“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”
After a long battle with Alzheimer’s, our cherished dad, granddad and great-granddad, NEAL ALVIN O’SHEA, bravely ran his race to the finish. On Monday, April 27, 2020, Dad peacefully left us to be reunited with his beloved Louise, wife of 63 years.
Left in the trail of his love are his three children: son, Michael (Marie) O’Shea of Spruce Grove and daughters, Maureen (Alastair) Furtado of Lethbridge and Kellie (David) Wirzba of Coalhurst; grandchildren: Kealey Scott, Meagan Deck (Craig), Kevin Reimer (Ashley), Mandy Reimer (Sheldon), Ryan Furtado, Kat Furtado (Sarah), Bryce Wirzba, Brayden Wirzba (Eden) and Avril Wirzba as well as 13 great-grandchildren. Dad also leaves his four wonderful sisters: Mary Ellen Gangur of Lethbridge, Lily McCabe of Vancouver, BC, Patsy (Reg) Letendre of Penticton, BC and Colleen O’Shea of Red Deer.
Mom predeceased Dad on July 17, 2019. With peace, we know they are together again.
Dad was born into a progressive and industrious Mayerthorpe, AB farm family in 1935. He married his sweetheart, Louise, in 1956, thus beginning their life together. He was a Journeyman Electrician by trade, and spent his early work years in the Alberta oil patch. In 1968, Dad moved our family up north, becoming the pioneers of a new Alberta oil town called “Rainbow Lake”. In 1972, Dad left the oil patch and moved his family to Lethbridge, where he worked as an Electrician, maintenance man and became a very successful businessman. His first business venture was “Allen’s Lakeshore Motel” in Waterton Lakes National Park in the mid-70s. Dad then went on to own and operate the “A & W” in Fort MacLeod, the “Sub Stop” in Medicine Hat, the “Sub Shop” in the Lethbridge Centre, the cafeteria in the Lethbridge Courthouse and finally King Koin Laundry. You could also find Dad playing “Santa” at the Lethbridge Centre in the 1990s.
Dad and Mom were very involved with Victory Church as well as their seniors’ group. Dad served as an usher and embraced this responsibility for over 30 years. Dad was also involved in the beginning stages and financial support of Streets Alive. He was very committed to helping others.
Since a boy, Dad had a love for music and baseball. His love for the New York Yankees, Babe Ruth and later, the Toronto Blue Jays brought conversation to family gatherings. Even during his latter years with dementia, you could find Dad singing to the piano tune of Danny Boy, Irish Lullaby, My Wild Irish Rose and If You Were the Only Girl in the World. Dad also took up yodelling which made for much amusement. Dad and Mom spent many weekends embraced in a song; what magic it was to watch them dance.
In their latter years, Dad and Mom enjoyed their retirement with camping in their motorhome, walking to Timmies for a coffee, taking one last cruise to Alaska and relaxing in their favorite home away from home, Hawaii.
We want to thank the HCAs and staff at Blue Sky Lodge, St. Therese Villa, and St. Michael’s “H” House for their care over the last ten years. Thank you also to Dr. Timothy Collins for his years of care for Dad.
When a life is well-lived and blessed, those memories become a treasure. Our treasures are many and will carry us until we meet again…we love and miss you Dad.
Due to the COVID pandemic, no funeral will be held at this time.
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de O’Shea Neal January 07 1935..
Décès pour la Ville: Lethbridge, Province: Alberta