I loved this man! Got to meet him, through my role as sports reporter for the Daily Herald-Tribune, when he was supporting chuckwagon racing in the early-1970s and last got to say hi in the summer at the races at Evergreen Park. I enjoyed the fact, right up until the last time I saw him, he always called me Moonbeams – the name of the sports column I wrote that ended in the 1980s. A little something he knew would bring a smile to both our faces. Huge loss for horse racing and the community!

WPCA Saddened By The News That Longtime Active Supporter Al Side Has Passed On

I did not get to know Al that well, but running into him at head office, NMS, or just out and about was always a pleasure. He always seemed to have a smile on his face and was happy to share some wisdom in the form of a story, an idea, or a tidbit of knowledge. The first time I met Al was a short 8.5-9 years ago, working at GP Reload when he came into the facility to meet with Gord. Al had shown up early while Gord was at a meeting or lunch and was wandering the building, saying “Hello!” to everyone and introducing himself to new faces. It always stuck with me that when I (with only a few months at the company) walked over to see who this man was that was wandering through the warehouse, he introduced himself by name only, with no fancy titles, and only after a few minutes of polite, casual conversation he said: “I’m here to meet with Gord, I’m his business partner.”

That was who Al was; he was friendly and cheerful, and despite how important he was to so many people, businesses, and employees, he was still just Al when he talked to you. I will always remember that.

Deepest condolences to Al’s wife, Barb; and to their children and grandchildren, extended family and friends. Hope you enjoy these photos of Al and Barb with their mares and foals. Back in the day, Al and Barb would occasionally pop in on their “fancy” neighbors for a visit. On one such occasion we had wine to offer them, but apparently it was the kind that should be chilled. I dropped a “Mr. Freezie” in each of their glasses and poured them a drink. Barb laughed and used her Freezie like a fancy swizzle stick. We know those two were “peas and carrots” and this is a huge loss for Barb and family. Thinking of you all during this difficult time, Carolyn and Hugh Sinclair

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.

I was on one of those little planes that went into the fishing lodge at Margaret Lake. On one occasion I had my son Derek with me, he was about 12.  We landed and one of the first people my son met was Al, he grabbed Derek and they spent the day at the mouth of the Pon Ton fishing for grayling. My son was so proud of their catch and his new fishing pal. Rest in peace my friend.