Allan Louis Bianco

Al passed away after a sudden and brief illness, at home, with the assistance of MAiD, and in the company of close family members.

He was born in Vancouver in 1940, grew up on Prior Street in Strathcona until the family moved to East 27th Avenue, where he lived for the next 50 years. Always an athlete, he played football and rugby, was inducted into the BC Rugby Union Hall of Fame in 2006, along with his teammates from the 1966 British Columbia Men’s Team. He also played rugby with the KATS for many years.

Al started on the Vancouver waterfront in 1958 working as a longshoreman, following in the footsteps of his father Joe, and alongside his brother Roger, and later his niece Angie. He was a proud member of ILWU Local 500. After 45 years he retired in 2003, and enjoyed twenty years of a comfortable retirement thanks to the many farsighted longshoremen who went before him and made the working conditions and benefits we have today.

He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Lis, his brother Roy (Josephine), nephews and nieces - Angie Wheeler, Mia Bianco, Luigi Bianco, Anthony Bianco, Phaer Bianco, and many dear friends from the waterfront and rugby. He and Lis moved to North Burnaby in 1994, and found a welcoming neighbourhood there, and excellent neighbours.

Predeceased by his mother, America in 2000, and his brother Roger in 1994.

No service by request. Donations to your local Food Bank, or the charity of your choice.