting the needs of his family and his colleagues. As he carried his burdens with grace and humour, my life was enriched through the memorable conversations I had with him.
Al will be sorely missed.
Al was not just a co-worker, he was a friend. I will miss him greatly, and will always be reminded of him on the golf course. My only wish is that when my time finally comes I will be regarded even just a fraction of how Al is remembered. He affected us all with his optimism and energy and the world seems a little less bright without him. You will be missed Al, and my heart goes to Karen, Adam, Scott and the rest of his family.
I had the great pleasure of knowing Al. He was a great co-worker and even better person. The world is less without him in it. I will miss Al greatly.
My deepest condolences to Karen, Adam, Scott and the family. My love is with you all
Al was a great friend. He will truly be missed by all of us. We had many laughs on the golf course and at the poker tables. He excelled in anything he put his mind to it.
It won’t be same without him at our weekly poker tournaments. He kept me positive and gave me many poker tips. He was kind and caring person and always went out his way to give advices and encouraging words.
You will be forever remembered and I will catch up with you shortly! I hope you are getting some Royal flush up there where you are now.
Al and I had so many fun times together. We played on the same line with the Patriots for a few years.. Can’t say enough good things about Al.. We’re gonna miss him….
Dear Brother, you have left such a huge space in all of the hearts who love you and those who lives you touched with friendship and help. Grieving is loving, we will all slowly in the months and years ahead, learn to fill some of the space you left with wonderful memories of time spent with you and gratitude for how lucky we were to have you in our lives and family. xoxo
So sorry about news of Al. We remember many street hockey games and parties and trips to the rinks with boys. I’m sure Al is golfing with Buddy at his side,
Al and Karen were married on a beautiful day in September joining our two families together for many years of happy memories. Al’s easy going, pleasant nature was a welcomed quality at family gatherings. We enjoyed wonderful holidays with the Mill family and will miss Al so very much. We will cherish his memory and always share our love with Karen, Adam and Scottie.
Steve and Sue White
Al was a co-worker and good friend. The most laid back guy I’ve ever met. Always positive. Al had a great sense of humor. Played a few games of golf over the 8 years I knew Al. He showed me how it’s done. I guess our next one will have to wait.
Rest In Peace my friend.
No longer by my side, but forever in my heart and soul. Love you forever until the end of time. Your loving wife.
We lost a dear, dear friend last week, way to soon, Al Mill. Al was an amazing father, husband and friend. My heart goes out to Karen, Adam and Scottie, and family. During his illness he had such a positive attitude. My family and I will miss him so very much.