WALUSHKA, Alexander Nicholas
November 1, 1925 - December 19, 2014
Alexander Nicholas Walushka passed away in Palliative Care in the Lacombe Hospital and Care Centre on Friday, December 19, 2014 at the age of 89 years. Dad (Al) was surrounded in his final week by his family and loved ones. Al was born in Wayne, Alberta on November 1, 1925 and lived there until 1940 until his family moved to Drumheller. In 1944, at the age of 17, he served 2 years during WW II attached to Regina Rifles Regiment. He served with Canadian Occupational Forces in Belgium, Holland and Germany. After WWII he attended SAIT and over his working life, achieved 4 journeyman trade certifications as an Electrician, Refrigeration, Power Electrician and Appliance Technician. He married Mary Kurczaba on February 23, 1952 and they moved to Lacombe in 1953. In 1954, he opened his own electrical contracting business, Al’s Electric, operating for 16 years of successful operation before joining Calgary Power Ltd. Al was an active community member serving many years and positions in Lacombe organizations; United Church, Kinsmen Club, Scouting Association, Minor Hockey, Minor Baseball, Lacombe Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club, Royal Canadian Legion and the Housing Authority. He was a long term blood donor supporting the Canadian Red Cross. Al took pleasure in assisting elderly neighbors with shopping, snow clearing and other odd jobs. He volunteered at Camp Alexo with the installation of power for low income family children. In addition to his many achievements over his life, Al was recently most proud of being recognized in 2013 as Lacombe Big Brother of the Year. He always put family first. He loved music, hiking, travelling, wood working, computer activities, community service and camping. Al was predeceased by his wife Mary and will be lovingly remembered and missed by his 4 children Glen Walushka, Trish (Brian) Grose, Lynda (Daryl) Hand and Anne Peck, his 10 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. Al also leaves to mourn his partner and friend of many years, Doris Ahlquist, her large family and their friends. The family wishes to thank Dr. McKibbin, Dr. K. Unger and all of the staff of the Lacombe Hospital for the excellent care Al received during his final days there. The Walushka Family and the Ahlquist Family invite relatives and friends to a celebration of Al’s life at a memorial service at St. Andrews United Church in Lacombe on Tuesday December 23, 2014 at 2:00 pm and following after the interment, a time for fellowship and refreshments in the St. Andrews Auditorium. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Salvation Army. Expressions of sympathy may be made by visiting www.wilsonsfuneralchapel.ca. WILSON’S FUNERAL CHAPEL & CREMATORIUM of Lacombe and Rimbey in charge of the arrangements.