Mr. Alvin John Polanchek

Mr. Alvin Polanchek of High River, Alberta passed away peacefully surrounded by his family at the Rockyview Hospital in Calgary on September 14, 2024, one month shy of his 85th birthday. He is survived by his loving wife Geri, son Mike (Debbie Hotchen), daughter Lori Zanewich (Allan), grandkids Landon (Kim), Makenna, Brinnley and Hadynn Zanewich, sister Arlene Anders, brothers Robert and Arnie (Jan), as well as numerous extended family members and friends. Al was predeceased by his parents and his brother Jack. Al was a true character, well known for his sense of humor, quick wit, and knack for telling it like it is. He loved nicknames, and many of us are still referred to by the ones he gave us. He was knowledgeable about everything, and was always the go-to if you had a question or needed something fixed. He always had the right answer and the right tool. He always talked tough, but was a teddy bear at heart; he was generous to a fault and no one ever left without a full tank of gas. He spent countless hours as a proud parent at school events, dance recitals and the hockey rink, and as a proud grandfather spent many more hours in those same places years later. He never missed a family event or holiday dinner and was at the high school graduation of all 4 of his grandkids and knew their future goals. As a longtime teacher, Al spent many years teaching at Senator Riley High School in High River before his retirement. He was well known and loved in those hallways, and had a fondness for other student’s lunches and samples in the home ec room. “Keep your eyes on the copy” is a phrase many of us will always remember. Al loved to travel, and was fortunate to see much of the world with Geri, visiting all of the continents except Antarctica. A very memorable 50th anniversary trip was taken with the entire family. He loved the outdoors and was an avid fisherman, a love he shared with all of us. So many memories of fishing in Montana, BC, Alaska and the Kananaskis, always with a fly of course-no worms allowed! He loved to play poker and will be dearly missed at his weekly poker group. Al enjoyed a good cigar, a Corona sunbrew, naps in his recliner and watching the stock market. He also enjoyed a good surf and turf dinner (no green beans) and homemade apple pie. His tenacity, feistiness and wit served him well throughout his life. Even in his final days he was a model of strong will and sheer determination. Big Al touched the lives of many, and will be greatly missed and fondly remembered by all who knew him. A Celebration of Al's Life will be held on Sunday, October 20th from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Heritage Inn Banquet Room A in High River. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the charity of the donor's choice. Caring for the family is Lyle Reeves Funerals of High River (Craig Snodgrass) 403.652.4242.

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Mr. Alvin John Polanchek

October 20, 1939 - September 14, 2024