Obituary of Allan 'Al' John Arthur Driver

ALLAN JOHN ARTHUR DRIVER June 12, 1954 – January 4, 2016 Al, of Regina, SK, passed away peacefully on the evening of Monday, January 4, 2016, from colon cancer. Al is survived by his soulmate and loving wife of 40 years, Deana; son Dave (Kelli) Driver; daughter Lisa (Kyle) Kosolofski; daughter Dani Driver (Stephen Folnovic); three beautiful grandsons Cooper, Easton, and Titan Driver; mother Ellen Driver; sister Linda (Jack) Malagride; sisters-in-law Karyn Elliott, Barb (Wayne) Robinson, Leanne Pacholok; brother-in-law Alan Pacholok (Melody Coulombe); and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends. Al was predeceased by his father Bill Driver; father-in-law Alex Pacholok, and mother-in-law Sabinka Agnes Pacholok. Al was born on June 12, 1954, in Regina, SK and attended Coronation Park School and Thom Collegiate. He lived in Regina for all but two years of his life (1973 – 1975), when he attended journalism school at SAIT in Calgary (where he met Deana). From the age of 14, he worked at the Regina Leader-Post, first as a part-time copyboy, then full-time in the sports department and news department, taking early retirement in February 2008 from the position of news editor. Since 2010, Al worked with his partner Deana in their book publishing company, DriverWorks Ink, and enjoyed travelling all over the Prairie provinces, meeting new people and sharing his love of the written word. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, and uncle. Family always came first for Al. He was a committed volunteer in the community as a Scout leader, soccer coach and more. He loved the United Church of Canada and was active at the regional and provincial levels and as Council chairperson, committee and choir member, and much more at Heritage United Church in Regina. Al was an avid sports fan and lover of the Detroit Red Wings, Regina Pats, and any team on which his children and grandchildren played. He loved travelling and, with Deana, explored much of Canada, the U.S., Mexico, Belize, and parts of Europe. Al's kindness and generosity were evident in all he did, including giving big hugs often and assisting his friend Rob Vanstone with the Leader-Post's annual Sports Memorabilia Sale to benefit literacy. Al's sense of humour and big personality will be greatly missed by all who knew him. A Celebration of Life will be held at Westminster United Church, 3025-13th Avenue, Regina, SK on Saturday, January 23, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. Please wear bright colours to celebrate the laughter and love that Al shared with the world. Flowers gratefully declined. Friends wishing to make a donation in memory of Al may do so to Heritage United Church, 1050 N. Arnason St, Regina, SK S4X 4K9. Special thanks to the staff of Pasqua Hospital and Regina Wascana Grace Hospice.