Obituaries

June 11, 1939 - March 20, 2023

On March 20, 2023, Al Horning passed away in Kelowna, BC. He is survived by his children Rob Horning, Brad Horning (Stewart Moracen), and Sandi Horning (Ken Frederiksen); grandson Austin; and brothers Dave (Tina) and Wayne. Al was sadly predeceased by Donna, his wife of 59 years, on December 31, 2019. Al (a "Rutland" boy) met Donna (a born and raised "Kelowna" girl) in 1956. Al's friend and Donna's cousin were dating. At a dance one night, Donna saw Al and said to her cousin, "I want to dance with him." Al didn't like dancing, but even so, they were married April 18, 1960. Al's love of sports and politics was only outmatched by his love for Donna.

Although Al was born in Regina, Saskatchewan, he really lived his entire life in the Rutland area of Kelowna. Al arrived in Rutland in 1944, his family visited Kelowna, and they moved to the Okanagan soon after. So, Al grew up in Rutland, attended Rutland Secondary School, and started working at the local sawmill at age 16. An orchardist from 1964 to 1967, the orchard was located in the Hayashi Road area of Rutland. After that, he became a real estate agent from 1968 to 1988; and then from 1980 to 1988, while working in real estate, he founded an import company and began travelling around the world.

Al spent a large portion of this life either in politics or helping the community through sports and other activities. Both Al and Donna were founding members of the Kelowna-Kasugai Sister City Association, and Al was co-founder of the Kelowna Snowmobile Club and the BC Snowmobile Federation. He was also a provincial champion snowmobile racer. Al served on behalf of our community as a Member of Parliament (1988-1993), Member of the Legislative Assembly (2005-2009), City of Kelowna Councillor (on two separate occasions 1980-1988 and 2002-2005) and Regional Board Director appointed by the City of Kelowna (1981-1988). During his time in office, Al championed the expansion of the Kelowna airport runway, the four-laning of Highway 33, and federal contracts for local companies like Western Star. He was inducted into the Central Okanagan Sports Hall of Fame in 2021 in the "Builder Category" for his lifetime contribution to local sports; he helped build King Stadium and Edith Gay Park and founded the Kelowna Softball Association. He also served as GM of the semi-professional Kelowna Heat.

Al was honoured by the City of Kelowna on February 6, 2023, with an announcement that a future road connecting the Kelowna International Airport (YLW) and Rutland would be called "Al Horning Way"

And, while Al was constantly working towards a better community, it wasn't all work with him. He loved being around people and was always hosting parties. Particularly pool parties, for the various sports teams the family was involved in; the 'resort' was a popular place growing up. He was also a joker, and he loved practical jokes and gags the most! One always had to be careful where you walked, for you never knew when poop or vomit would surprise you; the poor dog, Samson, would take the blame, until it was discovered as fake!

Al's legacy will live on through the community he helped develop and in the hearts of his children.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to Gerry Zimmermann and the Board & Staff of Black Mountain Irrigation District.

In lieu of flowers, please support your favourite children's sports charity, or the Canadian Cancer Society, www.cancer.ca.

A Celebration of Life for Al and Donna will be held on SATURDAY, JUNE 10, 2023, at 10:00 AM, at RUTLAND CENTENNIAL HALL, 215 Shepherd Road, Kelowna, BC.

Condolences, photos, and memories may be sent to the family by visiting his obituary page at www.springfieldfuneralhome.com (or click the direct link with his name in it, just below).

