We Remember

HORNING, “Al” Edward Allan

June 11, 1939 — March 20, 2023

On March 20, 2023, Al Horning passed away in Kelowna, BC.  He is survived by his children Rob Horning, Brad Horning (Stewart Moracen), and Sandi Horning (Ken Frederiksen); grandson Austin; and brothers Dave (Tina) and Wayne.  Al was sadly predeceased by Donna, his wife of 59 years, on December 31, 2019. Al (a “Rutland” boy) met Donna (a born and raised “Kelowna” girl) in 1956. Al’s friend and Donna’s cousin were dating. At a dance one night, Donna saw Al and said to her cousin, “I want to dance with him.” Al didn’t like dancing, but even so, they were married April 18, 1960. Al’s love of sports and politics was only outmatched by his love for Donna.

Although Al was born in Regina, Saskatchewan, he really lived his entire life in the Rutland area of Kelowna. Al arrived in Rutland in 1944, his family visited Kelowna, and they moved to the Okanagan soon after.  So, Al grew up in Rutland, attended Rutland Secondary School, and started working at the local sawmill at age 16. An orchardist from 1964 to 1967, the orchard was located in the Hayashi Road area of Rutland. After that, he became a real estate agent from 1968 to 1988; and then from 1980 to 1988, while working in real estate, he founded an import company and began travelling around the world.

Al spent a large portion of this life either in politics or helping the community through sports and other activities. Both Al and Donna were founding members of the Kelowna-Kasugai Sister City Association, and Al was co-founder of the Kelowna Snowmobile Club and the BC Snowmobile Federation. He was also a provincial champion snowmobile racer.  Al served on behalf of our community as a Member of Parliament (1988-1993), Member of the Legislative Assembly (2005-2009), City of Kelowna Councillor (on two separate occasions 1980-1988 and 2002-2005) and Regional Board Director appointed by the City of Kelowna (1981-1988). During his time in office, Al championed the expansion of the Kelowna airport runway, the four-laning of Highway 33, and federal contracts for local companies like Western Star. He was inducted into the Central Okanagan Sports Hall of Fame in 2021 in the “Builder Category” for his lifetime contribution to local sports; he helped build King Stadium and Edith Gay Park and founded the Kelowna Softball Association. He also served as GM of the semi-professional Kelowna Heat.

Al was honoured by the City of Kelowna on February 6, 2023, with an announcement that a future road connecting the Kelowna International Airport (YLW) and Rutland would be called “Al Horning Way”

And, while Al was constantly working towards a better community, it wasn’t all work with him. He loved being around people and was always hosting parties. Particularly pool parties, for the various sports teams the family was involved in; the ‘resort’ was a popular place growing up.  He was also a joker, and he loved practical jokes and gags the most!  One always had to be careful where you walked, for you never knew when poop or vomit would surprise you; the poor dog, Samson, would take the blame, until it was discovered as fake!

Al’s legacy will live on through the community he helped develop and in the hearts of his children.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to Gerry Zimmermann and the Board & Staff of Black Mountain Irrigation District.

In lieu of flowers, please support your favourite children’s sports charity, or the Canadian Cancer Society.

A Celebration of Life for Al and Donna will be held on SATURDAY, JUNE 10, 2023, at 10:00 AM, at RUTLAND CENTENNIAL HALL, 215 Shepherd Road, Kelowna, BC. If you are unable to attend in person, please join the family online by Livestream at the time of the service (see below), a recording will be made available to view shortly thereafter.

If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.

LIVESTREAM:

Service
SATURDAY, JUNE 10, 2023, at 10:00 AM

Location
RUTLAND CENTENNIAL HALL

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Canadian Cancer Society Link: www.cancer.ca

 


Service Information

Service Details


The service for HORNING, “Al” Edward Allan is scheduled for SATURDAY, JUNE 10, 2023, at 10:00 AM. Below you will find the map for the service location and the contact information should you have any questions.

Address & Contact for Service Location:

RUTLAND CENTENNIAL HALL

215 Shepherd Road Kelowna, BC

Phone:


Special Requests:

None.


Funeral Pointers:

 


Condolences

  • Tim Schneider says:

    Our deepest condolences to your family from ours. Kaye and Tim Schneider.

  • Shawn D Spencer says:

    Sorry for your loss Sandi. Your dad did a lot of good in our community. It’s a better place to live because of his hard work. Our community has been very blessed because of your dad. Shawn Spencer

  • Jan Johnston says:

    I was honoured to work for Al when he was elected as a member of City Council in 2002 when I was the Mayor’s Secretary. He loved a good joke and I always knew where I stood with him. He was honest and smart. Through Al, I got to know Donna and loved her sense of humor. Two great people that I was fortunate enough to know. They both did so much for our community and represented Kelowna well. They are both greatly missed.

  • Brenda Gruber says:

    Sandi, Brad and Robert,
    So very sorry to hear of your Dads passing.
    We have so many fond memories of both your Dad and Mom. They will be missed by so many.
    Robert and Brenda Gruber

  • Wayne Dudych says:

    As a newcomer to Kelowna 20 years ago I joined the Kelowna Snowmobile Club. Not really knowing anyone I sat at a table with some older gentleman. Al was very warm and welcoming, even though he wasn’t a rider anymore he just loved the conversations and the fellowship of being there. I always enjoyed my conversations with Al and his friends, and there were many. I was very fortunate to actually sit with Al just a few short years back and pull from his memory some amazing stories of his snowmobile racing years with his sister and his Arctic Cat race team. I had my phone recording the conversation. Even 50 years later his passion for the sport was still alive .I am honored to own a true legends old race sled and to have him actually sign it that evening was pretty special.
    Al you will never be forgotten.
    Go fast, turn left my friend
    Wayne Dudych

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