Albert William Bossert

September 4, 1933 - January 31, 2024

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Albert Bossert (Al the Barber). He was born in Durban, South Africa on September 4, 1933, and passed away on January 31, 2024.

Albert was married for 61 years to his wife Julie, my mom. He has two daughters, Bobbie and Jenny. When his wife passed away in 2019, she took a piece of his heart. He missed her every day.

A day before his passing, Albert told his new employer that he had been dreaming of her every night, for a few nights in a row. He then added that he was "not frightened", and that he was okay.

Many knew my dad as "Al the barber". My father went to barbering school in 1962 and was still cutting hair when he passed, at the age of 91. In the 1970s he worked in North Surrey, but around 1980 he bought The Langley Barber Shop on 56 Ave in Langley City, where he worked until he sold it around 15 years ago.

After that, Al began cutting hair at the Thrift Barber Shop in White Rock. In 2023 the Peace Arch News printed a lovely article about him, which is available online to read. He worked there for over a decade, until the owner of the shop lost his lease, around month before Albert passed.

It was important for my dad to "keep busy" and feel a sense of purpose, so the job loss was difficult for him. However, Issa, the owner The Ol' Crow Barber Shop on McBurney Lane in Langley, took Albert in to work in his shop. Unfortunately, one Wednesday I got a call from Issa who told me that dad hadn't come in.

Albert was kind and helpful. If something was broken, he would try to fix it for you. He was a gentle soul. For the last five years, my dad had been coming to our house for dinner four times a week. He only lived 10 minutes away, and would drive himself over.

We watched the news and we watched a lot of YouTube together, often songs from our ever-growing list of "favourites". I am grateful for all the evenings I spent with him over these past few years. I got to know him and love him more.

We are holding a Celebration of Life at 5 Star Catering (at Clayton Golf Course) 5640 188 Street, Saturday, May 18 @ 12 noon.

Thank you to all who attend. (for info call Bobbie: 604. 506. 5576)