With profound sadness, we announce that Suzanne passed away, along with her husband and partner in all of life's adventures, Alvin (Al) Harold Crosby, as a result of a plane crash in Port Hope on August 13, 2022.
Suzanne was predeceased by her parents Fernand and Liliane (Dubé) Parent of Ottawa, and Al was predeceased by his parents Mary (Hynes) Crosby and Harold Crosby, as well as Helga Crosby. Suzanne and Al are survived by Suzanne's family, her sister, Gisèle (Michael O'Brien), brothers Gilles (Johanne Morin), and Raymond (Bich-Le Truong), as well as nephews ( Patrick O'Brien, Daniel O'Brien (Alycia Douglass), Mathieu Parent (Néomie Duval), Nicolas Parent (Lindsay Gilmore) , and Martin Parent (Sophie LeBrun).
Suzanne is also survived by her uncle, Claude Dubé (Kathy Kriwicki), and many cousins.
Having chosen a career in the federal public service, Suzanne was dedicated to ensuring Canadians received impartial and professional government services, and was recognized for her accomplishments and work in a number of different departments, including the Public Service Commission, Transport Canada, Customs and Excise Canada, and the Canadian Border Services Agency. In her work, as in her home life, she strove to find workable solutions that respected all parties. Her sensitivity to people's needs was admirable.
Al started his military career at Royal Military College (RMC) in Kingston, and was posted to Bagotville, Québec, where , as a Navigator, his duties related to Canada's air defence.
Upon retirement from the Canadian Armed Forces, he continued his career as a federal public servant at Transport Canada in Air Worthiness, and finally the Department of National Defence. As an engineer, Al was dedicated to creating order and clarity where approaches needed a re-think. He and "Spock" had much in common.
Al and Suzanne were passionate and dedicated to their friends and neighbours in their Fairhaven community, and to all causes to protect Ottawa's green and natural spaces, and the special species of nature and animals that inhabit them. Their passion for beautiful gardens and landscapes, and the wonderful results of their hard work, were admired by all who passed by their home.
We will miss their generosity, their compassion for all, their adventurous spirit and positive presence in our lives. Supported by Al in all manner, and inspired by our parents, Suzanne's steadfast devotion to our family remains a source of inspiration to us. The torch is ours to carry now.
Friends are invited to gather at the Beechwood National Memorial Centre, 280 Beechwood Ave. Ottawa on Thursday, September 8th, at 1:00 p.m. A Celebration of life will be held at 1:30 p.m. followed by a reception in honour of Suzanne and Alvin.
Those wishing to make a donation may choose a charity of their choice.
Digital Guestbook
Quoc Vinh Tuong
Maureen Tracy
I worked for Suzanne for a number of years in customs in the late 80s. She took a chance on me by offering me my first "officer " position - a really big deal. She taught me so much about commitment to quality work and dedication to the job. She certainly made a lasting impression on me. I will always be greatful for that. And, by the way, did she know how to dress! She always looked like a million bucks. My sincere condolences to the families. May your memories comfort you in the terrible time.
Marianna and Michael Fenton
What a tragic loss. Sincerest condolences to Al and Suzanne's friends and family. We didn't meet Suzanne but know that she and Al were both passionate about our community, wildlife and nature. Al worked tirelessly on behalf of the Fairhaven community to preserve its unique natural character. His strong, knowledgeable voice and calm demeanour will be greatly missed. May they both rest in peace together.
Heng Family (KT, Holly, Yen, Ting)
We are deeply saddened by the great loss you and your family have suffered. Our hearts go out to your family during this difficult time. Words are not enough to express our deep sadness at the passing of your family members. The memory is eternal, and may they live in our hearts forever. Please accept our deepest condolences.
Reina Brunet
Chèrs Gisèle, Michael, Patrick et Daniel,
Je suis tellement désolée d'apprendre de cet accident tragique et du décès de Suzanne et d'Al. Au fil des années, j'ai souvent entendu parler d'eux par le biais de tes belles histoires Gisèle, alors je sais à quel point tous les deux te sont chers. Alors, Allan et moi vous souhaitons le courage nécessaire pour traverser cette épreuve des plus difficiles. Nos pensées et prières sont avec vous tous. Our thoughts and prayers also go to Al's family.
Reina Brunet et Allan Shabsove
Joy Parker
35 years of treasured friendship with Suzanne. I cherish the memories even more now.Sympathy’s to both the families.
Ron Harder
From our days as roommates at Royal Roads in 1967-68 to running a recruit flight in 4th year at RMC to many years later when he visited me daily in the hospital for a few weeks, Al was always a good friend. When I flew with him in his aircraft, he was a careful pilot. Sad.
Frank Rick Young
After Al and I became acquaintances while working in DND, we soon became good friends, particularly after I invited him to join me and my friends (Rich Adams, Pat McDonnell, Bruce Griffin and Paul Niebergall) on whitewater canoe trips of 4-5 days in Quebec and northern Ontario. On these canoe trips that spanned over a decade, Al was always fun, easy going and cool when navigating through Class 3 rapids; he may have gotten wet, but he was always “cool”.
Around the nightly campfires, Al would try to explain his concept of the 5th dimension, something that was difficult for him to explain to us, if not impossible for us to comprehend, although the beer may have been a factor.
I have many photographs of all of us on my recreation wall of the many canoe trips which testify to great times and a great guy. I photographed those pictures on my cell phone and would be pleased to share them with family members and friends if asked. (Email frankyoung@email.com , or phone 613-592-4416
Frankyoung@email.com
Stéphane Cliche
I first met Al approximately 15 years ago when I joined the Capital City Flying Club at the RFC (C-GVAX). Al was the first member to introduce me to the group and immediately impressed me by his professionnalism, dedication, passion and knowlege. His patience and kindness in and out of the cockpit led me to join the group. I had the pleasure of flying with Al on numerous occasions along with sharing many wonderful moments on land and in the air. Last night I dedicated my flight in GVAX at RFC to Al and Suzanne. Both Al and Suzanne will be greatly missed and my thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Peter Gartenburg
Al was one of the nicest, friendliest people I have ever met, both at the college and on the few occasions over the years since that I saw him. The loss of him and Suzanne in such a tragic aviation accident is very sad indeed. I cannot attend the Celebration of Life due to COVID in the family, but my prayers are with them.
With my heartfelt condolences. Both Suzanne and Al touched so many people with their kindness, I'm glad that I had a chance to meet them.