Obituary: Albert Culley
Albert (Ab) Culley of Castlegar, after a brief battle with cancer, died August 3, 2015 just a few days past his 95th birthday. He was born July 28, 1920 on a farm in the small community of Lonely Lake, Manitoba. His parents were Rhoda and Ernest Culley.
When he was 21 years old, he joined the Army, trained in Vernon, and went overseas in 1942. Later that same year, he joined the Canadian Scottish Regiment. In 1944, while fighting in Holland, he was wounded when he stepped on a schu mine losing his leg below the knee.
After convalescing, he studied accounting in Vancouver then returned to Rossland where he met and married Marjorie in 1948. He worked for the Benevolent Society in Trail for 28 years, and another 6 years in Cominco’s Pay Office until his retirement in 1981.
He and Marjorie spent many years travelling the world together.
Albert was an active member of the Legion where he served as Secretary for 11 years, and Treasurer for 10 years. He also audited the books for the Legion’s Ladies Auxiliary until his eyes failed. He received a Certificate of Commitment for 50 years of service in 2014.
He enjoyed curling, golfing, and gardening. His family was special to him as he would often say how lucky he was to have them around.
Albert was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2013, the French National Order of the Legion of Honour in 2014, and just recently Canada’s Certificate of Recognition pin for his “selfless acts of service and sacrifice during the Second World War”.
Albert is survived by Marjorie, his wife of 67 years, his children; Linda (Earl), Lorren (Lisa), Ken, Susan (Kevin), and daughter-in-law, Kathy. He was predeceased by his son-in-law Ron, and his two siblings Ernest and Edith. He also leaves behind 17 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made to a charity of their choice.
A Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday, August 11, 2015 at 11:00am at the Castlegar United Church (809 Merrycreek Rd, Castlegar)with Rev. Michael Hare officiating in conjunction with the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 170. (Legion Members and Ladies Auxiliary please attend) Interment to follow at the Veterans’ Ossuary in Park Memorial Cemetery Castlegar.
