Albert William MARKS

In loving memory of Albert William Marks December 22, 1932 to July 2, 2023

A gentleman in every sense of the word, Al died unexpectedly, his beloved wife Dianne by his side. Al is survived by sister, Madeline Crossman, children Sharon (Doug), Kathy(Dave , Greg(Donna), step sons Bob (Lois), and Michael(Yoshino), grandchildren and great grandchildren.  Michelle( Rick ) considered family.

He was born in Vancouver.  He had 2 sisters, Rosaline and Madeline.  His family moved to Victoria when he was 8 years old. He attended Victoria High School where he graduated, June 1950.

Al was a whiz at Mathematics and excelled in sports – baseball, soccer, rugby and football.  Al represented Canada in Rugby division under 20 years .  He played semi-pro baseball in North West.

Al had many loves; jive dancer, tenor singer, avid reader, interest in politics, and listening.  His grandson, Justin, asked his grandpa to please listen to him with his eyes!  Al reminded all of us to tell the truth always as then you don’t have to remember what you said.  Good advice.

He worked for Naval Defence Research Lab for ten years where he met his first wife, Barbara.  They moved to Vancouver with Sharon and Kathy so Al could attend UBC where he obtained his degree in  Mechanical Engineering.  Greg was born in Vancouver.

Al joined Lockheed Petroleum Services from 1970-June 1983.  He married Dianne in 1979 and they, along with their 3 boys, relocated to Rio de Janeiro , Al as Managing Director  in off shore oil. Company called CanOcean.  On returning to Canada and to Ottawa, he sat on Mayor’s Task Force exploring the future of work.

Career change in Calgary AB when he became Secretary-Treasurer of the Anglican Diocese. He participated in the Calgary Winter Games as a volunteer.  He took early retirement in 1994 and returned to Victoria, BC.  He volunteered in the Protocol Office for the Commonwealth Games. He was proud to be assigned to the Royal Family.

August 2001 Al travelled as a CESO International Services volunteer to Armenia, to assist an NGO find international funding.  He returned to Armenia and was there when 9/11 occurred.

Al was treasurer for many organizations, among them Vampire Sports Association, St, Paul’s Housing, St. Johns Court, Louise Rose’ Good News Choir, and Treasurer of the Anglican Diocese of BC. He was a Rotarian until recently.  He sat on the Board of Camp Columbia, Thetis Island.

He had many accomplishments in his life time and he was always a humble, unassuming gentleman. His smile could light up a room.

Al was calm and kind.  He was comfortable whether he was enjoying a potluck or attending a State dinner with world leaders.   He believed in the best of people.  He supported several charities.  He loved his wife, children and grandchildren.  He enjoyed friendships made while travelling and cruising.  Al loved planning where he and Dianne would travel to next.  Thank you to Dr. George Benloulou for his wonderful care of Al.  Truly one in a million general practitioners.

A memorial service will be held at St. Andrew Anglican Church, Sidney, on Saturday July 29, at 2 pm.  Donations in Al’s memory will be welcomed by two of his favourite charities, Cool Aid Society and Saanich Peninsula Lions Food Bank.