Our hearts are heavy and full of love. We have lost our North Star. Adored husband, father, grandfather, uncle, friend, and mentor, William Albert (Al) Walsh passed away suddenly and unexpectedly at home on December 5th, 2025. Left to mourn are his wife of 67 years, Mazie, his daughters Halliday, Samantha (Toshi), Karalena and his beloved grand-daughter, Sigrid Mary-Ellen.

Also left to mourn are his sister, Sister Alice Walsh, sister-in-law Marion Walsh, and the many nieces and nephews of his beloved Newfoundland family. Also left to mourn is his BC family including sisters-in-laws Lillian, Pearl and Shelley (Shah), and brother-in-law Tito (Lynda) as well as his many treasured nieces and nephews—most recently great grand nephew Carson and honourary nephew Maclaren.

He leaves behind countless friends from all across the globe, for wherever Al went he made a friend. While the Walsh motto may well be: 'Stabbed but not dead,' his motto may have been: 'There are no strangers, only friends I haven't met yet.'

Born on November 15th, 1936 in Terra-Nova, Newfoundland. He was brought into the world by the local midwife, Granny Ralph, who proclaimed he was 'some nice baby'. He grew up in Grand Falls-Windsor, Newfoundland in a large family of twelve children. Albert joined the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) on January 22nd, 1954. Initially posted in Ontario, Al was transferred to Cold Lake, Alberta, where he met and married the love of his life—his beautiful school teacher Mazie Myhres. In 1976, Al was posted to Egypt as part of the United Nations Peacekeeping Corps.

He did two tours in Germany with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), and his growing family came along on the adventure. It was in Germany where he achieved his lifelong goal of acquiring his flying licence. After retirement, he joined the Air Cadets Pacific Region Gliding School as Aircraft Maintenance Officer. He was proud of his 42 years of military service. A highly skilled engineer, he received many awards and certificates in both his professional and volunteer roles. Albert loved flying planes. In gliding he found freedom, peace and serenity in the air—flying with the eagles.

He was a devout Catholic, a committed member of the Knights of Columbus, and a valued member of the Church of the Ascension Choir. He was also a volunteer for over 53 years with the Royal Canadian Legion. Earlier this fall he received an honourary lifetime membership in the Air Cadets Association for his volunteer contributions of over three decades. After retiring to Qualicum Beach in 1994, Al and Mazie bought the Bookcase and started their teddy bear collection! (If you know, you know!) Albert embraced life in Qualicum Beach, and enjoyed being a Man About Town.

He was quite happy to be named the best dressed man in Qualicum Beach. (Thank You Shianne!) A true sportsman, Al loved to play football, hockey, baseball and especially golf, at his favourite course, Pheasant Glen. Al and Mazie loved spending time travelling the world with family and friends. They drove several times across Canada and the US, and travelled multiple times to Mexico, Europe and Hawaii.

They loved to go on cruises. A major highlight was onboard a cruise to Hawaii in 2024 when Mazie and Al renewed their vows and celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary. Al, we miss you so much—you've been cleared for take off—enjoy your last flight.

'And He will raise you up on eagle's wings,

Bear you on the breath of dawn,

Make you to shine like the sun,

and hold you in the palm of His hand.'

On Eagle's Wings by Michael Joncas

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the food bank, the Air Cadets Beaufort Squadron 893, or the charity of your choice.

If you have something that you would like to share about Al, please email us @ alwalsh.memorial@gmail.com

Poppy Service and Celebration of Life with refreshments and food.

Sunday January 18 from 1 to 3

At 888 (Comox) Wing

Royal Canadian Air Force Association

(The sign on the building says Stocky Edward's Wing)

1298 Military Row

Lazo, BC