Aitken, Albert M "Mike" In memory of Dad February 8, 1927-July 21, 2023 "Life is a gift to you, the way you live your life is a gift to those who come after" -unknown The gifts of the life, our dad, was given, were many. Years, healthy years, and well beyond the norm.. 96 in fact. The last few were impacted by Alzheimers, but for only two weeks, did dad need hospital care. Dad's family of origin gave him three sisters and four brothers, whom he outlived. A simple, but solid upbringing in a home on the Montague river, instilled a life long love of the water, and of boats. The chance came for secondary education because an older brother paid his lodging, and a career launch came when a sister recommended a training course.Graduating as one of the first male Lab Technicians, equipped dad for employment, first with the newly formed Provincial Lab, and then a lifetime career with Federal Fisheries,working many years as a "Fish Sniffer" (Lab Tech), and then a statistician. His time in college introduced him to a lovely gal from Alberton, and a friendship that blossomed into love, marriage and a family of four;a daughter,and three sons. Home was at 33 Victory Ave, for 61 years, where the growing family, of nine grandchildren and six greatgrandchildren gathered. A brothers gift of family land meant the usual summer camping trips turned into a "cottage", first a converted blue school bus,and then a cottage built in "Aitken style", of repurposed materials, and dad's labor; with mom, sons and grandsons by his side. Early retirement meant more time to sail, now a 27 ft Aloha, travel with mom both in Canada and Europe, more time at the cottage on the Lower Montague River, and of course, puttering in his barn, and basement. For us, all of us;his family, friends, workmates,neighbors,the caregivers in later life, who come after; we indeed are left many gifts from the way dad lived his life. Dad's solid work ethic , responsible money management, value of learning, respect for, and camaradarie with peers, set the pace for us, his children,to follow. Dad's choice to use his time and labor,and repurposed materials, supported economical additions to the family home, the possibility of a family vacation spot,and demonstrated resourcefulness and investing your skills for your family.The respect with which dad, and mom worked together, made decisions together, had each others back,was a living example of teamwork. Regular visits with family, brought connection with cousins. Camping, and travel, as to Expo 67, expanded our world beyond the day to day. Being present at hockey, soccer,and ball games,concerts and events, of chldren and grandchildren, showed the value of presence in the lives of our loved ones, and belief in, and support of them.Dad's own enjoyment of the water, and of boating, and sharing it with us; demonstrated that having a passion, and the refreshment it brings to our life, our soul, is invaluable. Dad's acceptance, of himself, and others, meant being in his presence was easy, and in his lap,as children, grand, and greatgrandchildren came to know; comforting and safe. Dad's wisdom, wit,and unending gratitude for what life provided him, was never more evident as in his final years, as Alzheimers took his short term memory,and his ability to care for himself. For those who had the privilege to care for him during this time, time spent with this gracious, caring,hopeful,generous, respectful, self giving man was a joy. Although we see around us many reminders of the way dad lived his life, and are comforted by them, we deeply miss his presence here with us.His was a life well lived, and it was time to join mom, and to trust us with his gifts. The family expesses sincere thanks to Home Care and Support, caregivers Bernie, Kim and Merrill, Amy NP, Wendy RN of Provincial Geriatric Program, Brecken House Day Program, Drs Kassner, McKenna, and O'Neill, Units one and three of QEH, .Rev Moses, and Belvedere Funeral Home, for your kindness to, and care of dad, and us, his family. Gratefully, Marlene, Ian, Alan, David and families
Albert M "Mike" AITKEN — Charlottetown
