Larger than life and dramatically unforgettable, Al Perrett left this life on February 1, 2021, from Royal Inland Hospital, at the age of 82, for the great hereafter which, we expect, will continue to include many loyal friendships, positivity, enthusiasm, exuberance, generosity and, of course, skiing and motorcycles!
Related to skiing, Al, in the mid 1950’s, without having had any training in racing, competed on Mount Seymour in the Vancouver high school skiing championships. Al was the only entrant from his school, King Edward. Although he didn’t have much in the way of equipment or ski clothing, his enthusiasm and determination attracted the attention of other racers. He was invited to join their ski racing club. His saying “yes” marked a turning point in his life and in the lives of the club members. Al had a new focus, and the club members gained a life-long friend, someone with boundless enthusiasm and a generosity, friendliness and openness that few had encountered. Al became a fixture in the group, a good friend to all and a constant source of inspiration.
After just a few years of racing, although having had no formal coaching, Al caught the attention of the Canadian National Ski Team, which sent him to Europe to race against the world’s best alpine skiers. Unfortunately, after only two weeks, he suffered an ankle injury and was released from training.
Al was not about to give up on this great European opportunity and just go home. Being Al, he turned this into a great new adventure. He somehow picked up a motorcycle and went travelling. Along the way, he came across a multi-day cross-country motorcycle race which he entered, sore ankle and all. This may have been the beginning of one of his favourite sayings, “Pain is my friend”. He would tell us, if he was feeling pain, he knew he was still alive.
Quite by chance, Al bumped into a member of his regular ski group who was off on his own European experience. Together, they went to Pamplona, had a wonderful time and, of course, ran with the bulls! The friend unfortunately became ill and went to England for treatment. Al followed, made regular hospital visits all the while the friend was recovering from hepatitis and then helped him get back on his feet. Al never lacked compassion, generosity and possessed an innate willingness to help.
In the 1960s, a number of Al’s ski group went to spend a ski season at Queenstown, New Zealand. On landing in NZ, they found themselves (burdened with a huge mound of luggage and skis) outside the quay on a very busy street. They knew where they wanted to go but had no idea as to how to get there. Al spotted a small panel van coming down the street, walked out into the traffic, waved down the van and talked the driver into taking the group to its destination, gear and all. Al could “connect” with people in an instant.
In addition to many more wonderful stories, Al taught for a season in Davos, Switzerland, was coach of the Alberta junior ski team for a season and, in the late 1960’s, was coach of the Whistler Mountain junior ski team.
And, throughout his skiing years, Al always had a grand time skiing with his children and grandchildren.
Al’s other love, motorcycles, began when he was age fourteen. After having been given a ride on a 250 BSA, he was hooked. He thought motorcycles were awesome.
Al had worked as an iron worker and had some “near-misses”. Think, Second Narrows Bridge. Looking for a less perilous line of endeavour, he went to work with his brother, Jon, as a plumber. Al and Jon always had a very close relationship but, after eight or nine months, he let Jon know, “I don’t think this is going to work out for me.” Jon kindly suggested, because of Al’s adeptness at such, he go into repairing motorcycles.
So, in 1966, Al borrowed $4000 from the bank, bought five Suzukis from Trev Deeley, and opened a small shop in Richmond. It didn’t take long before he moved to larger quarters selling Yamahas. Money was tight but Al bought out Tyne Side Repairs, a long-time established dealership. This purchase was a great move as he had truck loads of parts for sale and was soon able to pay off the bank as well as Deeley’s for the purchase of motorcycles. He was even able to move to a larger location.
In 1972, Al sold his Yamaha shop and moved to Kamloops, starting Kamloops Honda.
One of Al’s best business decisions was taking on a Harley-Davidson franchise in 1977. He developed a very successful business in spite of a devastating fire in 1986. Their HOG chapter raised huge funds for Muscular Dystrophy and donated many gifts and cash to charities in the community.
Al’s “do business on a handshake” reputation was such that, people would travel from far away just to do business with him.
Through it all, Al took out time to race motorcycles.
Dan Amor talked Al into going to the Six Days Trials in Italy in 1974 and over the next decade he won several medals. In 1990, Al rode in his first Baja 1000, “the Most Dangerous Race in North America”, and finished! He was hooked! He competed in 17 Baja races with different teammates over the years, winning class age 50 and 60 numerous times.
As for being the most dangerous race in North America, during one race, Al was riding the night-time leg. Suddenly, in the dark, loomed a cow. Al survived the crash; the cow did not. Al did see the inside of a hospital in more than one country.
Related to Al’s racing in Bahia de los Angeles, Baja Mexico, Al so loved the people and the location, he bought property there in 2005 and built a house. Over the years, he met many wonderful friends and developed beautiful relationships in the community. Al made annual trips there to ride, fish and enjoy the life.
Al’s motorcycle racing took him to varied destinations, from the ultra-dangerous Isle of Man TT, to our local Westwood.
He won four National Cross Country Championships in the 1980’s and 90’s.
Al was inducted into the Canadian Motorcycle Hall of Fame on November 17, 2018 at its 13th Annual Banquet and Reunion at the Delta Hotels Burnaby Conference Centre.
There is no end to anecdotes which feature Al Perrett as the main character. Everyone who knew him has a different “favourite story”. Or three!
Al Perrett, it has been a great honour and an endless pleasure to call you “friend”!
Al is survived by the mother of his children and lifelong friend Shirley Perrett, four children and eight grandchildren. Guy Perrett (Barb), Magnus, Xavier; Renee Bucknell, Elizabeth, Ella; Jane Perrett, Travis, David; Andrea Perrett (James Huser), Pierce, Roko.
He also leaves behind his beloved brother Jon (Eva) Perrett, sisters Gail Robb and Linda Sysoloff and their families. As well as many, many friends all over the globe.
Al is predeceased by his father Emery Perrett, his mother Helen Blythe (Perrett), and his sister Rosemary Bryan.
Our family would like to thank the Royal Inland Hospital Cancer Clinic, Dialysis Clinic, and the Community Dialysis Center for their outstanding and compassionate service. Al frequently praised the quality of care he received.
If you would like to pay tribute to Al’s life please consider a donation to the BC Cancer Foundation, the Canadian Kidney Foundation or the Royal Inland Hospital Foundation.
A celebration of life will be held when it is safe to do so. Please stay tuned…
A special note: Al, many times, gave loving thanks for his mother’s positive and supportive attitude.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Alan Perrett February 1st 2021..
Alternatives Funeral & Cremation Services Ashcroft
Death notice for the town of: Kamloops, Province: Colombie britanique