Obituary of Albert Edward Flett

Albert liked to say that he was born in the bush near Fort Vermillion, Alberta. He liked to say that his parents never told him his exact birthdate so he guessed that he was born on or about August 31, 1914. His driver's license says he was born August 21, 1914 and his baptism record reads, "Age 3 years old in 1915" in Fort Vermillion, Metis of Orkney Island descent." On his wedding certificate, it states he was born on August 24, 1914. Albert's step father, Dick Flett, raised him, with his five half-sisters and three half- brothers. His sisters were Jean, Lotty, Charlotte, Florence, May and his brothers were Nick, Dick and Harry. Alberts nieces and nephews are many and include the Paul family in Chetwynd. His brothers and sisters passed away many years ago. Albert was 25 years old when he joined the Canadian Army in Edmonton in 1939 or 1940. He received training in Edmonton, Alberta and in Brandon, Manitoba. He was sent to England by 1941. We can only imagine a young Albert in England, seeing an entire new world far away from the prairies of Northern Alberta. Albert did talk of his war years on occasion. He talked about shells raining down on his troop brothers and the shrapnel hitting others. He talked about driving a truck at the front and the truck rolling over from a bomb. He enjoyed doing dispatch duty on army motorcycles. He said that the Lord protected him at all times. Albert served in the German, French and Dutch theatres of war and was honored with the Germany-France Star, the Voluntary Medal, King George Victory Medal and the Victory Day Medal. In 1943, he met King George VI, the Queen and the present Queen, then a Princess. During the war years, he met an Irish girl in England by the name of Anne Coleman and they married. Anne was a war bride and returned with Albert to Peace River after the war. Albert said that it was very hard for her since they lived without electricity, indoor plumbing and central heat. Albert and Anne had one daughter; Elizabeth, and twin sons; Robert and Michael. Both sons died shortly after their birth. Albert spoke of their life in Peace River and spoke of the hard work, cold winters and hardships. Again, he said that the Lord protected him at all times. Albert and Anne moved from Peace River to Taylor and then to Fort St. John. He worked during the construction of the Taylor Gas Plant and at the clearing of the original WAC Bennett Dam. Albert and Anne separated in about 1951. Albert worked for a number of years in Terrace for the Department of Highways as a snow plough driver and spoke of being trapped in snow drifts. He said that he was trapped in a snow drift for about ten hours and ran out of smokes . And that was the last time he smoked. Albert met Pauline Durocher in about 1960 when he returned for a visit to Peace River. Pauline was a cook at a restaurant and he helped raise her son Don. Albert often said that they often went square dancing and he liked to visit the Peace River pool hall. Sometimes Albert repeated square dancing calls, laughed and said that the dances were fun.. He also said that his step son Don would preach in the pool hall after they won all of the pool games. Albert and Pauline married in about 1966 and they returned to Taylor and then to Chetwynd. Albert "slung" beer at the Chetwynd Motor Hotel with Wally Gayse and Ed Hoffman and he worked for Farmer and Jimmy Grant and the Demeulemeester Brothers. Pauline cooked in the camps and Albert drove truck, helped in the kitchen or drove hotshot for the crews. During these years, Albert became famous for his riding broncs and bulls at rodeos on the weekend. Albert had many friends. One friend was Ivan from Fort St. John. Ivan gave him a van and he rolled the van with Rene Stoney on the Jackfish Lake Road when they went moose hunting. Both Renee and Albert were not hurt. Albert and Pauline were well known in the community of Chetwynd. They frequented all events hosted in the community. They met Astronaut Roberta Bodnar, Governor General Adrienne Clarkson with Mayor Charles Lasser in 2000, and won many lawn bowling tournaments, were active in the Native Church with Pastor Charlie Cook, the Royal Canadian Legion, and the Elks. Pauline was his companion and he always called Pauline "Madam" and both loved Lady, their small pup. Albert conferred the title of daughter or granddaughter on many and today we have Mary and Yvonne here who he called daughter. He liked that and would sing the song "Kiss me if you love me" in Cree. Pauline passed away on October 11, 2011 in Chetwynd at the age of 89 years of age. He was devastated and Pastor Richard Hoard transported him to the Okanagan. Albert returned weeks later because he said that he could not miss Remembrance Day in Chetwynd. He sat proud and tall at the service. Albert lived alone after this and received home care until 2012. Many friends from the church helped him. He had two major operations and was able to find his home at the extended care wing at the Chetwynd Hospital in November, 2013. He lost his leg due to an infection but was always happy to visit with others, tell stories and relished wheel chair walks in the garden. Last year, over 200 friends and family members joined Albert on Saturday, August 23rd, 2014 to celebrate his 100th Birthday at the Chetwynd Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion. The festivities were wonderful and again the highlight was Albert singing, "Kiss me if you love me." Albert Flett, a long time resident of Chetwynd, B.C., passed away on Sunday, August 9, 2015 in Chetwynd, at the age of 100 years. A Funeral Service was held on Wednesday, August 19, 2015 at 2:00 PM at the Chetwynd Fellowship Baptist Church, Chetwynd, B.C. Pastor Lorie Mickelson of the Chetwynd Church of the Nazarene officiated. His good friend Bill Gladue sang his favorite songs and his family and friends enjoyed the many stories about Albert. Jack Davis, Les Davis and Melvin Davis drummed for Albert. He was laid to rest with his wife, Pauline Flett, at the Tuscoola Mountain Cemetery. The 258 Little Giant - Air Cadet League of Canada were the Honor Guard and assisted with the Last Post and Reveille being played by Stacey Slotre. A wonderful lunch was served by Tansi Friendship Centre. For friends so wishing donations may be made in memory of Albert to the Chetwynd & District Hospital Foundation, Box 121, Chetwynd, B.C. V0C 1J0. Very Respectfully Reynars Funeral Home & Crematorium