Al was born to Gordon and Emma Vance in Kimberley, BC. From there they moved to Alberta for a year living in Aldersyde, Okotoks & Lethbridge. They moved to Cranbrook in1945 into a 2-story house that was in the middle of what is now 5th Ave South. His father built a house on what is now the corner of 5th Ave & 4th St South.

At the age of 15 Al went to work at sawmill at Mineral Lake. His 16th birthday was his most memorable when he went to the Police Station to get his Driver`s Licence. He already had a 1950 Mercury truck, green with black fenders & yellow wheels. That was the beginning of a lifelong keen interest in vehicles of all types..

Al worked at many different jobs, including at the Hudson Bay Co. In Kitwanga. He worked in Calgary for Taylor, Pearson & Carsons & International Harvester. He spent time briefly in Vancouver. He left Cranbrook on Boxing Day 1959 to take a boat from Vancouver to Australia. He celebrated New Year`s Day between Vancouver & Hawaii. He spent a few days in Australia before flying to New Zealand, where he worked for Kiwi Bacon & B P Oil. He followed the seasons between New Zealand & Canada for 2yrs. Once back in Canada, he lived in Nelson working as a parts man & travelled the West Kootenays selling farm machinery. In Creston he worked as a fuel delivery driver & then continued the same work in Cranbrook at the Texico bulk plant until it closed in 1988.

While living in Creston, Al was introduced to the pastime of fishing. He also enjoyed the outdoors, hiking & exploring the backroads. Eventually he was never without a 4X4 truck or similar vehicle. He met his wife, Yvonne on a hike up Lakit Mountain, with the then Nordic Club in 1979. They were married at the Alliance church. Later they became members at First Baptist. They explored & hiked in the East & West Kootenays, summertime was the time to find the elusive huckleberries. They gloried in the splendor & majesty of God`s creation. Al especially loved the beauty & mystery of the bitterroot plant, whose leaves appear then disappear in spring, followed by rose colored flowers that come briefly in the summer. They went on longer trips especially a memorable trip to Inuvik in 1992.They took a trip to England to see Yvonne`s mum & did a bus tour through Europe.

Al was handy with his hands, working with wood & some mechanics, great at fixing just about anything. He enjoyed the outdoors, never happier than when in the bush. As they got older, they enjoyed exploring & finding new backroads. They later moved into Kootenay Street Village & continued to go on back roads as they were able.

Al passed away peacefully, on June 25, 2026, surrounded by special friends. He leaves behind his beloved wife Yvonne of 43 years, a daughter & granddaughter.

A special thank you to friends, the Doctors in the emergency and second floor of the East Kootenay Regional Hospital, residents and staff of Kootenay Street Village.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Donation in honor of Al may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society.

mcphersonfh.com