• May 17, 2023
  Al Horning was God's gift to Rutland and all Kelowna. May he rest in Peace with his wife Donna. Thanks for the memories Al. Greg Stark - Greg Stark
• May 12, 2023
  My sincere condolences to the Horning family! Rest in Peace Al! Norene Loseth - Norene
• May 08, 2023
  Horning Family
  Al was “one of a kind”
  Kelowna is a better place due to his unselfish ways.
  Since meeting him in 1981, I have enjoyed all our interactions
  and learned a great deal from his approach to achieving goals
  Rest in Peace Al
  - Tony Markoff
• May 07, 2023
  My sincere condolences to the Horning family.
  Remembering Al as a straight forward kind of fellow. If he liked your idea, he told you so - and, if he didn't like it, he told you so - in a nice way!
  Al will certainly be a great loss to Kelowna. - - Nora Perehudoff
• May 06, 2023
  Sandi and the Horning family,
  Sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. May fond memories of your dad bring you comfort during this difficult time.
  - Lori & Lonnie Burma
• Apr 05, 2023
  Sandi, Brad and Robert,
  So very sorry to hear of your Dads passing.
  We have so many fond memories of both your Dad and Mom. They will be missed by so many people.
  Bob and Brenda Gruber
• Apr 05, 2023
  AL was a tireless servant of the community who never really got enough recognition and appreciation for his accomplishments......a truly honourable man who will be missed greatly
  gerry mc parland - gerry mc parland
• Apr 04, 2023
  Rob and families want a loss as father and community leader and representative. My dad grew up with Mr Horning and shared the ball field many times. They were friends on and off the field. I recently lost my dad so i can respect your feelings My sincere condolences to you all. - Wayne Klassen
• Apr 04, 2023
  Al was a remarkable individual who weathered many storms with a smile! He always kept track of the family at Mount Boucherie High School. Al was a remarkable Politician. Al was involved in many Sports.Al will be missed. Eain Lamont - Eain Lamont
• Apr 04, 2023
  Al was an amazingly effective politician with his unexpected and unconventional approach to getting things done. As well, his determination to remain part of his community in spite of his loss of Donna and health challenges was impressive and heartwarming. He made a difference. Sharron Simpson - Sharron Simpson
• Apr 03, 2023
  My condolences to the Horning Family in your loss.
  Al was an amazing Community Minded and dedicated citizen. May your memories sustain you at this time.
  Marion Bremner. - Marion Bremner
• Apr 01, 2023
  To the Horning Family -
  We have fond memories of our times with Al and Donna over the years. We admired
  how well they worked together as a team in building everlasting relationships and know they will be remembered for their matchless enthusiasm and dedication to
  the community. Our sincere condolences.
  David and Barbara Logie - Barbara Logie
• Apr 01, 2023
  Al my golf pal at sunset ranch l remember the day toke me in to sell my pickup and twenty six fify wheel went to yuma many time him and Donna real enjoy there trips good friend John bohn
• Apr 01, 2023
  A wonderful Kelowna icon gone but never ever forgotten…a person that will go on in Rutland and Kelowna history for many years to come…will always be remembered for being a man for the people…we will all meet again….…Straight Outta Rutland!!! - Sandi …Rutland Residen5 For Many Years
• Apr 01, 2023
  To the Horning family
  When Al was our Member of Parliament and we were contracting CIDA funded airport projects in the Caribbean I requested a meeting through him for a meeting
  appointment with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Barbara McDougall. The arrangements were made and I met Al in Ottawa. While in his office he received a call from Ms McDougall’s staff that her schedule was overloaded,
  and my appointment would be deferred to another day. It was Friday afternoon.
  I don’t believe the stuffy and formal civil servants in Ottawa ever heard or ever will again the words and expressions Al used to get their attention!
  Within 30 minutes our meeting was rescheduled for the evening and completed satisfactorily.
  Al was his own man.
  Very sorry to hear of his passing.
  George Ferguson
  - Geo Ferguson
• Apr 01, 2023
  Al was a great legend locally. So much community involvement and spirit.
  At a BBQ in 2021 I watched Al autograph one of his original Arctic Cat race snowmobiles. It was an honor to witness this and have him at our home.
  To Sandi Brad & Rob on behalf of myself and the Kelowna Snowmobile club we send our sincere condolences at this time.
  Al was one of the greats.
  Chris Block and family. - Chris Block
• Mar 31, 2023
  To The Horning Clan;
  My sincerec condolences to you ALL, I had the privledge to know and be included with the entire Family. As many have already said, Al, you were a wonderful and active part of our Community. Thank you for the awesome memories going back over 70 years, across from the Cozy Cabins.
  Take care and see you on the 10th.
  Marjorie Waters Kain - MK
• Mar 31, 2023
  My sincere condolences to the Horning family. Rutland has lost a great man. - Sue Johal
• Mar 31, 2023
