On Friday March 22, 2024, in his 86th year, we lost a very optimistic loving partner, father, grandpa, brother and loyal friend, a few years shy of his goal of 103. Abby passed peacefully in Barbara’s arms watching the birds as he loved to do. Thank you to our Angel, PSW Ila, for being there to support Barbara.
Left to celebrate his life is his partner Barbara Church, children he was so proud of, LeeAnn (Daryl Wier), Steven (Patti) and Mark Bimson (Laura). His grandsons who brought love and laughter Sam Wier, Gabe Wier, and Garrett Bimson.
Predeceased by his parents Leona and Bud Elliott and mother-in-law Florence Church. Siblings Jim (Bonnie) of Calgary, and Frances Dew (late Larry) will miss their older brother and their intellectual conversations. Brother-in-law to Marilyne Stewart (Bob), Irma Bazzo (Clyde), Betty Church, Dolly Morrison (Bill), and Clara Park (Alex). Abby will be missed by nieces and nephews and special friends James and Edith Hawdon who shared many memorable adventures.
Always greeted with a warm smile, you may have known him as Albert, Ab or Abby depending if you knew him from Michigan Technological University, his 40+ year career at Algoma Steel in Industrial Engineering and Maintenance, his love of geology and prospecting, his volunteer work as past president of Steel City Kiwanis, his work as an artist, or were part of his personal circle of friends. Abby was blessed to spend his last years in Hilton Beach on beautiful St. Joseph Island (heaven on earth) supervising the builds, watching the birds, enjoying nature, never complaining and loving life everyday. Words of a beloved family member, “Our Abby, a man who showed me that it is okay to be a nonconformist - a real individual.’
With gratitude we thank the medical team that has blessed him with their skills so he could live a long and fulfilling life. Abby was proud to be a brick-and-mortar donor to the Group Health Centre who served him well. Locally Drs. Coccimiglio, Grosso and Shafiee, UHN Medley team, Pacemaker Clinic Rhonda and Laura, St. Joseph Island Paramedics, PSW’s Ila and Celina and RN Amy. Toronto General Hospital miracle workers, Drs. Kumar Nanthakumar, Diego Delgado, RJ Cusimano, and RPN Nancy Buckman. Thank you to the Thessalon OPP for their compassion and care.
As per Abby’s wishes a private family celebration will be held.
In Abby’s memory, contributions would be greatly appreciated by the family to the Hilton Beach Public Library, Sault Search and Rescue (https://www.saultsar.com/donate) or a charity of choice. Payable by cheque.
From this wonderful place called heaven... where all my pain is gone, I send a gentle breeze to whisper, "My Loved Ones", please go on...
Visit www.osullivanfuneralhome.com to leave condolences for the family. Arrangements entrusted to O’Sullivan Funeral Home (215 St. James St., Sault Ste. Marie, ON, P6A 1P7, 705-759-8456).