It Is with great sadness we announce the passing of Al Drul, husband, dad and pa on January 3, 2017 at Yorkton Regional Hospital at the age of 76, after a courageous battle with cancer. Alexander Allan Drul was born to John and Mary (Groshak) Drul on June 1, 1940 in Menzie, MB. He was the youngest of three boys and at a young age his family moved to Rossburn, MB where he attended school and worked on the family farm. After graduation, Al moved to Winnipeg where he began his career with Avco Finance in 1960. Al met Veronika in Winnipeg and they married on July 22, 1961. In 1964 he was promoted to senior management with Avco and was transferred to Yorkton to open a new regional branch. He successfully managed the office for thirty-three and a half years, achieving many awards along the way for his excellence. Everyone who knew Al always knew he had a great story or joke to share. He always offered you a drink before you got in the door if you stopped by the house. He MC'd more weddings and events than anyone else we knew and as a charismatic man could entertain any crowd. While his decades of dedicated hard work was notable, Friday Happy Hour at the back of the office was a tradition to share good laughs with good friends. 'Avco Al' (his title as an 'unofficial crop inspector') retired from Avco in 1994, although he continued to dedicate his time to the greater Yorkton community throughout his retirement. Al was busy working as an insurance and financial advisor and in his final years Alexander's Men's Wear recruited him (for his impeccable style) and to assist in the store when he was away. Al's commitment, excellent leadership skills and his belief to always give back was well-recognized within the community. He held the position of an executive member and/or President for many organizations over the years. Al was an active member of the Kinsmen and K-40 Clubs and participated in TeleMiracle, fundraising efforts of the Kinsmen Arena, as well as many other events. He was a board member for eight years for the Yorkton Housing Authority at Anderson Lodge and executive President for many years of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. Al was also actively involved as director with minor sports, coaching hockey and baseball as well as volunteering many hours at the hall working bingos and special functions. While Al had a busy schedule he never missed a birthday party, just as cake was served he always came through that back door! Al was an integral part of the twenty-year tradition of the Mountview Open Golf Tournament. He loved cheering for his favourite teams the Bombers (then the Riders) and the Toronto Maple Leafs. Al was actively involved in chauffeuring many world class curling teams such as the Howard, Gushue, Martin and Ferbey teams when they were in town or in Kelowna. He especially enjoyed dancing and listening to his favourite song 'Too Old to Die Young' by Moe Bandy. Al loved having company over, even if that meant leaving the front grass half cut. He always said the grass would be there waiting for him when he got back. Al enjoyed many activities such as curling, golfing, fishing and boating at the many lakes in Saskatchewan and Manitoba with his young family. He loved his travels with his family, including a trip with Colleen to Russia and to the many parts of Canada and the US with Veronika. Another special trip was visiting Corinne and her family when they lived in Bolivia, Â鶹ÊÓƵ America. One of Al's fondest trips was when he and Veronika travelled to Hawaii with the children and grandchildren. Al and Veronika had the good fortune to spend the last ten winters in Kelowna, BC. He is survived by his wife, Veronika of 56 years, son Curtis (Michelle) of Calgary, daughters Colleen of Edmonton and Corinne of Kelowna, granddaughters Sydney of Vancouver, Morgan and grand dog Molli, Kennedy of Calgary and brother Ernie (Lillian) of Rossburn. He is predeceased by his parents, John and Mary Drul, brother Zenon (Rose) Drul, and son-in-law John Snape. The family wishes to thank friends and relatives for support and prayers during Al's illness and the health caregivers. Prayers were held on Sunday evening, January 8, 2017, the funeral service was held on Monday morning, January 9, 2017, all from the Holy Transfiguration Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Yorkton. Very Rev. Mel Slashinsky was the Celebrant. Cantor, Yvonne Panchuk, assisted by members of the Parish Choir, sang the responses. The cross bearers were Sydney, Morgan & Kennedy Snape. Honourary bearers were Howie Fehrenbach, Geoff Dawson, Johnny Kruk, Nick Kucher, Ron Hubbs & Wayne Elliott. The interment took place in the Garden of St. Luke at the Yorkton Memorial Gardens with Al Greschuk, Alex Gerard, Cal Smith, Darrel Drul, Kevin Yurkiw and Randy Geisler serving as the casket bearers. Condolences can be left at . Memorials were to Kinsmen Telemiracle.
