Klip, Albert
Klip, Albert Henry
March 25, 1959 - July 13, 2022
“Big Al” as he was affectionately known, peacefully passed away, after the withdrawal of life support after a catastrophic stroke, while surrounded and held by family on July 13, 2022.“Big Al” started out as an average sized newborn named Albert Henry Klip born on March 25, 1959, to Clara and Nick Klip of Milton, Ontario. He was the middle child of three; older sister Maryanne (Tim) and younger brother Nick (Sue). He grew up in Milton but when he was just 16, the west called and he hitchhiked to Alberta. He spent many years living in the mountains.
Al was an incredibly intelligent man and excelled in school, achieving honors in every program he graduated from. He became an HVAC technician, boiler mechanic, welder, auto mechanic, farmer, hot rod engine builder, teacher, tractor-trailer driver and instructor, dump truck driver and instructor and snowplow driver and instructor. As his brother Nick would say, “he’s the smartest man I’ve ever known”.
His proudest achievement in life were his girls: Big Girl and Bear, also known as Jessica and Nicole (Joel). He was determined to teach his girls that they could do anything boys could do so he taught them how to fix, build and create things. He taught them to be strong girls with farm chores to do and animals to raise. Never far from his side, he took his girls camping, hunting, fishing and boating as well as the scrap yard and the dump. He taught his girls to never worry about what others thought and to take care of things. This was evident in his beloved truck he drove for 35 years, aptly named “Henry”. Later in life, he became step dad to Kaylin (Matt) and was honored to step up and become a dad to her in every way possible. “Papa Al” adored his grandchildren Aimy, Aleeya, Kain and Kylee and great-granddaughter Charlotte. The last Saturday of his life was spent doing what he treasured most in life: having all his grandkids over for a swim and bbq. He adored being a dad and papa.
“Mr. Klip” remains a legend in Wingham, Ontario where he taught auto shop class at F. E. Madill Secondary School. His former students will tell you how much he let them get away with, what an awesome teacher he was and how he just understood them like no other teacher did. He loved teaching and sharing his vast knowledge with his students. He especially encouraged the few girls in his class saying women made the best mechanics.
Al’s spouse of the past 20 years, Jane, was the love of his life. He adored Jane and their life together with dogs Tom and Spike. Al spoiled his dogs and always had one by his side, even when he was trucking. No matter where he lived, Al always helped his neighbours and was known to cut their grass and clear their snowy driveways without ever being asked to. Al built birdhouses to the excess and had them all over his outdoor shop walls. They were creative and thoughtful houses specific to the species of birds. Anything Al did had to be done to perfection. Whether it was his pool or his lawn or a project he was working on, it had to be done the right way and usually done overboard.
Al’s passing has left an immeasurable hole in all those who knew and loved him. His final wish was to be an organ donor and his family were able to make this happen. In memory of Al, please become an organ donor and do a good deed for your neighbour. A celebration of life will take place at a later date.
