November 27, 1922 – August 23, 2013
Albert Biley, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend, died peacefully in his sleep on August 23, 2013, not long before the fifth anniversary of the death of his life partner, Ruth, who he missed every day.
Born in Montreal in 1922, he excelled in math and had a long career working first for Crane and then other companies as a first-rate accountant and office manager. He used his accounting skills and experience to volunteer many hours for the community on Hornby as well as assisting friends with the mysteries of balancing accounts.
Albert was a proud veteran, having served during WWII in the Air Force, stationed at Long Beach. He married Ruth in 1944 on Saltspring Island on a leave. Albert built the beautiful house on Hornby at the corner of Brigantine and Gunpowder that was the hub of family and friends who lived in the Galleon Beach area. Their 25 years of “retirement” on Hornby were wonderful, both for them and for visiting family and friends, especially Martin and Nick who spent childhood summers there.
Albert was loved and will be missed by family including brother Fred, sister-in-law Leonis, daughter Barbara, son David, granddaughter Lacey, grandsons Martin, Nicholas, Kevin and Jesse, great granddaughter Makenna, and extended family.
Special thanks to Dr. Harris, the wonderful nurses and Home Support workers who cared for him in his last days, the Lifeline responders, Barbara’s friends who never failed to step up to assist, and to grandson Nick who came from Toronto to help out in his Grandpa’s last days.
Neither Ruth nor Albert wanted a service. Their children and grandchildren ask that anyone who wishes to make a donation in Albert’s memory, do so to the Hornby and Denman Community Health Care Society 1965 Sollans Rd, Roburn 4-3, Hornby Island BC V0R 1Z0.