We were recently notified of the passing of Alvin Richards, a long time IAVM member, passed away on April 8th at the age of 79.
While he began his career in the Canadian Forces and spent some time in the oil business, Richards’ was a long time tourism promoter and sports fan. He served over 20 years with the Calgary Convention Center, first as the assistant general manager and ending his career as the general manager.
Richards’ wife, Muriel, stated that his heart lay with serving the Calgary North Hill Lions Club, especially with their service program Make a Child’s Dream Come True. He served as a member of the Lions Club for over 50 years.
He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather, and he enjoyed helping others, especially children. His family have asked that any memorial contributions be sent to the Make a Child’s Dream Come True charity by contacting clagarynorthhillions.ca. A tree in his memory will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park in Calgary. A memorial guest book is also available online at http://www.legacy.com/guestbooks/calgaryherald/alvin-richards-al-condolences/185111283.
Al Richards was without a doubt the funniest story teller of all times. And to prove it, he won the District IV Joke Off every year in the Krueger/Volume Services/Robbins Hospitality Suite. But his most remarkable accomplishment was he told the exact same joke about the new salesman, every year and still had us all laughing until we cried. Back then every district had a very distinct personality and those of us (peddlers) that were “fortunate enough” to do the whole circuit in a couple of sleepless months always looked forward to the evening activities like the Joke Off or the Ugly Tie Contest or of course the traveling Elvis Velour Painting and the warm hospitality of Al and his District IV compatriots. We miss you friend, but we will always have a smile when we think of you and those days up in the frozen tundra!