Saturday, November 16, 2019
Alexander started his life in London Ontario, the third child of Frederick Blackman and Mable Phyllis (Molly), older siblings were brother Victor and sister Thirza . His family not only included people but a variety of cats and dogs, all of which he lovingly remembers.
My Dad recalls many happy times of school hood pranks, and times with his dogs and cats. When he was 15 his father passed away and as his siblings were married, he was left to quit school and support his mother.
All met Julia at the Brass Rail. He was set up by a friend! There was a mutual attraction but it seems she was going with another man. She did break it off and in less than a year they were married.
There are lots of stories of Al’s adventures with the Priest of St Mary’s church where he was preparing to convert to Catholicism . In the end he did not convert but the my parents were still married in the church. After a short honeymoon in Florida they returned and nine months later were the parents on a beautiful baby girl whom they named Darlene.
At the age of 30 Al got a job on the London fire department It seems this was what he was meant to do. In 1964 he welcomed his second child, a son, Gary.
My brother and I have many happy memories of life with my Dad as a fire fighter. Picnics, Christmas parties and just going to the halls to visit. My parents enjoyed parties and friends as well. My Dad loved his children and Im sure his fellow fire fighters heard all about our lives and how proud he was of us. We have heard lots of stories over the years of the camaraderie that surrounded the brothers at the hall . He understood the dangers of his job and always kissed us good bye when he left in case he didn’t return.
Dad retired at age 60, 29 years ago. He continued to volunteer for the Salvation Army kettle drive, the Western Fair, the Christmas parade and collecting prizes for golf tournaments . Any opportunity to wear his uniform he did. He was so very proud to be a fire fighter.
He continued to golf with the fire department until age 80, He bowled through out is life, and played baseball. He looked after himself and was a very active man.
In 2013 my Dad had a stroke. He fought hard to recover and did but over the next 6 years his health began to decline. Recently he stopped fighting and now he is at peace.
