Al is one of the most kindhearted people I’ve met; as everyone called him Grandpa, I did the same eventually. I’m Gracie, and I was their PSW for 6 years. I’m fortunate enough to have some memories and bonding moments. Grandpa is a very hardworking man, so active, a person who doesn’t know how to take any rest at all. That’s how he is. Palm Springs has been a special place for so many years of going down south every winter. During my first year in Palm Springs, Al always had road trips or things to do for us. We always go to the casino, which is Grandma’s favourite place, to have some entertainment and watch shows. I will not forget when we watched the Festival of Light’s Parade downtown; we totally enjoyed it, and it was memorable. I am beyond grateful for everything. I also remember that he treated us to celebrate my birthday at their favourite restaurant, Billy Reeds, which was special. He always had his praise for all of his grandkids, and that’s something remarkable for him. For the years I’ve spent with them, I witnessed how deep their love for each other is. Al and Barb’s partnership is immeasurable and one of a kind. His passing saddened everyone’s hearts and was so unexpected. Fly high, Grandpa. Thank you for all the unwavering support, love and kindness; I am truly honoured our paths crossed and was able to take care of you for years..

It was great that Al and Barb, Linda could attend Ann’s Interment a few weeks ago in Creston!

I first met the Side family at an event I was speaking at in Grand Prairie. I was working for CN Rail and naturally I wasn’t the most appreciated person speaking during the event and I was new to both the area and my job. After the event I had a brief meeting with the Side family and I did not know what we were going to talk about but within 5 minutes I felt that I met someone that I wanted to be around and listen to and talk with for ever. Al made you feel secure because he cared about what you had to say and he made you feel welcome. He had no need to be that way, he could have discounted someone like me and many others, considering what he had done with his life, but no matter what, he always had time to listen and care and make you feel important. He was a man among men. His curiosity, his thirst for learning and making something better, his belief that no matter what, if you don’t try, it won’t happen, made him feel like a soul mate to me. Over the years my wife Kelly and I have had the great fortune to be around Al, lovely Barb – the female version of Al – and their wonderful family, especially the girls, their husbands and the wonderful grandkids. Moving away from the west because of job commitments reduced the opportunity to be around Al, Barb and the family but we kept in touch through an Al “email” and always when we went to our place in Palm Springs we would find out if they were there and at least have a lunch or dinner, or watch Barb at the casino taking in the Pennie’s.

I can’t tell you how much we are going to miss him, but he’ll always be our hearts and I’ll always think about the times we were privileged to be in his presence.

Going to miss him badly, but we’re so happy we got to spend time on this earth with him.

Goodbye my friend I’m going to miss you.

Al combining his Oat Crop 2023.

Wow, where do I begin. Grampa has been a constant pillar in my life for the past 25 years. He’s worn many hats in my eyes; Grampa, leader, neighbour, and dad. Most recently he has become my friend. The last few years I’ve spent my most cherished days with him and gramma on our farm – we became good, good friends. Growing up next door, I never took into account the absolute luxury and honour of getting to spend our days with together. I will always, always miss it. It’s tough to navigate without him, but I know he’s guiding us through every moment of this new world. So long as we know he’s with us, it will always be a wonderful world.

“When the people we love leave us, they take a piece of us with them, and we a piece of them.” – Gramma

Al Side Oct 25, 2023

“I hear you’re looking for some horses to train. I will find you some.” These were the words that pulled me solidly into Barb and Al’s orbit in the spring of 2006.

My son, Matti, had been severely brain damaged in a MVA in January of 2004, and I was still trying to find a way to reconnect him with reality. I thought that since he had been raised with race horses, it might pull him out of his twilight zone if I immersed him in that world again. The problem was that I was paralyzed. My brain damaged son and I were not a good gamble for anyone looking for a race horse trainer.

True to his word, Al brought us three race horses. We spent that summer racing Barb and Al’s B-circuit horses in Grande Prairie. It was so much fun!

Four years later, in the fall of 2010, tragedy had struck my family again when Matti shot and killed his father. Barb and Al once again jumped into the fray with us. Their support was huge and helped enable me to hold things together.

In 2016, I released a memoir. Once again, Barb and Al were my champions. Supporting me throughout, and even sponsoring a memorable book launch at the Dinosaur Museum.

Our common interests in artwork and horse racing provided endless fodder for our visits.

Al’s and my latest conversations involved comparing notes on our experience with a radiologist, Dr. Verbeek, at the Grande Prairie cancer center. “He’ll look after you good.” Al told me. “He knows what he’s doing.”

Through the years I’ve benefited immeasurably from having Barb and Al in my life. The main benefit, though, is the determination they’ve always inspired in me to try to live up to the faith they’ve had in me. It has been an honour.