AIELLO, Dr. Albert (Brummy) Leonard
August 11, 1910 - November 12, 2014
Dr. Albert (Brummy) Leonard Aiello, age 104, of Drumheller, AB, passed away on Tuesday, November 12, 2014 at Drumheller Continuing Care Centre. Brummy was a devout Catholic who was dedicated to his medical profession and treated and acknowledged everyone he met with a smile and genuine interest. He had an incredible zest for life and a “quick wit” and sarcasm that entertained us all and definitely kept us on our toes. Brummy will be deeply missed by his whole family and was greatly admired and respected by family, friends, colleagues and the community as a whole. Born in Fernie, BC on August 11, 1910 to Joseph and Justina Aiello, he was the oldest of four children. Brummy was proud to call Fernie home as he had so many wonderful memories and adventures growing up there. It was always a special place for him and his family to return to and spend summer vacations. The mention of Fernie would prompt a special twinkle in his eye and inevitably end in one of Brummy’s many stories. Brummy graduated high school from a private boys’ boarding school in Vancouver and then went on to attend and graduate from Medical school at the University of Alberta. In 1939, Brummy moved to Drumheller and took a temporary summer position in the practice of Drs. T.R. and Doug Ross. This temporary position led to a life-long commitment to the Drumheller community and surrounding areas. In 1948, he married his life-long love, Margaret Ann Brown of Drumheller, and moved to Chicago for two years where he attended St. Luke’s Hospital and graduated with his anesthesiology specialty. He and Margaret returned to Drumheller, where they settled and raised their family. Brummy went into private practice, was part of the creation of the Drumheller Associated Physicians and was instrumental in the building of the Drumheller Medical Clinic. During these years, Brummy was very community and sports minded. When he was not at the Clinic, hospital, or on house calls, he curled, played tennis, fly fished, hunted game birds, walked the dog and of course had a passion for golf. His last golf game was at the age of 99 on a warm, cloudless October afternoon. Brummy was a member of St. Anthony’s Roman Catholic Church, was on the first Board of St. Anthony’s School, the longest living member of the Knights of Columbus, a founding member of Drumheller Kinsmen, was on the Hospital Board, an Honorary member of the Drumheller Fire Department and a member of the Drumheller K-40 Club. He was a long time member, instructor, and once the President of the Dinosaur Trail Golf and Country Club. He often mentioned how he helped plant trees along the fairways of that golf course. For many years Brummy’s constant companion was a Labrador Retriever; brown, yellow or black, he had them all - Toffee, Kip and Sam. He truly had a special bond with each one and was devoted to their daily walks. After retirement, Brummy and Margaret spent many special times with Margaret’s sister, Bunty and her husband, John Bell, which included annual spring golf trips to California and fall trips to the Okanagan or Brooks for pheasant season. They also travelled with other dear friends, the Cardamones, Shapiros and Ross’s. Brummy is survived by sons Peter (Rilda), Calgary; Christopher (Chip), Drumheller; Martin (Kathy Matheson), Calgary; and daughters Justine Roche, Calgary, Marian, Calgary; his “Favorite” grandchildren, Robyn and Thomas, both of Calgary; and several nieces, nephews, grand and great-grand nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, Brummy was predeceased by his wife Margaret Aiello, brother Emil (Shorty), and sisters Eleanor and Evelyn, and many other cherished family members and friends. The family would like to extend a very special thank-you to the nursing staff of Hillview, Hanna and Drumheller Continuing Care for their personal attention and genuine care for Brummy – you know who you are! A Prayer service will take place on Monday, November 17, 2014 at 7:00 p.m. and the Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, November 18, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. Both at St. Anthony’s Roman Catholic Church in Drumheller. Donations in Brummy’s memory may be made to the Drumheller District Seniors Foundation, the Drumheller District Humane Society or a charity of your choice.