Allen Skwarek

I recently learned about Al's passing. He was my shop teacher throughout high school. He was always a friend to me and was always down to talk about drums with me. He sold me his discontinued Obelisk drum kit from the 80's for pretty cheap after i graduated. Which i still use. I will never forget his patience or his infectious excitement about drums which inspires me to this day.

Al was such a great man. He was an EA when I was in High School at Victoria Park High. He taught me very well, and he would greet me in the morning by calling me by the name of my band shirt. We both shared a love for classic rock and Cupper’s Coffee. I graduated in 2022, and we both had a gift for each other. The last time I saw him was at the Styx concert in October 2022. I was heartbroken to learn he passed away this year. We did so much together, and I still have the graduation note and the wooden coffee table we made together. Thank you for everything Al. Rock on~ “You and I will meet again” -Tom Petty

Al is a beautiful soul, and shared his love, his kindness, and his many talents so very well with so very many. In life, he was a teacher, a thinker, an excellent athlete, a multi-instrument musician, a woodworker, and was happy to share all he knew with others. I will miss his thoughtful perspectives on all matters and his friendship. With thanks, and admiration.

I had the pleasure of having Al as a teacher at Allan Watson. What a stand-up guy I am so sad to hear about this news.

So sad to hear of Al`s passing. Al and I were colleagues at Allan Watson and Victoria Park. Al was always kind, patient and was a wealth of knowledge for our students. He was a talented woodworker, musician and dear friend. You will be missed, rest in peace.

I had the opportunity to work with Al. He was a kind and gentle. Always so patient with students. My sincerest condolences.

Al and I have taught together since Allan Watson. He was a good friend who loved to laugh, share his knowledge and help kids. To this day, former students come to Victoria park to see him. We will miss you Al but know you are in a better place.

Will always remember time spent with him and life talks with him well I was in school and outside after graduation.

I'm so thankful for Al's thorough knowledge of the Bible. Our path's crossed through the Stepping Away Program, where we could often find moments to share faith stories. He taught me where to look in the scriptures to find answers to the time line of events as they pertained to his favorite subject, "The Day of the Lord". His spiritual journey was truly remarkable and I was always intrigued by his experiences. It gives me great joy and comfort to know that Al is now in the presence of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Till we meet again!

I remember AL very well from my in school from grade 7 to garde 12 at Allan Watson high school. Al was one person that was always there to help and listen. He will be greatly missed.

My condolences to Al's friends and family. I remember working with him in the shop on a couple of occasions. He was helpful and engaging and I particularly remember he was delighted to show me the wonderful white pine wood furniture he had been working on with the students.

Al was only a teacher but he was a very close friend! He was my mentor who I looked up to over the years. He always had a joke or a new story to tell. We golfed together after school or on weekends. He loved the game and I loved to learn from him. I always looked up to Al. He will be deeply missed. We love and cherished you Al. Try and hit the fairways up in heaven big guy

I fondly remember Al from my days at Allan Watson school. He was such a quiet, kind and gentle soul. From driving the recycle bus to chopping lettuce, and playing in the band, he was always up for any task. He will be sadly missed.

Al taught me guitar lessons as a kid in the mid 1980’s. Very friendly guy with a good sense of humour. It was always good to see him and say hi when I’d run into him when I had work to do at Victoria Park High School. Rest in peace.

So sorry to hear of Al’s passing away. We worked together for many years at Allan Watson and Victoria Park, he was very understanding and patient with the students. I hope you’re enjoying the golf courses in the clouds Al. RIP

I extend my deepest condolences and heartfelt sympathies to the close friends and family of All. As a young teacher, All served as a remarkable mentor, imparting the art of woodworking with great skill and generosity. All possessed a vast heart and genuine care for others, always taking the extra step to listen and understand people. The loss of All is a departure of a true artist. Thank you, All, for your invaluable contributions. You will be missed.

My deepest condolences to the family. I have the pleasure of working with Al at Allan Watson in my first years of teaching. He was a kid connector - kind, caring and always saw the best in all students.

Al worked with students in the Art classes at the school with me. He was good with tools, woodworking and tried many projects so he would know how to assist the students in their artistic endeavors; a handy guy to have around. He had a gift for connecting with and helping students who struggled.

So sad to hear of this loss, I will miss your smile, your jokes, and our great conversations Al.

Al was a wonderful colleague and will be missed. He always had a minute to chat and ask how you were doing. Al cared for the kids he worked with. He wanted the best for them and supported them with their school work and especially loved helping in shop class creating and making beautiful pieces of furniture or restoring old ones to look like new. God bless.

I worked with Al at the school. Always admired his kindness and patience. I will miss him.

Sorry to hear of Al's passing but know he is in a better place. Al helped me in the Foods room for years and I will always smile when I think of his golf lessons, band memories, carpentry experience and his knowledge of juicing.

You had a positive impact on so many youth over the years. Thank you for all your work trying to make people's lives a little better. Rest in Peace.

I was very sad to learn of Al's passing. Al was a friend and colleague who was always smiling, ready to share a story or a joke. Al was passionate about working with students and was especially at home and comfortable working in the schools shop classes. Rest in Peace my friend.