George Alvin Furneaux

Al Furneaux passed away on Monday, October 20, 2025, at Rosedale Hospice in Calgary, AB. Al began his adventurous life on October 24, 1940, in Cereal, AB. He was the son of Edwin and Marian Furneaux.

Al, as he chose to be known, was a gift to all who had the privilege of knowing him. His journey on this earth was one marked by adventure, flight, and great love. His passing has left a void in the hearts of his family, friends, and all those whose lives he touched. May we remember Al for the way he lived, and for the profound impact he had on us all.

Al is survived by his loving wife, Doreen; his son, Doug (Shannon); his daughter, Michelle (Lonnie); and his grandchildren, Raedyn, Deacon, Levi, Chloe, and Logan. He also leaves behind his sister, Margarette (Neil); brother, Lloyd (JoAnne); sisters and brothers-in-law, Diane, Dwayne, Sharon, Chris, Richard, Bryon, Merv, Donna, and Rob; a host of loving nieces and nephews of three generations; extended family, Darlene and Sue; and many cherished friends. Al was predeceased by his parents, Edwin and Marian; in-laws, Paul and Anne; sister, brothers and sisters-in-law, Edna, Morris, Sandra, Bob, and Hazel; and niece, Blayne.

Al graduated from SAIT and went on to work for Transport Canada as a radio operator in Yellowknife, NWT. It wasn’t long before Al took his first flying lesson, and within two weeks, he flew his first solo flight with six hours of training. He became a licensed pilot later that year and purchased his first plane. After resigning from Transport Canada, he left Dawson City, YT, to join his friend Jack Bergeron at Contact Airways in Fort McMurray, AB. Al was a gifted leader at Contact. To this day, many of his former employees and coworkers feel a deep loyalty to him for the influence he had on their lives.

After selling Contact Airways in 1980, Al retired and relocated to Kelowna, BC. Ultimately, he realized he wasn’t ready for retirement and regained his pilot’s license. For the next several years, Al flew for Plummer’s Arctic Lodges, Buffalo Airways, Nahanni Air Services, Forward Resources and Central Mountain Air.

It was at Great Bear Lake Lodge, NWT, that Al and Doreen met. They were later married on October 26, 1991, in Winnipeg, MB. Al continued to fly, and during these years, he fulfilled his dream of flying to the Antarctic, completing his travels to all seven continents. The last 30 years of Al’s flying career were spent at Kelowna Flightcraft, now known as KF Aerospace. The highlights of those years were working with Doreen and the many friends he made at KF, as well as training and working with pilots from around the world.

More importantly than Al’s remarkable career, he loved his family and friends. Doreen was the love of his life. Their story is a reminder that love is not measured by matching ages but by a relationship filled with unspoken understanding, joy, and gratitude that carried them through life’s adventures. Whether it was travelling the world, camping in the mountains, or simply being at home, their time together was filled with love and respect for one another. Al treasured his relationship with his son, Doug and family, especially the bond they shared over the last few years, including the daily phone calls and time spent with his grandchildren. He cherished every moment spent with his sisters and brothers from both families. Together, they shared countless laughs and heartfelt memories. His warmth, wit, and generosity flowed effortlessly towards all his nieces and nephews – these were special bonds. And it must also be mentioned, Al was a much-loved son and son-in-law. Time with friends quite often involved savouring a pint, enjoying a good meal, attending a Folk Festival, or just watching his favourite team, the Winnipeg Jets. He loved a good laugh, a hearty conversation, and moments that brought people together. Al found comfort in staying connected to those important to him, in celebrating their joys, supporting them through challenges, and reminding everyone of the power of love, faith, and togetherness.

For all of us who knew Al, we will remember his infectious smile, the twinkle in his eyes, his sense of humour, and, most of all, his love and generosity. Blue skies and tailwinds forever, Al.

A service to honour Al’s life will be held on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at St. Barnabas Anglican Church, 1407 - 7 Avenue NW, Calgary, AB. For the livestream, please click this link. The family kindly requests that any donations in Al’s memory be made to Rosedale Hospice at hospicecalgary.ca (Please indicate that your donation is in honour of Al Furneaux).