Albert Cheadle

Albert (Al) Edward Cheadle, 96, passed away peacefully on January 22, 2023 in his Mississauga retirement home.

Beloved husband of the late Norma Cheadle (née Sussex). Preceded in death by his son Brock (Laura), parents Albert and Lydia (Dolly), and sisters Ruby, Phyllis, and Eileen. Father to Brian (Lela), Bruce, and Laurie (Dan). Grandfather to Graeme, Alan (Claudia), Jenny (Neal), Jordan (Emily), Caitlin (Trevor), Colin (Kaitlin), Erin (Jon), and Kara (Ben). Great-grandfather to Albert, Alexandra, Ellis, Scotland, Georgia, and Gabriel. Special uncle to many nieces and nephews; devoted friend and neighbour to so many in his community.

Al was born in 1926 in Leamington, ON, to recent English immigrant parents Albert and Lydia. Al played trumpet as a boy and youth in the Leamington Boys Band, touring through southwestern Ontario, and winning a competition at the Toronto CNE in 1942. A musician and keen student, Al pursued an education in chemistry at McMaster University, paying his way through school by playing in big band dance bands. During WWII, Al served in the COTC (Canadian Officers Training Corps).

Al met his wife Norma when they were still teenagers, when Al moved to Hamilton to start school. They married after Al graduated, then settled in Etobicoke where they raised their four children.

Al had a successful 40-year career working for Canada Packers (now Maple Leaf Foods), beginning as a food chemist in the lab, and progressing to General Manager, Edible Oils Division. As a young father, Al enjoyed taking his family on vacation camping trips through Canada and the US, forever instilling a love of the outdoors in his children. During the 1970’s Al bought a sailboat which he and Norma enjoyed sailing in Toronto Harbour, especially when their grandchildren came along. In his retirement, Al and Norma loved to travel (Europe, Mexico, Caribbean, Philippines). Al also learned to play multiple musical instruments, playing in a retirees’ big band orchestra and a Dixieland band. Al served as an elder for many years at St. James United Church in Etobicoke, where he and Norma were charter members. Al and Norma also volunteered with local mental health organizations in the 1990s.

Al was a much-loved father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He loved a good discussion, and is particularly remembered for his interest in debating almost any subject, notably history, science, world affairs, music, and religion with whomever would engage with him. He lived a long life full of curiosity and intellectual inquiry and love of family and friends, and his legacy will live on in all of them.

He will be forever missed and loved by all who knew him.

A service will be held on Friday, February 3rd, 1:00 p.m. at St. James United Church, 400 Burnhamthorpe Rd., Etobicoke. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Institute for Advancement of Mental Health (iamentalhealth.ca), or Trillium Health Partners Foundation .