Albert John Attema

Albert John Attema was born on May 27,1950, in Bentley, Alberta; the second of seven children. Growing up, Al and his siblings spent countless hours playing with their cousins, the Talsmas, who lived next door. At the age of 13 he tragically lost his father in a traffic accident, and the family’s life changed drastically. After high school, he attended Trinity Christian College in Chicago for two years, and the University of Alberta for two years. Al worked as a salesman for Beaver Plastics for a number of years and then chose to start a business - MAC Computers - first in a partnership, and later on his own. 

Al was an active part of Second Christian Reformed Church’s young adult scene and that is where he met his lifelong love and best friend, Geraldine.  They were married on July 22,1983. The next years were busy, happy years, blessed with four children: Trudi, David, Peter and Jason. Dad had jobs aplenty for his kids at MAC Computers.  Besides cleaning the office on Saturday afternoons, the family had many adventures together including tenting with strategic tarping, home projects, and biking in the river valley.  

Al had a lifelong fascination with airplanes, classic cars, and all things mechanical.  He dreamed of one day building his own airplane, much to Geraldine’s concern. In 2006, Al made the decision to sell his company, and worked as a printer repair technician until his retirement in 2020. He enjoyed the road trips to many customer sites in rural Alberta, and used to call himself a “paid tourist.” He went on several memorable trips, including serving with the EduDeo Hands team in Belize, and a family trip to Europe in 2018. In recent years he found great joy in being a Grandpa. 

On October 3, 2023, while riding his bike in the Edmonton River Valley, Al sustained a major heart attack. The following afternoon, he entered into the presence of his Saviour with his family at his bedside. His wife and children wish to thank the unknown bystander who found him, the EMS crew, and the Misericordia ER and Royal Alexandra CCU staff for the compassionate care he received. 

Al is survived by Geraldine, his wife of 40 years; his children Trudi (Adam), David (Jennifer), Peter (Bailey), Jason (Amanda); his dear grandchildren Jacob and Celeste; siblings Frank (Donna May), Theresa, Ena (Edward), and Peter (Edith). He is predeceased by his parents Pieter and Jitske Attema, siblings Alfred and Dorothy, and brother-in-law Rolf. He will be missed by many extended family members, friends, and his church community at Covenant CRC.

A Funeral Service will take place on Friday, October 13, 2023 at 1:00 pm at the Covenant Christian Reformed Church - 19010 87 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T5T 6P2, with Viewing at the church prior to the service. A Private Burial will be held at Woody Nook Cemetery.

Livestreaming of the Service can be found by the following link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vux-SMVNLqQ

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to EduDeo Ministries https://edudeo.com/donate 

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