Albert Sévigny R.I.P.

Albert Sévigny
June 25, 1951 – September 7, 2024
With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Pierre Albert Sévigny on September 7 at Maison St. Raphaël Hospice, after a courageous battle with cancer. He passed peacefully with his wife, April Defalco, by his side. He is predeceased by his parents, Colonel Pierre Sévigny, MP, PC, VM, and Corinne Sévigny (née Kernan). He is survived by his four children; Catherine Marcus (Jonathan), Christina Spelman (Henry), Corinne and Pierre-Louis and will be missed by his sister the Hon. Pierrette Sévigny (Richard McConomy) and his brother Robert (Margaret Manwaring). He is the much beloved uncle to Liz McConomy (Tino Magistrale) and Daniel Sevigny (Kenosha Vaz). He is much adored by his three grandchildren William Sevigny-Stevens, Dominique Marcus and Madeleine Spelman.
Albert’s vibrant presence filled every room with laughter, energy, and meaningful conversations. His joyful hugs and hearty backslaps; coupled with remarkable gifts as a storyteller and speechmaker, made time spent with him an unforgettable experience.
Albert forged his own unique path through a life of off-beat adventures, including hiking across the Middle East, and working in the mines of Northern Ontario and as a fisherman on a trawler off Nova Scotia. These latter experiences left him with a deep love for Canada’s natural beauty (and a hatred of lobsters) along with a lifelong commitment to protecting the environment. He championed recycling and composting, always striving to minimize his impact on the planet.
His professional and personal life was as varied as it was colourful. His adaptable nature led him to roles that were just as unpredictable— from guarding festival crowds or owning and managing a scrap metal factory. In the 1970s, he worked as a stage manager at The Piccadilly Theatre in London’s West End, overseeing a critically acclaimed production of The Importance of Being Earnest. He later worked as a journalist for The Suburban, a local community newspaper, covering local news and events, but had a particular passion for stories that delved into Montreal’s political scene and criminal underworld. But it wasn’t just what Albert did; it was how he did it: with resilience, curiosity, and a passion for life that was hard to match.
His home became a welcoming haven for discussions and debate, drawing friends and strangers alike – much like a 19th-century Parisian salon.. He was an avid art collector, and it was often commented that his home felt like walking through a museum.His passion for beauty lit up the room, whether he was admiring a mural or marveling at life’s small details. “Damn! That’s so beautiful!” was a common refrain that reminded those around him of the joy he found in the everyday.
Albert could see treasures where others saw none. One of his greatest discoveries was a collection of old negatives found in the Maison Hurtubise, the oldest building in Westmount, which he turned into a well-regarded exhibition on upper-class life in the early 20th century. His love for uncovering the past and sparking conversation across generations defined his life.
Among his many accomplishments, Albert led efforts to restore the vandalized statue of Sir John A. Macdonald. Tired of delays, he single-handedly raised the funds to restore the statue’s head, ensuring that Canada’s first prime minister received the respect Albert felt he deserved.
As a father, Albert was inspiring and nurturing. He encouraged his two elder daughters, Catherine and Christina, from his first marriage to Laurel Delamater, to excel in sports and the arts. He instilled in them the belief that they could achieve anything with passion and hard work. He continued writing heartfelt letters to his children and friends throughout his life, always filled with love, encouragement, and affection.
Albert’s greatest joy was his family. He adored his parents, his brother and best friend Robert, and his sister Pierrette. He always had a place at the table for his brother-in-laws and sister-in laws. But the defining moment of his life was meeting his soulmate, April Defalco. Together, they built a home filled with love and joy, raising their children, Corinne and Pierre-Louis, in the St. Raymond community, where the family was surrounded by a network of dear friends.
Known to many as “Al the People’s Pal,” his life was defined by helping others, and that is the legacy he leaves behind. Albert Sévigny will be remembered by all who knew him for his unmatched spirit and his passion for life, and the love he shared so freely.
The family wishes to acknowledge the wonderful professional care that Al received from his medical team at the Montreal Neurological Hospital, the Cedar Cancer Centre, the Day Clinic at the Montreal General, the palliative health team at Benny Farm CLSC, and the wonderful hospice team at St. Raphaël’s. Thanks to McGill’s Body donation program, Albert’s request to donate his body to science will prolong his life of service. The family asks that, In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Maison St. Raphaël.
A mass is to be held at the St. Léon de Westmount Church (4311 boul De Maisonneuve Ouest Westmount) at 12pm (noon) on Friday, September 27th . A good old-fashioned wake is to be held at Honey Martin’s Pub (5916 Sherbrooke St W, Montreal) following the mass from 1:30 to 4:30pm. All are welcome to attend.