Biography
Albert John Bickerton passed away in St. Catharines, Ontario. following a brief illness. A graduate of University of Toronto Schools, he was a stock trader and travel agent before returning to university at age 40 to become a criminal lawyer. After graduating from Osgoode Hall Law School, he was honored to article under Eddie Greeenspan whom he greatly admired. Al married Dawn Gilman in 1954, and was father to their son John (predeceased), daughter Deborah (husband Alex Nikifortchuk), and son Alan (wife Donna Leslie). He was also grandfather to Harmony, and John Michael. Al was later married to Teresa Avey, Geraldine Day, and Lenore Kysylka. He enjoyed his annual visits to Calgary to visit his sister Wilma McQueen, her husband Murray, and their children and grandchildren. A true intellect, he was proficient in several languages, enjoyed studying philosophy, and was a formidable chess player. He was admired by his friends for his clever sense of humour, and appreciated for his desire to help others even in the worst of circumstances. Al was a painter, and a gifted writer who occasionally contributed to CBC hit series Street Legal. Additionally, he was co-pilot of a DC-3 aircraft for three installments of The Flight of the Arctic 7, a CTV made-for-TV movie series. In his later years, Al enjoyed fine wines and food, opera - especially at the arena in Verona - and traveling to Europe with his daughter and son-in-law. He loved cats and was devoted to his beloved pet, Baby. Al leaves behind many friends, colleagues and clients who will miss him very much, and who will be forever amused by memories of his witty remarks and many escapades. He will be remembered especially by his lifelong friend, Dr. Robert Fowler of North Carolina and by his writing partner, Christine Lyons of Florida. In the immortal words of Nietzsche, whom Al often quoted, "Eventually memory yields."
