Albert Mercredi

Albert Mercredi
1965-09-04 - 2014-07-27

Albert Mercredi would have been 47 this fall.

On Saturday, July 26, 2014 he was struck down while walking across Franklin Avenue, in Fort McMurray.  He was on the crosswalk, it is rumored that he was hit by a drunk driver.  The driver didn't stop.

Albert was medevac to the university hospital in Edmonton, Alberta.  Sadly, his injuries were too extensive.  He was removed from the life support 6:20 pm Sunday, July 27th.

He was my nephew.

I remember him as a gentle and loving person. He was kind. He was funny.  Some might remember him when he occasionally directed traffic in Fort McMurray. He was loved by many. Whenever he spotted me, even from across the room, he would immediately come to me and would give me a bear hug. And he would entertain me with stories about his escapades.

I remember when he was young, he had a black lab.  They were inseparable.  His dog would wait at the bus stop for him after school.  He loved that dog so much.

Albert was homeless and struggled with addiction most of his adult life.  Still, his life had value. He enjoyed life. He loved and was so proud of his only child, his daughter Antoinette.  He loved his mom and would always tell to her not to worry about him and that he would take care of her. But she worried about and prayed for him.

He didn't deserve to have his life taken from him in this manner.  The driver who didn't remain at the scene was apprehended hours later and will be facing charges related to this incident.

I love you Albert.  May you rest-in-peace.

Update

Since posting this, many people have come forward with stories and encounters with my nephew Albert.  My fellow blogger and friend posted this on her blog after learning about Albert.  Thank you so much for the lovely memory to add to ours.