With profound sadness, we announce that Suzanne passed away, along with her husband and partner in all of life's adventures, Alvin (Al) Harold Crosby, as a result of a plane crash in Port Hope on August 13, 2022.
Suzanne was predeceased by her parents Fernand and Liliane (Dubé) Parent of Ottawa, and Al was predeceased by his parents Mary (Hynes) Crosby and Harold Crosby, as well as Helga Crosby. Suzanne and Al are survived by Suzanne's family, her sister, Gisèle (Michael O'Brien), brothers Gilles (Johanne Morin), and Raymond (Bich-Le Truong), as well as nephews ( Patrick O'Brien, Daniel O'Brien (Alycia Douglass), Mathieu Parent (Néomie Duval), Nicolas Parent (Lindsay Gilmore) , and Martin Parent (Sophie LeBrun).
Suzanne is also survived by her uncle, Claude Dubé (Kathy Kriwicki), and many cousins.
Having chosen a career in the federal public service, Suzanne was dedicated to ensuring Canadians received impartial and professional government services, and was recognized for her accomplishments and work in a number of different departments, including the Public Service Commission, Transport Canada, Customs and Excise Canada, and the Canadian Border Services Agency. In her work, as in her home life, she strove to find workable solutions that respected all parties. Her sensitivity to people's needs was admirable.
Al started his military career at Royal Military College (RMC) in Kingston, and was posted to Bagotville, Québec, where , as a Navigator, his duties related to Canada's air defence.
Upon retirement from the Canadian Armed Forces, he continued his career as a federal public servant at Transport Canada in Air Worthiness, and finally the Department of National Defence. As an engineer, Al was dedicated to creating order and clarity where approaches needed a re-think. He and "Spock" had much in common.
Al and Suzanne were passionate and dedicated to their friends and neighbours in their Fairhaven community, and to all causes to protect Ottawa's green and natural spaces, and the special species of nature and animals that inhabit them. Their passion for beautiful gardens and landscapes, and the wonderful results of their hard work, were admired by all who passed by their home.
We will miss their generosity, their compassion for all, their adventurous spirit and positive presence in our lives. Supported by Al in all manner, and inspired by our parents, Suzanne's steadfast devotion to our family remains a source of inspiration to us. The torch is ours to carry now.
Friends are invited to gather at the Beechwood National Memorial Centre, 280 Beechwood Ave. Ottawa on Thursday, September 8th, at 1:00 p.m. A Celebration of life will be held at 1:30 p.m. followed by a reception in honour of Suzanne and Alvin.
Those wishing to make a donation may choose a charity of their choice.
Digital Guestbook
Rob Tait
Judith Cane
As past neighbours in Fairhaven we spent many hours with Al working on various projects and committees. We also enjoyed time with Al and Suzanne in their beautiful back yard. They were a kind and generous couple who loved their family, friends and adventures. Our sincere condolences to Al and Suzanne's friends and family.
Rick Booth
Al and I met on Sept 7th, '67 when we recruits arrived at Royal Roads, Thompson Flight. Since then I've been proud to call him friend and more importantly to be called his friend. His insight, drowl sense of humour and loyalty are going to be missed.
Ray Hook
RIP Classmate and Suzanne! Two lives ended far too soon. We never did get that flight in from Smith's Falls Al... memories are all we have now.
Robert G. Allen
Al was a great guy. I spent four years with him at Royal Roads, then RMC. After those sorts of challenges, you automatically remain friends for life. Of course, I bumped into him from time to time at reunions and such, and it was always as if we had seen each other only yesterday. Those close bonds forged in mutual suffering last forever. Good bye old friend.
Bill Mitchell
I have many fond memories of Al during our time at Royal Roads Military College and enjoyed our conversations many years later at class reunions.
RIP Al and Suzanne.
John & Heather Grefford
We will miss our get together but as RMC mate Ray Hook pointed out memories is what we have to cherish.
Peg Herbert
I have known Suzanne for about 15 years. She was an avid supporter of Help Lesotho and its work in southern Africa - her attention to our work was detailed, compassionate and endlessly encouraging. Our last walk together in June was a delight - as usual. I so admired her intelligence, gentle spirit and commitment to making the world a better place. I was up in their plane only once when Al donated a ride for our golf tournament. He took one of our staff from Lesotho and could not have been more patient and caring to her terror of flying. They were a wonderful loving couple and will be missed dearly. Their premature passing is heartbreaking.
Kathleen Fox
I was shocked and saddened to hear of their sudden and untimely passing on August 13, doing what they loved. Al was a valued member of the Rockcliffe Flying Club (RFC) and a respected fellow aviator, one whom I appreciated greatly for his dedication to aviation and to RFC. They will be greatly missed. My sincerest condolences to their family and friends.
Tristan Ruel
Very tragic, my thoughts and prayers are with the family.
I did not meet Al but remember Suzanne fondly from work as a very nice person, very professional and a woman with a great sense of humour. She was highly respected and will be missed.