It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Alvin William McLeod on August 2, 2026, at the age of 78 years .

Alvin was born in Carmangay, Alberta, and attended school there until his family moved to a farm in the Didsbury area in 1962. He continued his high school education in Didsbury, where he joined the Air Cadets. He was selected to receive a scholarship to obtain his pilot’s license, an accomplishment of which he was always very proud. Flying remained a lifelong passion. Later in life, he built two ultralights in his basement and enjoyed flying remote-controlled planes. He also volunteered many hours with the Sundre Flying Club.

Before entering the workforce, Alvin travelled to Australia at the age of 18 with his cousin, Terry Brownell, where he had many memorable experiences. He worked on a drilling rig approximately 100 miles into the outback, searching for minerals.

Alvin helped on the family farm before beginning his career with Caisson Drilling out of Edmonton, where he became an exceptional operator on the rigs. He married Karen Johnson in May 1973 and adopted Karen’s children, Michael and Stacy. In 1981, the family moved to their new acreage in the Elkton area. Alvin later worked as an operator for Hudson Bay Oil and Gas and Dome Petroleum in the Westward Ho area.

Tragically, Karen was killed in an accident in 1982. Later that same year, Alvin was stricken with a viral infection that severely affected his ability to walk. After spending approximately three months in hospital, he returned home with sheer determination to walk again unaided. Although he was unable to return to full-time employment, he remained on his beloved acreage until his passing, even as his mobility continued to decline.

Alvin was known for his upbeat and optimistic nature. His favourite sayings were, “Things aren’t so bad they could get worse,” and “Keep smiling.” He had an inquisitive mind and always wanted to know “why,” refusing to give up until a problem was resolved.

He had a deep love for the outdoors and for good old Mother Nature. He spent many happy hours riding his quad through wooded trails and enjoying the land around him. Very mechanically minded, Alvin could improvise and find a way to fix almost anything. A “farm kid” at heart, he loved helping friends and neighbours and was often heard asking, “Do you need a hand?”

For more than 25 years, Alvin was a great support to the Henry family on their farm, putting his mechanical skills to work whenever needed. Baling hay was one of his favourite jobs. In his later years, he was especially grateful for the help of his good neighbour, Rusty, with the tasks he could no longer manage himself.

Alvin will be lovingly remembered by his brother Larry (Nat); stepchildren Stacy and Michael; grandchildren; sister-in-law Lynn McLeod; Aunt Eileen Brownell; special friend Lynne Henry; nieces, cousins, and many friends.

He was predeceased by his wife, Karen; his parents, Melville and Florence McLeod; younger brother, Vern; and grandchildren Brett, Mark, and Matt.

In keeping with Alvin’s wishes, there will be no formal funeral service. A Celebration of Life may be held at a later date.

Alvin will be remembered for his determination, mechanical ingenuity, love of flying and the outdoors, willingness to lend a hand, and, above all, his ability to keep smiling through life’s challenges. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed at www.heartlandfuneralservices.com. Arrangements in care of Heartland Funeral Services (Olds), 5226 – 46 Street, Olds, Alberta 403.507.8610.

• Date : 2026-08-11
• Location : Heartland Funeral Services (Innisfail) "Honouring Families Since 1999" www.heartlandfuneralservices.com 403.227.0006