Al Blakie

Mr. Al Blakie of Coaldale, beloved husband of Mrs. Ruth Blakie, passed away on Tuesday, October 14, 2008 at the age of 82 years.

Born Good Friday, April 4, 1926 in Willow Bunch, Saskatchewan, Al grew up on the farm with four sisters. Completing high school in Regina, he went to Normal School for teacher training and found himself principal of a two-room school at the tender age of 17. This blossomed into a 24-year teaching career. In 1951 he asked fellow teacher Ruth Jahnke of Herbert, Saskatchewan to become Mrs. Blakie, his lifelong dancing partner. Together they settled in Coaldale where they both taught school and raised a family of four. Al took pride in his contribution to the growth and development of the Lethbridge Community College in his role as Registrar from 1967 - 1987. He was active in the community serving both as a Rotarian and as a member of Town Council. As mayor of Coaldale from 1969 - 1977, Al was instumental in the building of the Coaldale Sportsplex. In his retirement he particularly enjoyed working on his small farm and following the exploits of his beloved grandchildren.

He is lovingly remembered by Ruth, his wife of 56 years; children Marilyn (Wes) Doyle of Edmonton, Earl (Karen) Blakie of Airdrie, Karen (Richard) Pittet of Guelph, and Lori (Bruce) Saar of Coaldale; 8 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren, two sisters and numerous brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews.

The Funeral Service will be held at 11:00am, on Monday, October 20, 2008, at COALDALE UNITED CHURCH, 2022 18 St., Coaldale, AB, with Reverend Bob Wallace officiating.

In lieu of flowers and in memory of Al, donations may be made to The Parkinson Society of Southern Alberta, 1254 - 3rd Avenue South, Lethbridge, AB, T1J 0J9.