  Our community has lost a leader ,Horning family an important member of the clan we will remember the smiles ,jokes and good times .Rutland Rascals were of days gone by .Thanks to Al and Donna much was accomplished the good will go forward ,I'll miss your advice on current topics say hello to Ben ,,Enjoy your new surrounding sure you will be organizing something soon. Ron Hockey
• Mar 31, 2023
  Condolences to the entire Horning family. I had the pleasure of working with Al during all of his political positions and he always followed through with his word. Al you left the world a better place, RIP...... - Larry Hollier
• Mar 31, 2023
  Condolences to the entire Horning family on Al’s passing. I first met Al when he was a realtor at Midvalley Realty. The company was owned by my aunt and uncle and I was the junior after school and Saturday secretary back in the early 70’s. Very fond memories of a hard working and passionate individual. He will be missed, however remembered by his beloved Rutland. RIP. Donna Phillips
• Mar 31, 2023
  My condolence to the family
  .Al got us going in realestate in 1965. Never looked back - Delphis Schmidt
• Mar 31, 2023
  Dear Horning Family. Thinking about you at this sad time.
  Have so many memories of baseball and kings stadium. Al was a special man with kind heart. Hugs to all. Sandy Unser
  - SU
• Mar 31, 2023
  To the Horning family. My deepest condolences for your loss. He was an amazing gentleman and a good friend to my parents for years. He will be missed by you, by his friends and by the community. - Angie Rufli Ross
• Mar 30, 2023
  To the Horning family
  So very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
  Sincerely carol and Gary koga - Janice Richardson
• Mar 30, 2023
  Rob, Brad, Sandi and the Horning families,
  I had the opportunity of know Al for many years , sorry not to have met you. I just had a great coffee with Al a few weeks ago .
  Thank You for All you did for " Your City" Al.
  If more politicians were as sharp and thoughtful as you, the world would be a much better place.
  All the best ,
  Peter Turgoose - Peter Turgoose
• Mar 30, 2023
  Dear Horning family,
  So sorry to hear of Al's passing. He was an amazing person and always such a joy to visit with. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you and I hope that you find peace in treasured memories of happier times.
  Love Shannon (Ottenbreit) - Shannon Campo
• Mar 30, 2023
  To the Horning family
  We are sorry to hear of Al's passing. He was a loyal Rutlandite.
  Ray and Diane Loseth - Ray Loseth
• Mar 30, 2023
  To the Horning Family,
  My sincere condolences to all of you.
  Kelowna has lost a Great Man.
  Thankyou for all you have done for this city.
  Rest in Peace
  Diane Henderson
  - DH
• Mar 30, 2023
  To the Horning family. Our deepest condolences on the passing of Al. From the ballparks as a kid to the coffee shops around town. Always enjoyed talking with Al.Rutland has lost a good one. Always in our memories.
  Jim Siegmann & Family - Jim Siegmann
• Mar 30, 2023
  The Horning family,
  Sorry to hear of Al’s passing. Our prayers and thoughts are with you all during this difficult time. He definitely made Kelowna a better place and he will be missed by its citizens.
  Dino and Karen Zol
• Mar 30, 2023
  Sincerest condolences to the Horning Family - Al was such a big part of Rutland Softball in the good old days. (I drive on AlDon Road everyday.) He will certainly be missed by all who had to pleasure to know him.
  - Pegi Hayashi Uyeyama
• Mar 30, 2023
  To the Horning family,
  So sorry to hear of Al's passing. He will be so missed by you all! May the love that he had for you and your great memories of him help you through this diffucult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you! - Paul and Melody Kouwenhoven (Ottenbreit)
• Mar 30, 2023
  Sandi, Brad and Rob,
  A continuation of my previous message-
  Our family will always cherish our times together and treasure the wonderful memories.
  Love
  Ron, Thelma, Christopher and Jennifer White
• Mar 30, 2023
  My sincere condolences to Al's family. He gave so much for so many years! Thank you Al ! - Linda Yablonski
• Mar 30, 2023
  Sandi, Brad, and Rob
  We are so sorry that your Dad has passed away. There are many many years of friendship with Al and Donna and we were always treated just like family. Rutland and Kelowna have lost two great ambassadors and they are now gone, but never forgotten
• Mar 30, 2023
  Hi. I was very sad when I saw that Al Horning had passed and looked here every day so I could read more about his life. I only met Al as he sat with Alf at the Rutland flea market on Sunday mornings and when I was introduced to Al I knew exactly who he was and shook his hand. I had a lot of great conversations with Al over the years that he came to the market. I was going through legal stuff at one point and would tell Al everything I was dealing with and Al would give me business cards or even just names of people to go talk to and make sure I told them Al sent me. I will miss talking with Al. I didn't meet any of his family but send my condolences to them.
  Rest in peace Al Horning you will be greatly missed my friend.... - John Stevens
• Mar 30, 2023
  To The Horning family, we are saddened to hear of Al passing, know that we are thinking of you all. He is now with his loving wife Donna! Rest in peace. NOBBY Gen Wildemann - NOBBY Gen Wildemann
