Albert loved life because he loved God and people. At 9, he gave his life to Jesus during evangelistic meetings. While at MB Bible Institute (B.C.), he made a total commitment to God, which remained a priority in his life. He studied voice at MB Bible College and Waterloo (Ont.) Lutheran University. At WLU, he met Dianne. Albert taught at Winkler (Man.) Bible Institute, followed by graduate studies in music of world cultures at University of Michigan. After teaching at Eden High School, St. Catharines, Ont., he graduated from MB Biblical Seminary, Fresno, Cal., in 1981. God led Albert and Dianne to serve with MB Mission, first in Neuwied, Germany; then in Liezen, Austria, where he served as pastor. After returning to Canada in 1987, Albert pastored MB churches in Winnipeg, Swift Current and St. Ann’s and became chaplain at Tabor Manor, Ont. Singing always played an integral role in his ministry. Albert enjoyed visiting, reading, hiking, cycling and model trains. At 57, he began a 13-year journey of suffering with Lewy Body dementia. The family came together and cared for Albert at home until his needs exceeded their abilities and resources, necessitating a move from Kitchener to Toronto in 2009. He clung to two phrases from a sermon: ready for anything; for this I have Jesus. Others watched Jesus lift Albert to a new level of intimacy with himself; he sustained Albert to the end.
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