Uncle Al was one of a kind in so many ways and generous beyond words. On two occasions, he and Aunt Barb hosted Side Family reunions at the farm in Grande Prairie that were memorable for the large extended family. In 2005, for the first time, the offspring of Alex and Latifa Side came together from as far away as South Africa and Australia to spend three days together. The next reunion was organized by Al’s family for his 80th birthday celebration. Once again family gathered from far and wide and the hospitality extended was remarkable. I always regret living so far away because I would have loved to have spent time getting better acquainted with Uncle Al. He was the patriarch and it’s very hard to say goodbye. He will be missed beyond words.