Gathering with the family
Gathering with the family
Mass of Christian Burial
Obituary of Al Corbett
CORBETT, ALVIN (AL) - Peacefully passing at Lincourt Manor on Tuesday, December 19th, 2023; Alvin Augustine Corbett; husband of Rita (Hachey) Corbett of St. Stephen, NB. Born in Johnville, NB; he is the son of the late Frank & Bridgette (Hall) Corbett.
Al devoted 40 years to a career in photography, both in newspaper and studio portraiture. Photography brought him to St. Stephen where he joined the staff of the St. Croix Courier telling the many stories of the place that he called home with his trusty Hasselblad camera that he named Sarah. Many years later, he and Rita bought the local Harvey Studios, renaming it Corbett Studio, where he captured the smiles of many babies, grads, brides and countless celebrations. His love of photography started as a young teenager when he was asked to be the photographers’ helper for the day during school photos in the early 1950’s. He loved to tell stories of the early days of black & white photography and the many prominent politicians, celebrities, and royalty that he captured with his lens. He loved teaching his art, and many people gained a lifelong appreciation of photography from his many classes.
Raised on a potato farm in Carleton County, Al knew and valued the importance of nature and food. He maintained a large organic backyard garden where he composted and loved to share the “goodies” that he grew. Al had a passion for woodworking, particularly making bowls on his wood lathe. An avid reader and book lover, Al appreciated the importance of literacy and the wonderful places a good book can take you to. Al was a great supporter of countless community events and fundraisers, always holding a special place in his heart for children and youth. Al enjoyed decades of peaceful sobriety, and helped many who were seeking a better way to lead their lives. When asked how he was, he would famously say “near perfect” or “tickity-boo”.
Al will be remembered for his kindness and love of people. He always had a smile and kind word. He was proudly supportive of local issues and businesses and was interviewed countless times in print and television. Al was involved in many organizations, such as Fundy Region Transition House, Lions Club, Knights of Columbus, Hospice and The Saint Stephen Rural Cemetery and Milltown Catholic Cemetery. He dedicated many years as a Town Counsellor and Deputy Mayor for the Town of St. Stephen. Al will particularly be remembered for his many years as Santa during the Annual Town of St. Stephen Santa Claus Parade and Santa at the Mall, where he spread goodwill and joy as Father Christmas. Al spent a few years dedicating his extra time as Town Crier for St. Stephen.
Surviving in addition to his beloved wife Rita, are his children, Michael of Saint John, NB, Ivan (Juanita) of Fredericton, NB, Kelly Goleniec (Peter) of Calgary, AB, daughter-in-law Aimee; 5 grandchildren, Kacee, Jack (children of Mike and Aimee), James Ryan, Shaleigh, Timothy Justin (children of Kelly and Peter); as well as several nieces and nephews.
Al was the youngest of nine and was predeceased by one sister Mary and six brothers Joe, Francis, Maurice, Louis, Cecil, and George. He is survived by one sister, Cecilia.
The family will receive friends during a time of visitation on Thursday, December 21st, 2023, from 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm & 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm at Humphreys Funeral Home, 20 Marks Street, St. Stephen, NB E3L 2B2 (506 – 466 – 3110).
A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Friday, December 22nd, 2023, at 11:00 am at St. Stephen Catholic Church 407 Milltown Boulevard, St. Stephen NB, E3L 1J5. A reception will immediately follow in St. Patrick’s Hall next door. Internment will take place in Spring 2024 at the Milltown Catholic Cemetery.
For those who were unable to attend the Funeral Service in person, a recording of the service has been made available. To access reccording click on the provided link, provide your name and either your email or a cell phone number, agree to the terms and conditions by chequing the box and and click verify email. An email or text message will be sent to you, open the message and click the large blue "Click Here" a new page will open to the Livestream area. Watch Recording Here
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Fundy Region Transition House would be appreciated by the family. On-line condolences to the family or donations can be made at www.humphreysfh.com