• Mar 30, 2023
  Rob, Brad, Sandi and the Horning families,
  I was so saddened to hear of Al’s passing. I got to know him through fastball in the early 70’s and our paths continued to cross. He was my realtor, my fastball coach/manager and friend. I fondly remember the great times we had as a fastball team at the Horning’s. He will be missed! - Lorne Buna
• Mar 30, 2023
  Wish to express condolences to all the Horning family. Al was the star for " Rutland " always working for our the community. Al and Donna were long time friends. Thanks Al and Donna. John and Terry Whittaker - John Whittaker
• Mar 30, 2023
  Al was one of the first people that I met when I moved to Kelowna from California. He was a fantastic gentleman, a great politician, fantastic friend, It is a great loss for the community, May he rest in peace and his family know he is in the hearts and prayers of us .
  maurice - [email protected]
• Mar 30, 2023
  Robert, Bradley and Sandra
  So many memories and so much that could be said in such a very, very long time friendship. Our condolences to the whole Horning family. - Richard and Jacqui Bullock
• Mar 30, 2023
  Special is the only way to describe AL.. he was a good friend and had a common sense approach to things.. I hope that alot of the vision he had for Rutland and the greater Kelowna will come true.. over the years he helped me lots to give that common sense approach.
  He was the definition of a real person.
  Our thoughts and prayers are with you
  Domenic and Lina Rampone - Domenic Rampone
• Mar 30, 2023
  The Horning family we will miss a very good man he had time for every one . for all of us ballplayers a friends a coach thay made us all winners will be missed we will carry these moments we spent forever Don and Joyce Favell - Don Favell
• Mar 30, 2023
  My thoughts go out to the Al Horning Family for their loss, I spent a lot of time with Al and Donna over the years. I had the pleasure of working with Al on City Council and also Val and I were founding members of the Kelowna-Kasugai Sister City.
  I know Kelowna (Rutland) are better places because of Al and his many years of working for this community. He will be missed by many.
  Rest in Peace
  Norm Fix - Norm Fix 1874 Parkview Crescent
• Mar 30, 2023
  I will miss our political debates and hilarious points of view. We all had loads of fun with that at the Gator. Now you can continue the argument with Mike Rout about what the City should do for Rutland. my condolences to Al's family. He was a rare gem of a guy and he will be missed!
  Ken Faulkner
• Mar 29, 2023
  Sandy rob brad sooo sorry for your loss.your dad was a jem.thinking of you.love steph - Stephanie scheer and family
• Mar 29, 2023
  Please accept my sincere condolences to the entire Horning Family. He was a very Special Man and for those that knew him…I hope you consider yourselves very fortunate. - Reagan Krivsky
• Mar 29, 2023
  Sorry for your loss Sandy. Your dad did a lot of good for our community. It's a better place to live because of his hard work. As a community we have been very blessed. Shawn Spencer
  - Shawn Spencer
• Mar 29, 2023
  Sandi and family I’m so sorry for your loss. He was a great man, he is now with your mom. Keep the memories. Much love to you all - Lana Siegmann
• Mar 29, 2023
  To the Horning family. I am so sorry to hear of your dads passing. Your parents left a legacy for the City of Kelowna. You can be very proud of them. I was very fortunate to work with them on several committees and it was a honour. Please hold all your loving memories close to your hearts and they will always be near.. with loving thoughts LillyAnn Moller and Jerry Moller
• Mar 29, 2023
  Our sincere condolences to Al's family .Our thoughts and Prayers go out to the family.They were great neighbors with our daughter and family before they move to the Condo.I will miss him and the chats we had.We have known Al and Donna for many years,in fact my wife and Donna graduated at the same time.Rest in Peace,Al.
  Nick and Arlene Papov. - Nick Papov
• Mar 29, 2023
  To the Horning famiy...we go a long way back..condolences on your loss. Both Al and Donna will be missed, for sure. Enjoyed playing ball under your "watch".
  Ed Sehn (& Rae) - Ed Sehn
• Mar 29, 2023
  Rob, Brad and Sandi and all family members.
  One does not have enough words to say "thank you" to Al and Donna for the years of giving back to Kelowna. Al, with the ever guidance from Donna served this community in so many way's from snowmobile club, to fastball to City Council, MLA and MP. Many things we take for granted in todays life were because of Al fighting for Kelowna. Small business help, YLW runway expansion just to name two. Al also was one who spoke what he thought or felt. Called a spade a shovel!
  I worked on every Horning campaign, won most because of of Al, lost a tough one to the Reform movement. Big thank you goes out to Council and especially Mayor Dias for honouring Al with the naming of a road from YLW to Rutland with the name "Al Horning Way". Most fitting!
  Our lunches are done, but Sir you will never be forgotten by me an many many other citizens of the great country. Thank you!
  I will be in attendance on June 10 the again say thanks to you and Donna. - David Langton

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