Obituary of Albert "Al" Perfitt
Albert Sydney Perfitt, born December 13th, 1934 in Cochrane, Ontario, died on February 19th, 2024 in Arnprior, Ontario.
Second son of Ellen (nee Jobson, 1895-1991) and Sidney Perfitt (1887-1979). Predeceased by brother Phillip William Perfitt (1931-1943). Predeceased by beloved wife Sharon Perfitt (nee Piasetzki, 1949-2002). Father to Phillip Perfitt (Debra), Jim Perfitt, Robert Perfitt (Monica Kroemer), Daniel Perfitt (Jo-Anne Pulley), and Kerri Gibeault (Barry Burnette). Grandfather to Joshua Bain, Zachary Perfitt (Sarah), Lindsay Spannare (Ryan), Nicole Perfitt, Katelyn Perfitt, Jason Bacon, Cameron Perfitt, Chris Perfitt, Benjamin Perfitt, Sydney Gibeault, and Jordyn Gibeault. Predeceased by grandson Allan Bacon (1960-1971). Great-grandfather to numerous great- grandchildren. Fondly remembered by former wife Harriet Perfitt.
Al was born in Cochrane, Ontario, in the midst of the Great Depression, and he grew up during the Second World War. These two events would shape his worldview and instill the character traits that Al was best known for: devotion to family and friends, humbleness, a strong work ethic, financial savvy, and above all, a sense of humour.
After graduating from Cochrane Public School, Al joined his father as an employee of Ontario Northland Railroad, working as a telegram delivery boy. Upon turning 18, he joined The Royal Canadian Air Force as a Telegraph Technician. Throughout his service with the RCAF, Al's assignments took him to various bases across the globe, including Trenton, ON, Grostenquin, France (where he married Harriet Malloch), Winnipeg, MB, Vancouver, BC, Ramstein, Germany, and Clinton, ON. Al concluded his Air Force career in the mid-1970’s as a Sergeant, stationed at the Diefenbunker at CFS Carp.
In a manner true to men of his era, Al finished his military service on Friday and began a new job at Boeing Canada on Monday, servicing the communications and electronic equipment on Canada's fleet of Labrador search and rescue helicopters. During this time, Al also passionately fought for workers’ rights as representative of the IAM Union, and continued in his role as union negotiator after retirement.
Al finished his working career twenty years later and enthusiastically embraced retirement living on the shores of the Ottawa River with Sharon, and in later years his friend Linda Slater. In retirement Al enjoyed pontoon boating with friends and family, occasional fishing outings with his grandkids, and afternoon naps on the front deck. During retirement Al also assumed the role of family handyman, plumber, electrician, carpenter, VCR repair technician, small engine mechanic, innkeeper, financial advisor, and occasional banker.
Due to onset of dementia and worsening physical mobility amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, Al moved into Island View residence, and quickly came to appreciate retirement home living. He was generous, humble, charming, and kind. He had an unassuming manner and made friends easily. Al enjoyed the social atmosphere at Island View, participated in most outings and activities, and made many friends including special friend Beth Wolf.
Following an acute decline due to dementia and a brief stay in hospital, Al died peacefully surrounded by his family.
The family wishes to express thanks for outstanding care and compassion from staff at Island View retirement residence and the doctors and nurses at the Arnprior and District Memorial Hospital. Your dedication to providing exceptional care to Al made a difference in his last months and days. Al's arrangments have been entrusted to the Boyce Funeral Home Ltd., 138 Daniel Street North, Arnprior.
According to Al’s wishes there will be no public wake or funeral. A private interment of his remains will take place in Cochrane at a later date.
Memorial donations can be made to the Arnprior Regional Health Foundation.
