Obituary of Alexander Leslie Henuset

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Alexander “Al” Leslie Henuset beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend to many. Al passed away suddenly at his home in Strathmore, AB on April 30, 2023 at age 82. Al had recently begun a brave battle with lung cancer but passed away due to unexpected health complications.
Al was born in Pipestone, MB on September 13, 1940. He was the first born son of Adolphe and Jeanette Henuset and grew up on the farm with his six siblings. Al eventually left the farming community to pursue his occupation in bank management. He worked as a bank manager for various banking institutions and his career took him to many locations including Ontario, Manitoba and Alberta. Despite leaving his small town roots in Pipestone, he took his “love of local” with him to every City, town or village he worked and lived in.
Al met the love of his life, Marlene Henuset (née McKinnon) in Winnipeg through close friends. They married in Winnipeg on July 20th, 1968. They would have celebrated 55 years of marriage this summer. Wherever Al’s career took him, he made a point to become involved in local clubs and organizations. He was an avid believer in supporting local business and giving back to the communities that you call home. Eventually, Al and Marlene settled in the Village of Beiseker, AB. Al was actively involved in the community of Beiseker for over 25 years serving in the Lions Club and Chamber of Commerce. He also served his community as Councillor for the Village of Beiseker and briefly as Mayor.
Al was a sports fan and could often be found in his favorite chair enjoying a curling tournament, football game or round of golf with the family dog Benji and later his good pal Buddy close at hand. Al’s granddaughters were the pride and light of his life! Papa, as he is affectionately known by them, would often participate in their celebrations and competitions and took an earnest interest in their hobbies, academic pursuits and life dreams. Al loved being near the water and one of Al’s dreams was to take his wife, children and grandchildren on a houseboat trip in the Shuswap. This dream came together the summer of 2019, and despite one small dramatic unmooring mishap, the trip was a huge success with unforgettable memories his family will always cherish.
His siblings, children and four granddaughters were all recently with him and Marlene at Easter. We were blessed to have a number of precious days together. Despite his health challenges, Al was in good spirits and had strength to enjoy many moments of family joy and even a few outings together. Not anticipating this would be our last opportunity all together has made us eternally grateful for that precious family time.
Al was welcomed into heaven by his parents Adolphe and Jeanette, brothers Mel and Dean, sister Debbie, brother in-law Ken, and niece Coraleigh. He is also predeceased by his in-laws Don and Edith McKinnon and their son Kenneth.
Al leaves behind to mourn his family who loved him well. His wife, Marlene; son, Jason (Rebecca) with granddaughters Karissa and Kylie; his daughter, Kristi (Terry) with granddaughters Rebecca and Allisha; his brother, Randy; sisters, Lynne (Ken) and Brenda (Harvey); sisters-in-law, Lorna (Mel) and Judy (Dean); and brothers-in-law, Gary (Debbie) and Don (Judi). He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews who he loved very much.
The family would like to thank the many friends and relatives who have offered condolences and support including the residents of Lambert Village retirement home, Wheatland Funeral Home for their compassion and care, the paramedics who attended him so exceptionally at his passing, and the Beiseker Lions Club.
A private family memorial and celebration of life service will be held in the month of May. In lieu of flowers, friends and family are invited to find a meaningful way, unique to them, to support their local businesses and communities in honour of the way Al lived.