Allan “Big Al” John Drennan
It is with broken hearts the family of Allan John Drennan announce his sudden passing on July 13, 2020, at the age of 63. Big Al was a loving husband to Susan Drennan. A proud father, he leaves behind his children, Sara Martin and her husband Brent, Amanda Shortreed and her husband Ben, Luke Drennan and his wife, Jessica. He will be remembered as a loving papa by his 6 grandchildren: Emmy, Louise, Kolby, Mia, Laird, and Kade. Al is survived by his brothers and sisters, Jean (the late Bryon) Black of Colborne, Gordon (Cathy) Drennan of West Wawanosh, Marlene (the late Doug) MacDonald of Blyth, Eric (Dianne) Drennan of Nile, Leroy (Annette) Drennan of Lucknow, Ann (Larry) Johnston of Nile, Donna (Stuart) Alton of Belfast, Brian Drennan of Lucknow, and Debbie (Mike) Courtney of Amberley, his sisters in law, Deb Homuth (Stu) Homuth, Catherine (Dave Cameron) Wooden, his brother in law, John (Tracey Peacock) Wooden, his father in-law, Joe (Linda) Wooden and his mother in law, Diane Knoop. He is predeceased by his parents, Bernice and Henry Drennan, and brothers in law Doug MacDonald and Bryon Black. Allan was born in 1956 and raised on the ninth concession of Ashfield. He bought his farm on the twelfth concession where he and Sue raised their family. He was a 44 year member of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners Local 2222. Al will be remembered by all those he worked with as a good man and a damned hard worker. He was a cowboy that got the job done when others couldn’t, (often by bending or outright breaking the rules). He was the guy that got you overtime. He was a guy that everyone had a story about. Al instilled lifelong values in his children, including the importance of hard work, the value of a dollar, and not taking any shit from anybody. He believed that a man only needed two kinds of shoes, work boots and cowboy boots. He often told people their problems could be solved with a kick in the ass. He had a few other colourful expressions but they can’t be printed in a newspaper. In 1983 Allan married Susan at the Nile Church. During the ceremony he looked at the minister and tapped his watch. It was time to hustle things along and get to the party. He loved two-stepping with Sue, the love of this life, at the weddings of his children and nieces and nephews. Al was an avid rodeo fan when his son Luke was cowboying in the circuits in Canada and the U.S. Big Al liked to shoot the breeze and 50% of it was always true. You just never knew which 50%. A farmer to the end, his last words to his wife were, “Susan, buy another ton of feed”. When his calves go to the sale in the fall, we know he will be there, watching to make sure he gets top dollar. Allan was fiercely proud of Stoney Acres and what he and Sue had built together over the last 37 years. When the dust of Covid settles, a celebration of Al’s life will take place. We will gather to tell stories about him and toast to Big Al with Crown Royal. If you would like to donate in his memory, his family would suggest the AMGH Foundation or Jessica’s House.
We are always willing to go where called upon but this image shows a visual of the communities that our included in our initial transportation fee. We offer a 40km radius from any of our 5 locations (Arva (London), Exeter, Lucan, Seaforth, and Zurich). Any mileage beyond the included 40km will be charged a rate of $2.50/km (one way travel only).
Alex & Betty Anne Chisholm
Dear Sue & Family : Alex is remembering Al & all the great times when Al worked for me, when Al wasn’t working at the Bruce. When I had a big concrete pour, Al was the man to call & also a great man on a jackhammer. They don’t make men like they use too, Al & myself were like two peas in a pod in the good old days, no one could beat us, whether it was work or fights at a bar or dance. A great super strong man gone. Al had a couple sayings “Old carpenters never die, they just keep hammering away!” “Iron workers do it in the air!” Al is likely up in Heaven looking for a board stretcher!! “REST IN PEACE GOOD OLD FRIEND”
Bill Phillip
Dreadabull was my Forman for a great portion 1,2 restart great man a problem solver, the best getter done attitude, I’ve ever seen. I’m so sorry for your loss Sue & family
Bill Philip
Brad Gregus
Dear Susan,
Every once in a while, someone comes along side your path for a day, or a time, or a season, that makes an impression on you…that causes to you to note, “this guy makes a difference”…… In my years with EllisDon, I use to make it a point to ask (demand) the union to assign Al to my projects when I was managing a project in the Huron-Grey-Bruce areas……An excellent carpenter, a very efficient & productive worker, and lots of fun to be around…..Al took his responsibilities very seriously, always conscious of representing the Carpenter’s Union worthily, to assure that he provided great value for his employers…….Al caused everyone around him to achieve greater than they had before…….Of the thousands of men and women from carpenter’s unions that have worked for me from around North America, Al Drennan stands at the front of the class……Oh yah! Al was here!….he made a difference!
