Publishing stories of fascinating Prairie People and Unsung Heroes

Welcome to the blog of Deana Driver - author, editor, and publisher of DriverWorks Ink, a book publishing company based in Saskatchewan. We publish stories of inspiring, fascinating Prairie people and unsung Canadian heroes - written by Prairie authors including Deana Driver. We also publish genres of healing and wellness, humour, children's fiction, and rural poetry. Visit our website to learn more about our books.

Wednesday, January 6, 2016

Sad News - Al Driver's Death

Hello, dear friends.

I am sad to tell you that our beloved Al Driver passed away from colon cancer on Monday, January 4, 2016, at about 10 p.m. at the Regina Wascana Grace Hospice. I was with him at the time, as were several nurses. He passed peacefully. The previous few days had been particularly difficult for him and us, so his passing was a blessing of sorts.

An obituary will appear in the Regina Leader-Post (via Speers Cremation and Funeral Services) within the next few days. (Obituary link) A service celebrating Al’s life (primarily organized by Al before his passing) will be held on Saturday, January 23, at 2 p.m., at Westminster United Church, 3025-13th Ave, Regina, SK. At Al’s request, please wear bright colours to celebrate the laughter and love that he shared with the world.

Flowers gratefully declined. Anyone wishing to make a donation in memory of Al may do so to Heritage United Church, 1050 N. Arnason St, Regina, SK S4X 4K9.

Thank you so much for your love and care of our family during these past four and a half months. Cancer can be cruel and we felt you holding us up during those times on this journey. Please continue to hold our family and extended family in your thoughts and prayers in the days ahead.

The final word goes to Al, who chose this poem for his memorial card:
Death is nothing at all.
It does not count.
I have only slipped away into the next room.
Everything remains as it was.
The old life we lived so fondly together is untouched, unchanged.
Whatever we were to each other, that we are still.
Call me by the old familiar name.
Speak of me in the easy way which you always used.
Put no sorrow in your tone.
Laugh as we always laughed at the little jokes that we enjoyed together.


12 comments:

  1. Al's light, love and laughter will live on in all who knew him. We wish you the comfort of his love for you all and the memories of his laughter and shining light to help ease the pain and sorrow that you now face. Al reminds you in the poem he chose to remember that he is just in "another room" and is with you all today and forever.

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  2. My deepest sympathy to you Deanna, Lisa, David and Dani. Grieving is hard work. Lean on others especially the ones who have walked this path. May God give you strength in the days and months ahead. Amen.

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  4. Prayers of deep peace and affirmation that you are surrounded by a community of love and support. Al will be missed but we celebrate all that he was and all that he leaves behind as legacy in those who loved and love him.
    Thinking of you

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  5. Dear Deanna and family, we are deeply saddened at the news of Al's passing. May you remember him with love and joy in your hearts as he watches over you from heaven! Howard, Barbara, Christine, and Robert Doehl.

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  6. Frank and Tess BoehmJanuary 06, 2016

    We are so sorry to hear this - I had no idea that Al was this ill. We are saddened by the news. Will keep him in our prayers.

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  7. Deana, holding you all in prayer and thought. Al will be greatly missed. He left this world a better place because of who he was. Peace to you all. Darrell

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  8. So sorry to hear of Al's untimely death.His life was a great gift to many. We so appeciated him in the Conference Office! I will remember his faithfulness behind the scenes at so many annual meetings. Such a gentle bear he was!My heart goes out to you! Linda Stumpf

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  9. Thinking of you all during this very sad time. Al's good nature, willingness to pitch in and great sense of humor will be missed. Linda and Rod Jacob

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  10. Buddy StroichJanuary 07, 2016

    I am very saddened to hear of Al's passing. I still have fond memories of Al at Thom, the day we held Larry W. out the second floor window in Lit class, driving past the school in my black car and waving as we skipped class, carrying Al's books while he navigated the halls on crutches. I remember your wedding, the church one, and how the band thought we were all out of time with the music. My oh my time has flown past. I find it hard to express the sadness I feel in my heart but realize this is part of life we will all face. Deana, I know you have a million pictures and memories cherish these, Al will be with you all the time. Buddy Stroich

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  11. Deana, I meet you a few years ago at the Pasqua Hospital at a book signing. I am sorry to hear of your lose. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time. Debbie Gastonguay, Rocky Mountain House Alberta

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  12. So sorry to learn of Al's passing. Thoughts and prayers to your family. I will always remember his genuine kindness and positivity.

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