November 17, 1935 – April 25, 2020
Albert “Al” Edward Schneider was born November 17, 1935 in Innisfail, Alberta, Canada and passed away peacefully on April 25, 2020 in College Station, Texas.
Al was the beloved husband of Isabel and the devoted father and grandfather to Colleen (Philip, Katelynd/Stephen, Arynn/Joey), David (Dana, Tyler/Sharee, Samantha and Tanner) Susan (Matthew and Benjamin, predeceased by baby Andrew). He will also be very much missed by his sister–in-laws, brother-in-laws, sisters, nieces and nephews.
Albert started his lifelong career in the drilling business with Hi Tower Drilling/Bow Valley Industries when he was just a teenager, drilling his first well in Swalwell, Alberta. His career spanned the three western provinces, the North West Territories, three countries, and from the Beaufort Sea to the Gulf of Mexico. Perhaps the highlight of his career was fabricating large electric rigs—Delta 1 was featured in the opening for Hockey Night in Canada for several years. In 1981 he moved his family to College Station, Texas and continued working as an operator, making a lot of good friends and adding to his vast store of oilfield memories. He started a contract on his first off shore rig on his 70th birthday—best gift ever! He never actually retired, accepting contracts until his health prevented him from doing so in 2017. To say he was passionate about his job and the people he worked with would be an understatement.
Our hearts are broken but we know that he will never truly leave us—every time we see a flash of Hi Tower orange, a Pump Jack, or any type of oilfield supply we will know he is close at heart.
We know that right now he is spending the time waiting for us, walking “the bestest puppy dogs in the whole wide world”, taking Andrew on tractor rides and getting heaven’s oil patch whipped into shape. We know we will see him again but until then, we promise not to take any wooden nickels!
Al and the family wanted to express our thanks and appreciation for all his doctors and nurses in the St. Josephs Health system, and the care and compassion of Traditions Hospice. In lieu of flowers, we would be grateful for memorial donations to the Brazos Valley Animal Shelter or a charity of one’s choice.
A memorial and inurnment will be scheduled in Three Hills, Alberta, Canada at a future date.
So sorry Colleen and family to hear of your dads passing —Elsa
Dear Isabel,
I’m sending my deepest sympathy and prayers to you and your family at this time.
I remember talking on the phone to Al when I worked at TB&T and he was always so polite and kind. I miss you and the time we shared there. Take care!
Love,
Carol Evans
I will always remember this wonderful man as truly the best manager I ever worked for . . .Our Spartan Drilling family was a great place to work under Al Schneider’s direction. So many fond memories and one was celebrating with them and their family at their 50th wedding anniversary party. My thoughts and prayers are with Isabel, Susan, David and Colleen for strength in the weeks to come. Your husband / dad helped make all our lives better by being the true gentleman he was . . . a genuine and caring man. With love to all of you, Helen (and Bill)
Isabel and family;
It was so sad to hear the news of Al’s passing. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Al was such a special longtime friend to our dad, Bernie, and their relationship was one that stood the test of time. They never missed an opportunity to catch up. We can still hear dad laughing through the “no less than” 1 hour phone calls they would have.They are definitely running some rig up there together again. We have never forgotten the opportunity Al gave us when he transferred the Edmonton Oilers and Eskimos accounts to our family and the many years of enjoyment we had and still have throughout the championships our city has seen and beyond. Al will be missed by many. He was an incredibly special person.
Sincerely,
“The Hunters”
Elvina, Mike, Karen, Larry and our families.
I was very sad to hear of Uncle Al’s passing. It was a pleasure being able to talk to him at least, he was courageous in his fight and was still able to maintain a sense of humor through it.
God bless him, you Isabel and the kids. Big hugs. Rest In Peace Uncle Al. – Glenn Schneider
My sincere condolences to Al’s family. What wonderful memories come to mind when I think of working for Al (manager of Spartan Drilling). Thoughts and prayers for your family …. beautiful words from Helen Phillips … Love, Teresa