94 years of age, of Regina Saskatchewan, passed away on January 4, 2025, at Grace Hospice in Regina.

Al was born on New Year’s Eve, in 1930, to John and Mary Maier of Kronau.  It was the dirty thirties, years of devastating drought, and times were difficult for almost everyone, especially farmers.  Al, his 5 brothers and 2 sisters all learned the meaning of hard work, how to entertain themselves and to earn their own money.  

He lived at Kronau until 1938.  In 1953 he moved to Craik to farm four miles west of town, with his parents.  Al was the only sibling who chose farming as his career.    

In the early 1950s Al worked a variety of jobs in the winter in Regina, excelling at everything he attempted. Because of his work ethic and intelligence, he quickly became the foreman at his construction jobs.   As a salesman, he sold everything from Amana food freezers to Fuller brushes and Electrolux vacuum cleaners. He often won awards for the numbers he sold because he knew the value of always looking the part – a starched white shirt, cufflinks, a suit and polished shoes. Al was very musical, and he became a trumpet player in many local orchestras. 

In the Spring of 1956, Al married Joan at St. Paul’s Cathedral in Regina.  While they were engaged, Al built a little 24 x 24 house while farming. He had a hammer, level, a square and a hand saw. This house was fine until two babies entered the picture and they exchanged houses with Al’s parents on the farm. This gave them lots of room for their expanding family; married in ‘56, Janet in ‘57, Matt in ‘58, Marj in ‘60 and Kathy in ‘62!   

By 1980 all four kids had graduated from Craik high school and had moved away.  Al and Joan decided to build a new home in Craik – Al built it.  He continued to farm until 2009; he farmed for 62 years.

Al was respected for his work ethic and his commitment to the Craik Community. He was a priest’s warden for 45 years for the Anglican church. He remembers telling the priest that he should go to heaven for all the work he did for the church; however, the priest wasn’t making any promises. Al was one of the founding members of the Craik and District Lions Club.  He supported every work bee and fundraising Lions Club event, often recruiting his children to help. He spent many hours maintaining the rink and the legion hall.   In 2023, he was awarded a life membership for outstanding service to the Royal Canadian Legion to recognize his dedication to the legion.

Al enjoyed curling, golf, camping and fishing.  By the late 1970s they were able to spend more time travelling in the winter months.  Eventually they spent winters in Viewpoint, Mesa, Arizona where they had a lovely home.  These were very happy times.

Al is survived by his loving wife of 68 years Joan, daughter Jan Pritchard (Brian), Alex, son Matt Maier (Lana), Jorah, daughter Marj Maier (Rob), Stephen (Nadine) great grandchild Cordelia, Mike and daughter Kathy Black (Rob), Jordan (Kara) and Graham. Al is also survived by his remaining sibling, Gerry Maier.

Al lived by the motto, ‘work hard and play hard.”  He had a wicked sense of humour, right up until the end. He was always the ‘last man standing’ whether it was shovelling wheat, pitching bales or drinking rum. 

Al had a full and wonderful life; he will be deeply missed by those who knew him. He truly believed in making his community a better place.  In lieu of flowers, please consider volunteering for a community organization.

 A celebration of Al’s life will be held on May 31 in Craik.