Orléans lost an important community leader earlier this month. On May 1st, after a long battle with cancer and surrounded by family, local legend, Al Tweddle, passed away.

Since the 1960’s Al and his previously deceased wife Helen, were pillars in the Queenswood Heights neighbourhood of Orléans.

This is the neighbourhood I grew up in.

And while I didn’t know Al back then, I knew who he was. He was the man who maintained the outdoor rinks. Who helped run the community centre. The man who took care of the tennis courts and so much more. In fact, Al took care of outdoor rinks for over 50 years.

I got to know Al when I joined the community association and later served as President. He was a constant fixture and an important sounding board for new ideas.

Al had a great passion for nature and the outdoors. He was instrumental in developing Petrie Island into a beautiful park and ecological reserve it is today as the Founder and President of the Friends of Petrie Island.

He spent countless hours maintaining the trails, planting trees, cleaning the beach, and educating visitors about the wildlife and history of the island. He touched the lives of many people with his generosity, kindness, and dedication.

While he is gone, his legacy will not be forgotten. Rest in peace, Al. You will be missed by everyone living in Queenswood Heights and right across Orléans.