June 24, 1945 - December 14, 2022
In loving memory ~
It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Albert Pidgeon on December 14th, 2022 at the age of 77. Albert passed away peacefully with family by his side at North Island Hospital, Comox Valley, B.C.
Albert is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Dianne, his two children, Jason (Maryam) and Michelle, grand pup Cruz, sister-in-law Janet Pardiac and numerous nieces and nephews.
Albert was predeceased by his father Albert, his mother Margaret and his sister Janet.
Albert is fondly remembered for his love of travel and storytelling. He loved to meet people, learn about their culture and lives and then share with others. Albert led an exciting and extraordinary life and gained friends all around the world who are mourning the loss of this special man.
Albert was born June 24th, 1945 in St. Albans, England. He grew up in Tilbury, Essex, England and at the age of 21, he left England with six friends on an adventure to drive the first double-decker bus around the world. They departed England in January 1967; visiting six continents, twenty-seven countries with the bus and an additional five countries without the bus. The furthest south they visited was Queenstown, New Zealand and the furthest north was Iceland without the bus. After 934 days away, they arrived back in England in August 1969. Four months later Albert and his friend Ron left on another adventure. Albert had saved his money and bought a minivan, which they drove to New Delhi, India while stopping in Tehran to visit friends. Upon their return to England, Albert got a job in the film industry, responsible for setting up equipment on filming locations which included a five-month contract in Zagreb, Yugoslavia, working on site of the film Fiddler on The Roof. It brought Albert so much joy; to be able to travel and meet interesting people from all walks of life.
Albert met Dianne while he was on his around-the-world tour in Burnaby, B.C. Dianne and her friend Fran were smitten with the British boys and decided to travel by train and ship to reunite with the British boys in England. Albert and Dianne were married in England in 1973. Son Jason was born in England and in 1975, Albert and Dianne decided to move to Canada and specifically the Comox Valley, where Dianne was raised. They built their family home in Courtenay, B.C., where Michelle was born. The family spent many memorable vacations camping and fishing on Vancouver Island. Albert was a family man, a provider and loved deeply. Albert was always willing to help others and enjoyed volunteering with the Kiwanis Club of Courtenay. He worked for School District 71 as an electrician and was a dedicated employee up to retirement in 2008.
Albert's love of travel continued into retirement, enjoying many family vacations to warm places in Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Cuba, Hawaii and other states in the US. Albert learned Spanish and took pride in calling and writing to his friends in the South. Albert and Dianne also purchased a sailboat upon retirement and enjoyed many days at sea. They explored the west coast of B.C. from Comox to Desolation Sound and made some wonderful friends. Albert loved walking around the Courtenay Airpark; it was his favourite place to walk and catch up with many. Albert had a green thumb and built a greenhouse where he spent countless hours growing lettuce and tomatoes from seed. Many referred to his lettuce and tomatoes as the best they've ever had and always looked forward to his shared plants or harvest.
In December 2016, Albert was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma which he overcame. Unfortunately, in June 2022, Albert was then diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia, a believed result of his 2016 chemotherapy. Albert's willpower and determination to overcome his illness were second to none. He was truly an inspiration to all who knew him.
Albert was a kind and generous person who will be missed dearly by his family, friends and those who knew him. An extra special thanks to Ed Z who provided Albert with ongoing encouragement, health recommendations and support throughout.
The family wishes to extend their gratitude for the kindness and professional care from Dr. Falk, Dr. Camacho, Dr. Freeman, Dr. Smit, Dr. Wilson, and all the nurses in the Wellness Centre and on 3B of North Island Hospital, Comox Valley.
There will be no service by request. In lieu of flowers please donate to a charity or organization of your choice in Albert's name.