Brad Gregus
Adrian Green
To Sue and family sorry for your loss.We were apprentices together many years ago and worked together on many jobs .Rip Al. Adrian Green.
Dorothy McCarnen
Sue and family
My thoughts and sincere condolences are with you at this time.
Larry & Lynn Million
Sue and family, our deepest sympathy to all of you at this difficult time. May all the beautiful memories bring a smile to your face and warmth to your heart remembering the love that you shared together. May you find strength and peace to face each new day.
Annette Hummel
My sincere condolences to you Sue & your family in the sudden loss of the love of your life Al.
Thinking of you at this time.
Peter & Lisa Van Dyke Van Dyke
To Sue and the entire Drennan Family.
So sorry for your loss.
Dave Thompson
Sincere sympathy to Allan’s family. R,I.P my friend
Blair Armstrong
To all of Al’s family I am so sorry to hear of AL’s untimely passing. Al was a “fixture” on the night shift on RESTART 1&2. I remember him for all the kidding around and yes his hard work he put in night after night. RIP big Al you will be missed. Blair Armstrong
Elaine Fielder
Our memories of Allan will always bring a smile. He was definitely one of a kind and will be greatly missed.
Dale and Elaine
kevin austin
To the entire Drennan family we would like to offer our deepest condolences on the sudden loss of Allan. – Carolyn & Kevin Austin
JOYCE BLACK
Dear Sue and family – Remember the fun times on the farm and your trips to see the families out West as you think of your loss in the days and months ahead. We will all miss Allan and his smile. We are thinking of you all and take care of each other. Love from Aunt Joyce, Shari and John, Shelly and Karl and families.
Fred & Brenda Phillips
Our sincere condolences to Sue and your family
Cathy Cook
Dear Sue,Sara,Amanda, Luke and the Drennan family
We are so sorry to hear of the passing of Allan. Please know we are thinking of you. Your obituary was amazing and a great tribute to him.
Kevin and Cathy Cook
ken Holm
I was a supervisor of Al and whenever you needed a job done Al was always the guy to go too. He was the hardest worker i know. So sorry for your loss.
Kathie Kelly
Sue and family,so very sorry to hear of your loss at this difficult time.
Nancy and Mark Kernighan
Our sincere condolences to Sue and family on Al’s sudden passing. Ashfield has lost one of it’s finest. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Sharron Durst
Dear Sue & all of the family
I was so sorry to hear of Al’s sudden passing
Holding you close in my thoughts & prayers
Sharron
SHEILA SINNETT
I am deeply sorry for your loss. My sincere condolences. I have many good childhood memories of Al and the Drennan family. May your memories give you comfort during this difficult time.
Julie Longlade (nee Vogt)
Dear Ann/Donna and family.
My sincere condolences on the loss of Allan. I still remember the time Allan brought the horses over to the Sullivan/Vogt farm. My sister Sue got up on the big white one (forgot its name, but I think it was Allan’s horse) and Allan gave it a tap on the butt and off it went to run the property line. We were at the barn and all could hear Sue yelling to stop. We all had a great laugh. Know that in time your pain of losing a sibling will turn into wonderful memories to be shared and cherished. Take Care and God Bless. Sincerely Julie Longlade (nee Vogt).
