In Memoriam: Al John Braden

Al John Braden of Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, passed away on August 8 at age 89 with family and friends by his side. Best remembered as co-owner of Niagara Elevator, