Al Stendie.

Allan Nelson Stendie, of Mayerthorpe, Alberta, formerly of Niton Junction, Jasper, AB, and Kelvington, SK, passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 29, 2021, at the age of 75 years, surrounded by his beloved family.
Allan will be lovingly remembered by his dear wife of 42 years, Nina; daughter, Larissa of Victoria, BC; son, Erik of McBride, BC; brother, Lorne; sister-in-law, Elaine; as well as dozens of cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. He is predeceased by parents, Nels and Hilda; sister, Evelyn (Ken); and brother, Marlow.
The family would like to thank Dr. Jamal and staff at the Mayerthorpe Heathcare Centre for their support over the past few years, and Belinda and the staff on Unit 6 East of the Royal Alexandra Hospital for their compassionate care in his final week.
Al will best be remembered for his kind, positive outlook, authenticity, and infectious laugh. He cared deeply about people and being of service to the community, and his great sense of humor stayed with him even as his health failed. Al was a devoted husband and father, who imparted his love of nature to his children. His kids will always cherish the times spent together in Jasper looking for wildflowers and tadpoles, cross-country skiing, fishing, skating on frozen ponds, in his role as a Beaver Leader for Scouts, and taking them on an epic back-country horse trip in the North Boundary. Al was also an enthusiastic lifelong musician, playing guitar, accordion, and fiddle in bands since high school, as part of ‘Canadian Graffiti’ in Jasper, and with friends in the backyard.
Al was grateful for his meaningful career as a Warden with Parks Canada for almost 30 years, starting at Prince Albert National Park, SK, then 27 years in Jasper, AB. He considered many of his colleagues to be dear friends and mentors. Stories from Al’s life (including childhood, Parks, and beyond) are captured in his own words by the Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies, Park Warden Service Alumni Oral History project: parkwardenalumni.com/al-stendie/
He loved the opportunity to be out doing conservation work and spent many years in the backcountry, mainly as Blue Creek District Warden. He also often spoke about how incredible it was to get to live in places like Maligne Lake and Sunwapta Warden Stations. Al was especially proud of the work done developing the Environmental Assessments department to monitor air/water quality and pollution control, and contributing to the research establishing the eastern range of Harlequin Ducks.
In 1996, Al and Nina moved the family to a sheep farm near Niton Junction, AB, where they lived until 2017. Al enjoyed caring for the animals and getting back to his roots. On slowing down with farming, but still wanting to be out in the community, Al started a part time job that led to supervising several waste transfer and recycling sites in the region. A testament to his commitment to the environment and his character, Al worked for several years to try to improve harmful practices and provide public education, while visiting with the neighbors. In 2017, Al and Nina moved into Mayerthorpe, AB.
Despite his failing health over the past few years, Al really appreciated the time spent talking on the phone with family and friends. His family look forward to hosting a Celebration of Al’s Life when we can all gather again. Until then, the family welcomes your stories, memories, and photos shared here under “Memories” in the menu to the left; Al’s Book of Memories page creates a lifelong keepsake for the family. Al touched many lives and will be truly missed.