Scott and Joanne Kernighan
Sue and family,
Sending sincere condolences to you all during this very difficult and sad time. My dad (Charlie Shand) worked with Al for many years at the Bruce and I remember hearing a lot of shenanigans, I believe that Local 2222 has lost some of the best brothers out there. Scott enjoyed his dealings with Al through Edward Fuels and said just a few weeks ago Al was giving him a hard time when he stopped at the farm about the work truck being a Dodge. Scott said that he laughed and told Al he was just trying to save him some money on his fuel and Al yelled out “well ya won’t be in that thing”! Scott said you always knew where you stood with Al, he was honest, a great sense of humor and “shot from the hip”. Thinking of you all during this very difficult time.
Scott and Joanne Shand-Kernighan
Ben Miltenburg
Our sincere condolences. Allan was one of the good guys.
Ben and Jayne Miltenburg
Lois Tebbutt
Dear Sue, Sarah, Amanda, Luke and families:
Our sincere condolences to you and to your extended families at this sad time.
Thinking of you with fond memories.
Wayne and Lois Tebbutt
Doreen McConnell
Sue and a Family,
I’m truly sorry for the loss of a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend. May all the joyous memories give you strength during these sad times.
Sincerely
Doreen McConnell
Fergie Burns
worked with Al and have lots of fond memories. Our condolences to sue and families. Ferg and Karen.
Ron Stuempfle
So very sorry for your loss Sue. My deepest condolences. It was an adventure each and every day. Al is most famously remembered for taking his hammer from his holster, spinning it, catching it and driving a wedge. Great guy to work with. RIP Drenable
Lois Ottewell
To Sue and all the family, Please accept my sincere sympathy. I never met Al but have known you, Sue, and all your family since you were a little girl.
Losing a loved one is hard and I trust that memories will sustain and comfort you.
With deepest sympathy,
Lois Ottewell, Goderich, Ont.
Peter Biggelaar
My deepest condolences on your loss!
Cathy Bob Stoddart
Condolences to sue and family.
Doug and Nancy Aitchison
So sorry to hear about Al. We are thinking about you all and we know you have a lot of great memories
John Mc Arthur
Sincerest condolences from my family to yours.
David & Virginia Caesar (Chisholm)
Dear Sue, Sara, Amanda, Luke & your children, and all the Drennan / Wooden families: We extend our heartfelt condolences on Allan’s sudden passing, and wish you strength for the days ahead. You truly caught the essence of Al in his obituary – almost like he was there helping you to write it. Well done. Love & hugs to all.
George & Donna Adams
Our deepest condolences to Sue and family on the sudden loss of “Big Al”. May you hold dear in your hearts your treasured memories. George & Donna Adams.
Lorene Casemore
Doug and I wish to extend our deepest sympathy to the Drennan family. Hold tight to the memories.
Rosemary Mathers
My deepest sympathy Sue and your entire family. You are lucky to have such precious memories to cherish. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Betty and Barry. Mcdonagh
So sorry too hear of this sad passing. Our love and prayers too all the family.
Jason Lewis
My condolences
Jim Shaw
Sorry to hear of Al’s passing .My condolences to the family.Have lots of good memories working with Al.
Derek & Nicolette Pearce
To Sue and your family, our thoughts and prayers are with you. We did not know Allan, but know you, Sue, and wish you peace with the memories and live with your children.
Rosie O'Keefe
My deepest sympathy to the Drennan family. So sorry for your loss. Thinking of you all.
Harry arand
I would like to offer my condolences to al’s family
Ruth POTTER
Sue you have my deepest sympathy in the loss of your dear husband.
Ray and Linda McNichol
Allen will be remembered for the good times he had with family and friends. You knew where you stood with him, and if you didnt want to hear anything different there was no point in asking…… he will be remembered and missed by all who knew him…..
Ron Mason
My dearest condolences to the Drennan family.
Some of my fondest memories were when I worked as an apprentice under Al’s guidance…(not sure if it was always good guidance, haha) but it was always a fantastic time! He will be truly missed!
