With great sadness, we announce the passing of Allan Wayne Wiens (Big Al) at the age of 69 years.
Al was born in Taber, Alberta on July 18, 1952. He spent his early years in Trail, BC and then moved to Edmonton and surrounding area until he was sixteen. Al moved to Calgary and lived with his Uncle Abe for a short time before moving to live on his own. He worked as an Apprentice Welder at Maloney Steel where he met his longtime friend of 50 years, Terry Hungle.
Al moved on to Gulf Oil as a Millwright and at that time he met Kevin McKerran as he moved on to working for Coke for 17 years. During that time, they formed bands, renaming them several times – Easy Feeling, Private Stock and finally Mercury Cruise. He also had a duet called Rhythm Boyz. The Final band name came from his love of his fifty merc that he keeps track of now in Henderson, Nevada.
Al came out to Vulcan and worked as a bus driver and then for Canada post in the late ninety’s and worked for Canada Post until he had to go on sick leave in July this year from Cancer.
Al is survived by his partner of 15 years, Judy Landry and his children – daughter Jaydee Soroka and twin sons Kayne & Kayle Suitor and their Mom Joy Soroko Suitor. He is also survived by his half brother Ron and his sister Donna.
Al was an Elvis loving person that could sing with the voice of an Angel. He will be missed by all the Custom Car people and people that have heard him sing. 30 plus years of music playing he should have gone far.
REST IN PEACE BIG AL – CRUISE ON & ROCK ON IN HEAVEN
Friends and family will gather together at a later date.
Arrangements in care of Vulcan Funeral Home. Telephone 1-403-485-2633. E-mail condolences through www.vulcanfuneralhome.ca.
May you Rest in peace Al.
It was a honour to fabricate those musical note taillights for you for your Merc .
Terry, Deb, Terrance.
You were one of a kind, my good friend I will truly miss you for the rest of my life. The good times we had will always be etched in my mind. I am sure you are hanging out with Elvis and reminiscing about the good times. Till we meet again my good friend. Jack , Gail , Cheryl and Shannon Darling. FOREVER IN OUR HEARTS
We sure did have some good times. Al could take the slightest thing and turn it into a full out comedy skit. I and anyone who knew him in the 80s would remember the recorded message on his phone playing out being attacked by a wet and dry vac. People would call he didnt know and would leave a message they were told to call and listen, laughing so hard they could hardly speak. Great guy. Condolences to his family. He will certainly leave a vacancy in their lives. Play on Al. (Wien Dog Daddy)
So sorry you are gone Big Al! Hope you are cruisin’ in the sweet bye and bye! Our thoughts are with you Judy!
Ross & Shirley
My sincere condolences to you Judy and to Al’s family and friends. I know Rodney Bennett misses you.
I believe the first time I met Al was at Three Hills car show, he was with Rodney, they did seem to be enjoying themselves,. Al was also at the Bubble gum man runs Al sure sounded like Elvis, and he didn’t even have to try. We always touched base at the car shows and the last car show at High River is when he told me he was sick.
Al will be missed forever, and in my heart . Rest in Peace Al.
Darlene Deagle
Al was one of a kind. He will be missed by many but our memories of the “Rock n Roller” will live on. Rest In Peace Big Al.
Whenever I think of you Al I Smile . So many years and so many great memories behind us . we were so young when we met and we shared so much . you were there when my children were born , and I was was there for yours . we grew old together , we laughed , we sang .we worked on your Old Merc together . My Heart has broken to it’s very core with your passing Al . I will never forget you . you were the most unique man I have ever encountered . such a Talented Man in so many ways . Rest in peace my friend I know you will make heaven a better place . enter God’s Kingdom and keep them laughing Buddy and until we meet again know that you were loved by me .
Rest In Peace my good friend . We will miss you and all the good times we shared.
Love,
Kevin & Shelley
We love you and miss you big Al!
Met AL 7 yrs ago through my partner Dean Andrews. AL sang the first day I met him and sang the last day I saw him! I always enjoyed his natural voice and his love for his old Car ! R.I.P. Fiend