Albert Piggott

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Al, a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather.
Predeceased by his wife Betty. Survived by his wife Lillian and family, his children Joyce (Cavan), Neil (Janice), Lynne (Ken), Jillian (Warren), grandchildren Darren, Todd, Jeremy, Stacy, Dexter and Vanessa, great grandchildren Tianna, Ethan, Olive, Lily, and Chloe. Born in Forfar, Scotland, he attended the Forfar Academy, St Andrews Teachers College, Dundee Technical College, and had a National Certificate in Architecture and Engineering. He served in the RAF as a Radio Mechanic from 1945-1947. Al and Betty had an enduring relationship that began when they were teenagers. They immigrated to Canada in 1953 with their young family after he accepted a teaching position in Prince George. They later moved to Port Coquitlam, then to Metchosin in 1961 where he began teaching for many years at Belmont Senior Secondary. He made one last visit to the school's farewell in May where he was able to reminisce with former students. While living in Metchosin he enjoyed fishing, vegetable gardening, and making wine and cider. Many a fall day our driveway was strewn with apples with Dad making juice with his home-made apple press.
He later moved to Cobble Hill and concluded his teaching career at Brentwood College School. He was the founder of Merridale Cider Works and was an accomplished orchardist and cider maker. Al lost Betty in 1997, just when the cidery was starting to be a success. This was after 55 years together, but in his words, they were just as happy at 70 as they were at 17. Al later met and married Lillian who shared the rest of his life as his wife, partner, and friend. While living at Rosebank Gardens he maintained his sense of humour to the end, entertaining one and all. Al will be remembered for his wit, poetry, mentorship, unique approach to marking student projects, innovative approach to life, and for his sense of adventure, always ready to try something new.
A Celebration of Life will be held on October 5 at St Mary of the Incarnation Church 4125 Metchosin Road (across from Metchosin Golf Course) at 1:00pm

Funeral Service