CWO Algirdas “Al” Arelis (Ret’d)

We regret to advise of the death of Chief Warrant Officer Algirdas “Al” Arelis (Ret’d) of Medicine Hat, AB on 9 August 2017 at the age of 88 years.

Al and his family emigrated from Lithuania to Canada in 1948 after surviving many hardships during the Second World War. The family settled in Lethbridge where Al was married.  As his English improved, he was able to secure successful employment in retail sales.  He moved his family to Medicine Hat to accept a managerial position.  Al joined the Royal Canadian Engineers in 1953 and transferred to the South Alberta Light Horse in 1955.  He excelled in the military.  In 1967, he was honoured to receive the Regimental Guidon from Princess Alexandra during Canada’s Centennial year.  Al retired in 1974 as a Chief Warrant Officer and RSM of his regiment.

A strong advocate of community service, Al was a member of several local service clubs and volunteer committees, including serving on the Medicine Hat College Foundation Board of Directors from 1995-2006 and acting as Chair for seven of those years. In 2004, Al was named Medicine Hat College Alumnus of the Year, in recognition of his volunteerism and family’s generous financial contributions to Medicine Hat College. ^{[dcSep19gd} [zbd, zsp]}