Al William Plant's Obituary
William Elton Charles Plant known to most by Al passed away on January 23, 2024, after complications due to Parkinson’s and Lewy Body Dementia. He was born on November 11, 1941, in Windsor, Ontario, Canada the son of the late Elton (1991) and Ethel Plant (2004). Al is survived by his wife Julie (nee Umbenhower) and since 1989 had enjoyed living in Hawaii and loved when visitors would come so he could share his vast knowledge along with the beauty and flavors of the islands. Was very blessed to have such an extended Ohana in Hawaii that grew over the years and cared deeply for him right up to his final days.
Al is survived by his son Chris Plant of Goderich, Ontario and daughter Kelly Ross, and husband Stephen of Grimsby, Ontario. Granddaughters Brianna, and husband Jason, Meighan, Kaitlyn, and husband Christien. He loved keeping up with the adventures of his great grandchildren Sawyer, Lincoln, and Dawson all of Ontario, Canada. Predeceased by son Robert Scott (2020). He was loved by six godchildren, his six sister in-laws and five brother in-laws, mother in-law along with his five nieces, three nephews, three great-nieces, all of Canada and one niece and one great nephew of Michigan. He will be deeply missed by his extended family and friends all across Canada, the United States and beyond.
Al loved his career in Radio Broadcasting for the CBC which included being the host of Saturday Southwest in the late 70’s – thru 1985 where he loved to interview guests from Ontario and beyond, while also a contributor to Information Radio during the week.
He was proud to be a charter boat Captain with many hours on the water in the Great Lakes and then he captained the voyage of his boat the Black Sheep thru the lakes, Erie Canal, across the bays and down the intracoastal waterway to a dock in Ft. Lauderdale where he and Julie lived for four and ½ years.
A traveler to various parts of the globe and most especially enjoyed the many cruises he and Julie took over the years to Italy, Mexican Riviera, Caribbean, Greece, Spain, South America and around Cape Horn which had been on his bucket list.
Al was an avid writer with four of his books published, a contributing columnist for local newspapers in all the areas where he lived. Editor and publisher of the Sailorman Star in Florida. He was also the record/show producer for Mike LaCroix and the Sound Advice (label PEL) that musically entertained during the late 70’s and early 80’s.
Al loved to create things with wood, learn and tinker with computers, could fix anything and in his retirement years helped many residents and companies in Hawaii with their projects.
He especially loved to enjoy fish and chips, appetizers, popsicles, cookies and end the day at sunset with a glass of white wine on the wood deck he built.
His wife Julie along with his friends and family are very appreciative of the loving care that the entire family of Josie’s Ohana, LLC provided to him for the past two+ years along with Navian Health for guiding us in his final journey.
Celebration of Life and the spreading of his ashes will be announced at a later date.
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