Albert "Al" Braden

On Saturday July 4th, 2020, Al Braden went to be with the Lord. He passed away peacefully at St. Therese Villa after a long battle with dementia. His family takes great comfort in knowing Al lived life to the fullest. 

Al was born at home on the farm in the Rural Municipality of Tullymet, Saskatchewan.  Farm life was always near and dear to him and through the years the passion never disappeared. As a young boy, he also had a passion for building crystal radios.  That fascination turned into a collection of over 400 antique radios which he proudly displayed in the basement of his Lethbridge home. 

Al went to University in Regina before taking a job with the Royal Bank. He worked in approximately 14 Royal Bank branches throughout Saskatchewan.  During this time, Al met and married Vera.  They had a reluctance of moving too far from family, which led Al to accept a job with the Alberta based Treasury Branch. After 17 years with the Treasury Branch, Al was approached by a company looking for leadership.  This had him moving to Lethbridge, a place that he had fallen in love with years before. 

In the mid 1980’s, Al decided to sell his company and retire. He never lost his passion for business, always looking for the next investment or organization to offer his talents.  Al and Vera spent the next 30 years travelling Canada, United States, and the world covering all 7 continents. 

Al was a pilot in his early years and loved to fly his family to visit friends and relatives.  He was an avid curler and has many trophies to attest to this.  He was involved with the United Church and at one time would even take on church services, when needed.  Al was also active in the Elks, Masonic Lodges, Kinsmen and Rotary Clubs, to name a few.  He sponsored children abroad and was on the board of directors for several organizations, including the Lethbridge Therapeutic Riding Association.  Al was a humanitarian, always serving the community donating his time and efforts. 

Al will be joining his wife Vera Braden in heaven, as well as his parents and Vera’s parents: Bronie and Jean Braden, Milton and Ethel Saunders; brothers Stanley Braden, Ted Braden; brother-in-law David Moleski, Wilmer Saunders, Bill Forester; sisters-in-law Evelyn Braden, Irene Braden and Betty Braden.

Missing Al’s smile and humour are sons: Doug (Lori) Braden, Ray Braden; daughter Brenda Griffiths; grandchildren Amy (Jeff) MacDonald, Becky Griffiths, Denyse (Matt) Welsch, Andrew (Lacey) Murney; great grand-children Clark and Arthur MacDonald, Peyton and Avery Welsch; sister Ella Moleski; brother Arnold (Celina) Braden, brother in-law Frelan (Donna) Saunders; sister-in-law Fern Forester; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

A Visitation will be held on Monday July 13, 2020. To assist in social distancing there will be two different times:  Friends at 6:00 – 7:00 PM and Family at 7:00 – 8:00 PM.

Due to the restrictions in place - by the Chief Medical Officer of Health – Funeral Services are now limited in size.

A private family service will be held.

Although we cannot have all of Al’s family and friends attend in person, those who would like to watch the service online can do so at 1:00 pm, on Tuesday, July 14, 2020, by going to www.mbfunerals.com and clicking on Al’s obituary. The service will be on-line for a few days to allow everyone to attend virtually or watch at a later time.

In lieu of flowers, those who wish to honour Al’s memory are encouraged to donate in his name to the Lethbridge Therapeutic Riding Association, 24 205015 Hwy 512, Lethbridge County, Alberta T1J 5N8 or Alzheimer Society of Alberta and Northwest Territories, #306, 10430 - 61 Avenue, Edmonton, AB T6H 2J3.

The family are grateful beyond words for the warmth and compassion shown by the staff St. Therese Villa. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Albert "Al" Braden, please visit our floral store.