George A. "Al" Stemler

George Albert “Al” Stemler was born May 25, 1937 to Anton and Anne Stemler in Dysart, Saskatchewan, the fourth of eight children. He passed on April 10, 2020 at the age of 82 in Parksville, British Columbia.

At a young age, Al moved from Dysart to Vancouver. He attended high school at Kitsilano High School. Al would regale family and friends with stories of his days playing basketball or sneaking off to play pool. An avid swimmer, Al swam English Bay twice in his youth and passed his love of the water on to many. While in Vancouver, Al met Ada Courtnall, and the two were married on November 9, 1957. Al and Ada had two children, Phil and Keith, and were married for 62 years at his passing.

Al spent his career in construction materials, starting with Grace Industries and then Macco Industries. In early 1969, Al moved to Calgary. In 1972, after Macco shut down, Al joined Gallelli Construction. Gallelli later became part of Lafarge, where Al would spend the rest of his career. During his tenure, he pioneered equipment and processes to aid in the construction of the Old Man River Dam.

After Al retired, he and Ada moved to Parksville and were busier than they had ever been. They spent this time with their grandchildren and friends enjoying cards, entertaining, fishing, gardening, and showing visitors Vancouver Island.

Al was preceded in death by his parents Anton and Anne, his sisters Helen, Elizabeth, and Margaret, and his brother Norm.

Al is survived by his wife Ada, his sons Phil (Lauren) and Keith (Linda), his grandchildren Chris (Courtney), Daniel (Marnei), Ashley, Tia, Mary (Travis), Sammi (AJ), and Warren (Derek), his brothers Pete, Greg, and Joe, and his great grandchildren Beckett, Sloan, Rory, and Emett.

Al’s ashes will be spread in the Georgia Strait at a future date.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, please consider donating to local food banks given the current circumstances.