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
Emily Burt
Randall Stowell
Al took me for a Sunday meal at the Officers Mess, Trenton shortly after all of us "Roadents" arrived in Kingston entering third year. Al had a car. [ first time I had “Coq au Vin”]- almost made me want to remuster to the Air Force! I had returned from a summer in Shilo eating “Newfoundland Steak” ( fried baloney).
He enjoyed being in a canoe on wilderness trecks around Ontario... lived his life with gusto!
Al attended all the Ottawa funerals of classmates [Bob Fletcher; Gary Mueller] – including Group Captain Wurtelle [Comd RRMC when we were there].....
Peter Douglas Petrie, Ward 13 Office
I only knew Al over the last year, but I quickly learned what a dedicated advocate he was for what was best for Fairhaven and on other issues all over the City. Staff at City Hall will miss his generous sharing of his knowledge, advice and perspective.
Paul Johanis
I am writing on behalf of the Greenspace Alliance. Al was a member of the Alliance since its earliest days and took the lead in several of its files, including the defense of the Montfort Woods (1998-2004) and the development of CFB Rockcliffe (now Wateridge Village, 2007-2015); his concern about the many significant trees in this new part of Ottawa continued as the development progressed. An experienced pilot, he volunteered to fly over the 2014 tree massacre in Kanata North so that another Alliance member could take photos. His contributions to various discussions were always well thought out and extensively documented. He will be sorely missed. Our condolences to family and friends.
Nicole DesRoches
So sad. A great ally in protecting greenspace and communities. Al will be missed by friends at Greenspace Alliance for Canada's Capital
louis HUNEAULT
Mes sincères Condoléances aux familles de Suzanne et de Al.
J'ai eu le prévilège de travailler avec Suzanne à deux ministères fèdèraux. Ce fut toujours une personne totalement dédiée à sa fonction et une collègue de travail très agréable. Cet évènement tragique est très difficile à comprendre et à accepter.
Donna and Kate, Ottawa-Carleton Wildlife Centre
We are so sorry for the loss of such a wonderful couple. We knew Al though his dedicated efforts on behalf of the environment and really admired the contributions he made in this regard. While our connection to Suzanne was more recent, we were greatly inspired by her love of wildlife. They will leave very positive memories not only for family members but for many of us in the community that shared their values.
Pat McDonnell
Remembering with fondness working with Al at DND, and our many skiing and canoe trips through the years. He was a kind and gentle soul, always concerned for the feelings of others. We will miss you.
Kaveh Roustaian
I was very sorry for this tragic event.
Sending my deepest condolences to the family and friends.
Lynn MacFarlane
My heartfelt condolences on the tragic loss of Suzanne and Al. Suzanne was my boss at Customs & Excise. She had high integrity, demanded excellence of herself and her team and was the classic model of a service oriented public servant that demonstrated the best to all who worked with her. Earlier in my career, I also worked with her sister Gisele. As a devoted and loving couple, Al and Suzanne showed great compassion and generosity to everyone who crossed their paths. May they Rest In Peace. Prayers are with their families.
Gisèle and families
I am very heartbroken on hearing of the tragic accident of Alvin (Al) and Suzanne. I was Al’s Administrative Assistant for many years at the Department of National Defence. Al was a very kind, caring and generous human being. He was a great leader to his teams and always aimed to have everyone succeed. Even though Al retired many years ago, we always managed to keep in touch via email, or sometime we go out for breakfast or lunch. Al, I am going to miss you and cannot believe that you are gone. My deepest condolences to the families, may you find comfort during this difficult time with cherished memories. Al and Suzanne Rest in Peace.