Albin James Edward Shanley
March 31, 1927 - January 31, 2021
We sadly announce the death of Albin Shanley on January 31st, 2021, the seventh of twelve children born to Jessie and Joseph Shanley of Holden, Alta. He is survived by brother John (Gale) of Calgary, sister Emily Ogonoski of Tofield, Alta., sisters-ln-law Ruby Shanley and Anne Shanley of Edmonton. Also by many nieces and nephews, some of whom were his Godchildren, grand nieces and nephews, many extended relatives, Chris, to whom he was an Uncle-at-Large and the many friends who gathered at the ‘Bench’.
Albin was predeceased by his parents Joseph and Jessie, infant sisters Julia and Frances, as well as siblings and inlaws Ed Shanley, Mary and Peter Komarnisky, Vera and Max Zook, Jack Ogonoski, Josie and Bert Sagert, Ludvick Shanley, Olga and Peter Nebo, Ray Shanley, and Tillie Shanley.
Albin moved to Edmonton after high school graduation and began his working days as a draftsman with an Architectural firm. He later joined Northwestern Utilities Company where he remained until retirement.
Having an interest in the Arts, he sought out the Pro Coro Singers and had a number of roles in productions presented by Walterdale Players Theatre dating back to 1955. His passion for theatre and music were life-long and Albin was a generous patron of the arts as well as a benefactor to many local charities. A strikingly handsome man with an eye for a well-cut suit and a flair for the dramatic, Albin enjoyed a modelling career spanning several decades. Many will recall his signature handlebar moustache.
Man about town, Albin loved to entertain. Social gatherings large or small would find him in his element, always with a joke or story to tell while he shook a martini or tossed a gourmet salad. The ‘events’ at the cabin at Miquelon Lake were not to be missed. At family Christmases in Holden Albin would make a grand entrance loaded down with packages containing food, drink and gifts for all. For many years his faithful black lab, Dash accompanied him and dutifully took his place under the table waiting for the inevitable ‘accidentally’ dropped morsel.
He travelled to many (what were then) exotic locations. Whether he was skiing the Swiss Alps, visiting the holy city of Jerusalem or sunning himself on the beaches of Cote d’Azur, he immersed himself in the local culture of the places he visited and returned with tales of his many adventures and always a suitcase full of trinkets.
Albin was a faithful congregant of St. Joseph’s Basilica where he regularly attended mass.
Due to current Covid restrictions, a funeral mass will not be possible at this time.
Albin leaves us with his signature sign-off - and words to live by, “Be good to each other!” May he Rest In Peace
You will be missed by all your bench friends. RIP dear Albin, Heaven can use a bit of colour! Sheila and Allan x
A life well lived. I am sitting on “his” bench on Victoria Promenade and my curiosity was piqued. Rest in Peace Sir.
Words struggle to capture the impact of Al’s longtime friendship. Such fond memories of the house at Miquelon and his apartments in Oliver, always filled with laughter and Al’s wry sense of humor. His chicken liver appetizer, never forgotten. Jokes first heard from him that I still remember and share. Stories, with laughter of course, of his exploits at Walterdale, including forgetting his lines and ad libbing a reason to walk off stage to get coached, or failing to say “not guilty” at the key moment in 12 Angry Men. Al: a sense of humor larger than life. Farewell, friend.
I was very sorry to read of my friend Al’s passing. I worked with NUL/ATCO for years and will remember all the good times we had. He would pack a few of us in his car and take us back to his home to enjoy hotdog happenings during our lunch hour. They were the best hotdogs maybe because we had a glass of wine to go with them. Then we never wanted to go back to work. He was a great friend when my husband passed as we would go out for a meal then attend a live performance or a musical. He was always such an interesting man, very colourfully dressed and up to date on current affairs. We had a lot of interesting conversations. Albin you will be missed. May you rest in peace!
Dennis, myself and the kids will miss you and your wonderful understanding of children and their fears. Rest Uncle.
Worked with Al at NUL/ATCO. Sad to hear of Al’s passing. Al had alot of interesting experiences on his travels. I’m sure he will keep whoever he is with now laughing.
I am saddened to hear of Albin’s passing. He was a colorful eccentric character with a kind generous heart and a friend to many.
I have fond memories of working with Albin at Northwestern Utilities Limited. He loved hosting group gatherings serving culinary dishes paired with a selection of wine including his theatrics, humor and storytelling for us to enjoy. As Dale Collins mentioned in her tribute, I also treasure memories of his “hot dog happenings” (as he called them) and summer pot luck picnics at Queen Elizabeth Park.
Thoughts and prayers to his family and many friends that were blessed to have known him.
I had the pleasure of first meeting Albin when I started at Northwestern… His flair for the dramatics at the Children’s Christmas Parties brought a unique touch to the festivities… Albin was one of the more interesting retirement caricatures I did… I still can remember the fun I had depicting his handlebar moustache in the drawing. Even in retirement, as I went for my walks in Oliver area, I would stop and chat with Albin at “his bench” along the promenade. He was never lost for a story to tell… I’ll miss that…
A warm; Genuine, entertaining, supportive and Emphatically Energetic soul…. A kindred spirit who will truly be missed.
I came to know Albin through his generous donations to Catholic Social Services. He was pure of heart and full of wit. I always enjoyed my time with him. His financial generosity is making an enormous difference to vulnerable Albertans. Albin, thank you for the many financial gifts you shared with us and the many laughs we enjoyed together. I know that now you are truly home.
I was very sad to learn of Albin’s passing. I met him after starting at Northwestern and always enjoyed his colourful, delightful conversations. He did modeling and was Santa Claus for the Christmas Catalogue (that is the same as on line for you young ones) for years. Lunch at Vies for Pies was always an adventure. The great conversations. I will miss you.
So sorry to hear this sad news about Albin, Ken and I are going to miss seeing and talking to you on our walks on the Promenade with our dogs. May the God of all comfort, comfort your family at this stressful time. Ken and Debbie Lakusta
Albin Shanley will be sorely missed. I will pray for him and his family and friends. May he rest in peace!
My husband Brian and I were frequent visitors sitting with Albin almost daily on his bench solving the world’s problems. Brian passed away in Nov., 2020 and he and Albin were the same age. A chapter in my life book has been ended, but one I can open and read anytime I wish. We all shall miss him; he was a memorable, and funny and always the gentleman! God bless and prayers.
By Robert Mason Sept 16 2021
Just arrived from Hamilton Ont.
My wife and I have visited Edmonton many times to see my daughter and used to walk the Promenade where I met “no,It’s not Stanley, it’s Shanley” Albin.
Ha! Humour was his name. Well, Al spoke right up when he heard we was visiting, so I got to know him and he was a delight. Anyway, I asked if I could sketch him and he agreed. I still have these sketches and if any of his family would like them, why then they’re yours. Maybe Al would like to see the. As well.
“ Fly on Al”
It is hard to imagine a person sitting on a park bench and influencing the world. Well, Albin did, and created peace and understanding, probably beyond immediate recognition. We met him when we moved to Edmonton in the late 1990s and enjoyed visiting with him at his philosopher’s station…..his park bench,……during our walks along the promenade. He had an uncanny way of including everyone, even complete strangers, in his world and upon reflection, practiced his beliefs by trying to make the world a better place. We did not know him well, yet in a sense, we did. We think of him frequently and always with a small which is the measure of a man’s legacy.