MESSAROS, Alvin “Butch”

1950 – 2025

Born February 20, 1950, in Wakaw, Saskatchewan, to Joe and Julia Messaros. He passed away peacefully with his family by his side at the Red Deer Hospice on Sunday, December 21, 2025. Alvin was the youngest of four children. He grew up on the family farm, where he learned the values that would guide his life. Known to his family and friends as Al or Butch, he was a strong, kind, and wise man—a true gentleman in the way he treated everyone—whose integrity and selflessness touched all who knew him. His nieces and nephews said he always saw the best in them. A natural problem solver, he brought common sense and clarity to any situation. Al was a cherished family member, a true friend, a trusted neighbour, and simply an all-around good guy.

Al served 25 years in the Canadian Armed Forces, with postings at CFB Calgary, CFB Edmonton, CFB Shilo (Manitoba), CFB Cornwallis, CFB Esquimalt, CFB Penhold, CFB Baden (Germany), and 15 Wing Moose Jaw, and one tour with the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Egypt. He proudly retired as a Master Warrant Officer.

After his military career, he settled in Alberta, where he met his wife, Lorna. Introduced by his niece Cindy on Valentine’s Day, they married a few years later and were blessed with 23 precious years together. He had fun trying out different kinds of work, from renovating homes alongside his brother Elmer to working at a local golf course, and later as a home warranty technician.

In his spare time, he loved woodworking, collecting model cars, and enjoying sports cars. One of the first gifts he gave Lorna was a beautiful wooden desk he handcrafted himself. He played baseball in his younger and military years and later enjoyed curling. He was a loyal fan of the Saskatchewan Roughriders, whom he was excited to watch win the 2025 Grey Cup, the Edmonton Oilers, and the Toronto Blue Jays.

Although he had travelled the world, his favorite place was always home. He treasured time with family and friends. He enjoyed putting on a home-cooked meal—his specialties were chicken paprikash (like his mom used to make), roast beef, or barbecued hamburgers—and he never gave up his secret ingredients. He loved animals and was a natural “dog whisperer”—even Tiger Lily listened to him.

Al’s passing came quickly following a cancer diagnosis. We are deeply grateful to our family and friends for your prayers, visits, messages, and many acts of kindness that gave us so much comfort. We also extend our sincere gratitude to the physicians, nurses, and staff of Unit 32 at the Red Deer Hospital, Home Care, and the Red Deer Hospice who cared for him with such compassion. Special thanks are extended to Dr. Sheila Eleason, Dr. Natasha Cronje, Dr. Jim McIntyre, Dr. Jordan LaRue, Dr. Johannas Conradie, Dr. Derick Rautenbach, and Marlee MacDonald, NP. Heartfelt appreciation is also offered to Father Robert Lee of St. Mary’s Catholic Church for his visits, prayers, and comfort.

Al was predeceased by his parents, Julia and Joe Messaros; his brother, Ed Messaros; and his sister, Sylvia Griffith. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by his wife, Lorna Milkovich; his brother, Elmer Messaros (Doris); his sisters-in-law, Rosemarie Messaros (Ed), Mary-Ann McCallum (Brian), Jeanie Forde (Ed), and Rosie Stewart (Al); his brother-in-law, Nicholas Milkovich (Colleen); his nieces, nephews, and friends.

Memorial donations may be made directly to St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Red Deer, Alberta, at the following link: https://www.stmarysparishreddeer.ca/donations-v2 or the Red Deer Hospice Society at the following link: https://reddeerhospice.com/donate/. A funeral and celebration of life will be held in the spring.

Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed at www.parklandfuneralhome.com

Parkland Funeral Home and Crematorium (Red Deer)

ONLY LOCALLY FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED FUNERAL HOME/CREMATORIUM

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6287 – 67A Street (Taylor Drive), Red Deer. 403.340.4040.

• Date : 2026-01-05
• Location : (Red Deer) LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED (Red Deer/Blackfalds/Eckville) www.ParklandFuneralHome.com & (Innisfail/Olds/Didsbury/Sundre) www.HeartlandFuneralServices.com