In Memory of Al

Alan James Watson

June 20, 1959 – May 21, 2022

Al was survived by his wife Joanne, his 4 children Keith, William (Christa), Erica, Alan (Raquel), his 2 grandchildren Isaac and Melody, his sisters Linda (Bob), Donna, Brenda his in-laws, many nieces, nephews, cousins, & many friends. Predeceased by his mom Joan, his dad William, and his brother Bill.

Al was born on June 20, 1959 in Winnipeg Manitoba. He moved to Edmonton at just 1 year old.

At the young age of 12, he already had a mind for business. He had his own lawn cutting company with 1 employee. Al started and graduated his education in Edmonton and went on to work at Provincial News Company as an accounts executive for 11 years. He then moved to Onoway where he bought the Onoway Handi Mart which he owned for 6 years until he built and expanded to Tempo (Onoway food & Gas) a convenience store/deli/gas bar. This was a family run business which was sold in 2008. Later we bought Northern Dispatch 2012 and Pilot Trucks which is still operating today. Along with Al’s successful businesses, he still found time to be involved in the community as a member on town council. He was very involved with our kids hockey, this then led to him becoming part of the Onoway and District Ag Society and becoming the arena president/coordinator for the Onoway arena. He was also one of the founding members of the Onoway Heritage Days. Through being a business owner and his large involvement in the community, Al has touched the lives of so many people.

In a wish and memory book some questions were asked. When asked one the greatest inspirations of his life, Al wrote “My parents – they instilled so many positive traits in me that have served me well in life. They both not only spoke of, but practiced honesty, compassion for others, the rewards of hard work, the importance of family and friends, & to give more than you take. They taught me to be a good father and a family man”

When asked, one of the fondest memories “the birth of my 2 sons, my wedding to Joanne on June 4, 2011 – after 15 years living as a blended family, with our 4 children, we became a true family”

The last question, if I could live my life over again: I would? Al wrote “not change a thing. I have been blessed in my life and I feel I have led an honourable life”