Date of Birth: November 3, 1939
Date of Death: April 17, 2018
BANERD – Alvin John Banerd (Al) was born on Nov. 3, 1939 to John and Margaret (nee Bieber) on a farm near Lemberg, Sask. Al attended Roadside and Garden Schools.
Al lit up every room he was in with his smile and enthusiasm. He loved music and dancing, this passion was contagious! He spent many nights playing his accordion while his cousin Daryl played his saxophone at dances and parties, usually Al was the life of the party.
At one particular wedding celebration, Al met the love of his life, Florence (McLellan) and married her on Sept. 20, 1963. Before having Denise and Gary, Al and Flo thoroughly enjoyed their numerous nieces and nephews — he treated each one of them as his own.
Al was very proud of his children’s accomplishments. He was Gary’s biggest fan, attending every football, softball and hockey game that Gary played; and Al was very supportive of Denise’s accomplishments too. This carried through to his grandchildren. He became the biggest ringette and softball fan for Kylee and Tenley and hockey fan for Caden. He also loved to jump in the car with Flo and make many trips to Lloydminster to watch MacKenzie’s dance recitals, or music recitals for Keeson and MacKinna.
Al and Flo enjoyed many family vacations with their dear friends, Dennis and Sharon. Many miles were made across Canada and the US together with much laughter and great memories.
Al enjoyed a variety of employment: shoe salesman at Siers Department Store, dry-cleaner at Ideal Dry Cleaners, salesman at Eaton’s in Melville (25 years), property manager at the Saskatchewan Crop Insurance (20 years) and other properties in Melville. He also enjoyed delivering bread for Nellie’s Bakery which allowed him to socialize with everyone in town and surrounding areas.
Al entered his eternal rest on Tuesday, April 17, 2018 at St. Paul’s Hospital in Saskatoon at the age of 78 years.
Al will be remembered for his dedication to his wife, children, and grandchildren, his sense of humour, crazy jokes, giving heart, hard work, and his “comb-over”.
Al is predeceased by his parents, John and Margaret; father-in-law, Conmee McLellan; mother-in-law, Lylla McLellan, brother, Arnold; sisters-in-law, Ursel Banerd and Mary McLellan; brothers-in-law, Lloyd and Larry McLellan; nephews, Larry Banerd and Lorne McLellan.
Al is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Florence; daughter, Denise (Brian) of Calgary; and son, Gary (Carrie) of Saskatoon; and the six “loves” of his life, MacKenzie, Caden, MacKinna, Keeson, Kylee andTenley; brother, Harold of Lumsden; sister, Doreen McLellan of Saskatoon; sister-in-law, Edith Volk of Winnipeg; precious nieces and nephews; aunt, Marie Hack of Estevan; aunt, Clara Keller of Melville; cousins, and many dear friends.
Al’s best days in the hospital were when his family was there with him and when Ruth from music therapy blessed him with her music.
A memorial service was held on Saturday, April 21, 2018 from First United Church in Melville with Rev. Brian Mee officiating.
Arrangements were by Bailey’s Funeral and Cremation Care, Melville.
