1927 – 2025
Peacefully on Monday, February 3, 2025, Al passed away in his 98th year. Loving husband of the late Jean (Hennessey) Horton (2011) for 61 years. Proud father of Larry Horton (France), Kathy Draudt (Guenter). Adored grandpa of Tyler Moore (Laura), and Cheryl Pereira (Justin) and great-grandpa of Natalie Moore. Dear brother-in-law of Jim Hennessey (Brenda).
Al was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba on November 30, 1927. He was an MVP athlete in high school football. Al join the RCAF in 1946 and retired in 1977. He kept himself busy playing tennis and refereeing hockey for over 50 years. Al will be missed for his affability and his dry sense of humour.
Keeping with Al’s wishes, cremation has taken place, and he will be laid to rest with his wife Jean at the Exeter Cemetery.
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).
Ken and Kim Pinder
Dear Horton Family
We delivered meals to Al for years and he was such a great guy. Always had a smile on his face and often a story to tell.
Ken and Kim Pinder
Darren Boyle
To the Horton Family,
My most kind and warm condolences on the passing of Al. I have so many fond memories of him playing oldtimers hockey with my Dad on the original Moltong Hawks. Always so kind and great to chat with whenever I was lucky enough to see him.
My very best to you all.
Darren Boyle
Marilyn Lightfoot
Dear Horton Families,
I was so saddened to read that Al, had passed away. Please accept my sincere condolences to you all.
I was a neighbour of Al & Jean’s from 56 Hillcrest Dr. (Marilyn & the late Lorraine Gallagher). We use to all have so many laughs & good times, when we had visits with them, at their house or mine. Al loved to tell us so many crazy stories, & he never ever held back with anything, whatever, he ever said. Jean use to say, Al, the girls don’t want to hear any more of your stories, we would just laugh, even harder & Al would start another story! They were both such a fun couple, & I miss them both. Lorraine & I took a lot of teasing from Al, about our beloved Toronto Maple Laughs, so Al called them. There were many serious discussions, about Al’s Montreal Canadians & our TML’s. I really believe, that Al truly was a huge fan of the Leafs, lol. I remember chatting with Tyler as well, when he was there for a visit with Grandpa & Grandma. They were both so very proud of you Tyler & loved you so very much. Rest in peace Al & Jean, until we meet again 💔 Go Leafs Go!!!
Mark Heimrich
Jim & Brenda & all Al’s family;
Our sincere condolences in the passing of Al. Al was a very valued customer for many years. I enjoyed several good conversations with him over those years. R.I.P. Al.
Mark & Julie Heimrich, & staff at Lifetime Water Products, Exeter.
Karen Prince
Larry and France and the Horton Family
My condolences to you….when I drove past Mr. Horton’s home…made me think of Port Sydney.
Charlene Finkbeiner
Deepest Sympathy to All. Your father was a very caring husband to your mom, Jean. He had a great sense of humour. It was a pleasure to know him and your mom, during my nursing career at South Huron hospital and Clinic.
Patti Stanley
Kathy, Larry and families,
My condolences,
I am so honored to have had the pleasure of spending time with Al.
I looked forward to the visits and his jokes. We always had a little conversation about the current events and what was going on in the world. Boy, he knew what was going on.
He never turned down a sweet treat of baking and he always returned the container. Only to joke that it was empty.
May you find peace and comfort in each other, as you hold your memories close.
RIP Al
Your friend Pam.
Steve Gould
My sincere condolences on Al’s passing. I travelled many days with Al over the years to ref hockey games. He was a great mentor with all of his stories from the past and how hockey had evolved. There was never a dull moment with Al. He was a great story teller and a great one for discussing rules and situations and how to handle people in general. He always saw the bright side of life and that showed whenever I worked with Al. He spoke of his family often and when with Al, you felt like an extended part of his family and a friend. Anyone that worked with him will have Al Horton stories and nothing but smiles and good memories to go with them. Cherish the memories of Al for a life well lived.
Jim
My sympathies goes out to the Horton family on the passing of Al. Spent many nights together refereeing with Al when I first started reffing and he was a good teacher and mentor for all young officials.
Jim Lewis
Jason Van Hasrlem
To the Horton family,
Please accept my condolences on the passing of Al. A true legend for refereeing minor hockey for years. Everybody will have an Al Horton story. Cherish the memories.
Jason Van Haarlem
Kevin & Carol Windsor
To the entire Horton family
On behalf of the family of the late Carl & Marie Nickles, we would like to extend our deepest sympathy on the loss of your father, grandfather and family member.
Al could often be found sitting at the table at my mom & dad’s home during the winter months, looking over referee schedules and talking hockey. Occasionally Jean would join him and the four of them would enjoy each other’s company. Al spent many hours/years on the ice wearing the black & white stripes and mentoring both the players and the young, new referees. He was definitely respected and will be remembered fondly by the hockey community.
Hold tight to the many memories with which his long life has blessed you.
Joyce Black
Sincere sympathy to Kathy and Larry and all the families in the passing of Al. I know you will miss him and have lots of fun times to remember as you go forward. Al and Jean were great neighbors and we shared a lot of good times together when they returned to live in Exeter. Thinking of you all at this sad time. Condolences – Joyce and Family.
Jodi
It sounds like he lived a blessed life! Tyler and Laura try to remember the good times and hold them close to your memory and your heart. I know it’s going to be tough right now but just remember how much you loved you. I love you guys! ❤️❤️
Patricia Benjamin
Condolences to Larry and Kathy and families. Remember Al fondly, always had a happy attitude and a pleasant personality. Always there to help out.
Linda Millar
Dear Kathy
So sorry to hear about your Dad. He was such a nice man when he was in hospital.
Treasure your memories, he loved you dearly.
Wendi and John Schwindt
There was never a better mentor to our boys while they played and then refereed hockey…my condolences to the family. He was a gentleman…
Michael Worsfold
I have good memories of meeting Al and experiencing his sense of humour years ago.
He had a good long life. Left his mark.
Wishing him bon voyage !
Condolences to Larry