David and Becky McIvor
Our sincere condolences to the family of Al. Dave worked with Al at the Bruce and was shocked to hear of his passing. Hold your memories in your heart until you meet again 💕
Michael Courtney
Our deepest condolences from the entire Courtney family.
Pam & Henry Van Dyke
Our sincerest condolences to you Sue, Sara, Amanda, Luke & your families.
Steve and Joan Chamney
We were shocked and saddened to hear of Allans passing. Neither of us can remember ever seeing Allan without a smile in his face. Please know that we are thinking of all of the family now and in the days ahead
Mike Coffell
I was fortunate to be able to serve my apprenticeship under Al’s wing and work with him for many years after.
It’s rare to meet such a great man.
We are all blessed to have known him.
Pat Weir
We were both so very sorry to learn of the sudden passing of Allan and we send our sincere condolences to the whole Drennan family.
Pat and Aubrey Weir
Al Drennan
Proud to share a name, and a community, with this good man !
Condolences to Sue and your family …
Doug’s Al
Al Drennan
Britt Ackert/Ross
Sue, Sara, Amanda, Luke and Families,
My sincere condolences, what a beautiful writing and tribute to Al . Thinking of you all
Wishing you love to bring comfort, the courage to face the days ahead, and happy memories to forever hold in your hearts.
Cory Robertson
My condolences to the Drennan family.
Tom Eastman
Al was the first guy I worked with in the union in the early 90’s. A great man, so sorry for the family’s loss.
Marie Greer-King
Thinking of you and your family Sue. Sending you condolences.
Ken Youngkc
My condolences to you Sue and your family.I have worked with AL for 30 years on and off.He will be greatly missed.
eric macleod
My condolences to the Drennan family. All I can say is whoever wrote Al’s obituary was bang on. He was the hardest working man I ever had the pleasure of working with and we did get a lot of overtime and we did break some rules. He will be missed. Eric & Judy Macleod
Gayle and Barron Purser
Dear Sue, and family
We where so sad to hear of Al’s death.
We extend our sincere condolences at this very sad time.
Please know you all, are in our prayers.
MABELsu CLARK
Sue. My thoughts are with you and your family at this time.cherish your memories. Mabel Clark
Tony and Lynn Vollick
Our deepest sympathy to Sue, Sara, Amanda, Luke and Families in hearing of Al passing.
Jamie Geddes
My condolences to the Drennan family I was very sad to hear the news .
Louis Sloetjes
Our deepest condolences to Sue, their kids and all their families.
Lou and Telsche
Karen Young
My condolences to Sue and family. Thinking of you.
Lynda Splan
Thinking of you Sue and family at this difficult time.
Bruce MacAdsm
My condolences to your family Al, we’re going to miss you Brother.
Bonnie and Marjorie MacLeod
Our deepest sympathy to the Drennan family.
Mom and I send our condolences to all. Such sad news.
Ken Hurman
My condolences to the Drennan family’s . I was very saddened to hear of the passing of Al.
Mary wilkin
My sincere condolences, to you Sue and to all of your Family.
Christine Poelman
Our deepest condolences to you and your family.
Nathan & Florence Witherspoon
What a beautiful tribute to one hell of a man. We are grateful to have had a chance to know Big Al; he leaves behind very fond memories. Our sincerest condolences to Sue, Sara, Amanda, Luke and families.
Lynne Shemko
Sara, we were shocked and saddened to learn of your father’s passing. Please know your friends and colleagues at Rocky View Schools share in your sadness. Learning that your father was a man of high integrity and moral ‘uprightness’, it is obvious where you get your work ethic and strong determination from. Sending caring thoughts and prayers across the miles.
Joe & Joanne Ducharme
Our sincere condolences to you & your family Sue.
Marlowe and Debbie Austin
We are shocked to read this sad news. Thinking of you all! No truer words ever spoken then, Allan didn’t take any shit from anyone. What a huge loss for Ashfield township, family and friends.