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January 20, 1954 - April 7, 2022
In loving memory ~
It is with heavy hearts that the family of Allan O'Donnell announces his passing in Nanaimo, British Columbia on April 7,2022, after a seven year battle with cancer. Al will be lovingly remembered by his wife Kelly McQuillen and his daughter Makenna. Also left to mourn his loss are his sisters: Sandra Braithwaite and Marvel Hood (Bill): mother-in-law Marilyn McQuillen- Barreau (Dave): sister-in-law Heidi Stokes: brother-in-law Neil McQuillen: many nieces and nephews, beloved cousins and dear friends. Al was predeceased by his mother Helen, father Frank, brother-in-law Terry Braithwaite and father-in-law Donald McQuillen.
Al was born on January 20, 1954 to parents Frank and Helen O'Donnell in Nipawin, Sask. He spent most of his years growing up in Saskatoon. Many hours were spent playing organized hockey and baseball. He went on to play with top level teams in Saskatoon. Al continued to play hockey until his illness made it too difficult. He continued his love for baseball by playing on and coaching ball teams in numerous posts that he was stationed at as well as coaching his daughters team in Nanaimo. Al also finished his high school in Saskatoon as a member of the undefeated 1973 City Park Collegiate football team.
On March 4, 1974 Al made his father Frank proud when he followed in his footsteps and joined the RCMP. This was the start of a journey that would take him to 15 postings throughout Canada (SK. YT. MB. BC). Al's sense of adventure took him to the Yukon Territories where he spent an 11 year stint north of the 60th parallel and 2 years above the Arctic Circle, where he served the Vuntut Gwitchin peoples of Old Crow before moving to the sunny south of Faro and Whitehorse. In 2001 Al was promoted to Inspector in D-Division, Winnipeg. In December 2007 the family moved to Nanaimo BC where he was the Officer in charge of the Nanaimo Detachment. Al retired in 2014, a 41 year veteran of the force.
In 1994 Al and Kelly met at a ball tournament in Dawson City, Yukon, they married in 1996 in Whistler, BC. Their daughter Makenna was born in Whitehorse, Yukon in 1999. Al was a family man and loved every moment of his time spent with Kelly and Makenna. He loved to travel and he found his soulmate in Kelly. They saw a lot of the world together, particularly after his retirement. One of the most special times for them was when they spent five months living in Madrid, Spain while Makenna went to school there. This also provided the opportunity to travel throughout Europe where Al cultivated a strong preference for late dinners, tapas, wine, market shopping and Piccolino shoes.
When not travelling Al loved his time spent working out at the gym and having the best and greenest lawn on the block. He was happiest in the sun with family, friends, drinks and good laughs. He kept his sense of humour and crooked little smile right up until the end.
In lieu of flowers, family and friends may make an online donation to the Nanaimo Hospice or to a charity of their choice.
If love could have saved you, you would have lived forever.


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