Alvin “Al” Lawrence Josey
October 22, 1942 - September 16, 2025
Funeral Details: A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Alvin “Al” Josey at Royal Victoria Hospital on September 16, 2025, in his 83rd year.
Al was predeceased by his parents, Alvin and Catherine; his brother Eugene; sister Nadine; grandson Brady; uncles Martin, Claude, and Tom; and aunts Mary, Isabelle, Evelyn, and Jean.
He leaves behind his loving wife of 57 years, Gail; his daughters Kim (John), Heather (Jamie), and Karen (Todd); grandchildren Taylor (Andrew), Garry, Julie, Matthew, Luke, Avery, and Dylan; and great-grandchildren Mason and Michael. Al is also survived by his brothers Paul, David, and sister Cathy.
Born in Sheet Harbour, Nova Scotia on October 22, 1942, Al was raised in Fairview, where he quickly became known as an elite athlete, excelling in both hockey and baseball. His talents extended beyond the rink and diamond—he was also a gifted singer and guitar player.
At the age of 18, Al joined the Royal Canadian Air Force, proudly serving his country for 27 years. His military career took him and his young family to postings in Ottawa, St. Jean (QC), Greenwood (NS), and finally Borden (ON).
After retiring from the military, Al settled in Barrie and embarked on a second career in Marketing and Public Relations at the Barrie Raceway.
Al had a deep love for sports. He organized reunions for hometown and Maritime hockey teams, with one of his favourites being the 1953 Memorial Cup-winning Barrie Flyers. He also found great joy in writing nominations for athletes to be inducted into the Nova Scotia Sports Hall of Fame.
Al earned his pilot’s license at the age of 65 and enjoyed flying Cessna planes.
As per Al’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life will take place at a later date.
To honour his memory, play a George Jones tune, place a bet on your favourite horse, cheer for your favourite Toronto team, and most importantly—hug your grandchildren.
Online memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.peacefultransition.ca
Peaceful Transition Simcoe
Joanne Campagna
Posted on: Sunday, September 21, 2025Our sincere condolences to Heather, Jamie and all your lovely family. Joanne, Mike, CJ and Zachary
Curt Graham
Posted on: Sunday, September 21, 2025A wonderful person whom I had the pleasure of attending Military College with. We had great times together. Will think of you often, my friend. RIP
Pina and Joe Didomenici
Posted on: Sunday, September 21, 2025Heather, Jamie and family, I’m so sorry to hear about your dad, from what I remember Al was such a sweet, gentle man and a gentleman. Our condolences to you all, Rest in Peace 🙏
Jim Mitchell
Posted on: Monday, September 22, 2025Knew Alvin from Fairview and Camp Borden. He played on the Fairview Aces with my brother Frank(goaltender). They used to call him “Crazy Legs Josey because he sure could skate. I remember him from Barrie as well, when he wrote up the Races at Barrie Raceway. Frank and I went to the raceway as his guest one day. A wonderful gentleman with a great sense of humour. I’lll pass this on to Frank who now resides in St John’s , Nfld.
Ron and Noreen Berrette
Posted on: Monday, September 22, 2025Our deepest sympathy to the Josey family.
Frank Mitchell
Posted on: Monday, September 22, 2025I knew Al Josey virtually all my life, as we grew up together in Fairview, and playing competitive hockey since our early teens … and our 83rd birthdays were to be in the same week next month. I played with “crazy legs”, a fabulous skater who honed his skills on the ponds of the Ashburn Golf Club. Al was a slick goal scorer with the Championship Halifax Bruins (Juvenile) team (re Richard “Dick” Burns) when we were 16-17 … and with the Fairview Aces senior team for quite a few more years. After “retirement” Al regularly called me from Barrie to my various homes in or near Halifax for many, many years … we would often reminisce for more than an hour on the phone. I met him again as his guest at the Barrie Raceway while visiting brother Jim, who also lived there. When I would pick up the phone there would always be a hearty laugh followed by a robust “do you remember (name) or when?” I was often surprised at the directions that Al would take the call as he tried to stump my memory of those earlier days. Even if much time had passed between calls, it was if we had only spoken the week before. Al kept me up-to-date on sports and much more like no other and I always appreciated our friendship of some 70 years … I will miss him. God Bless.and Rest in Peace my friend.
Tracy, Kolin, Bryson and Brody Lee
Posted on: Monday, September 22, 2025Condolences to the Josey family on your loss.
Jerry & Lois Hay
Posted on: Wednesday, September 24, 2025Our Condolences & Blessings To You and Your Family On Your Loss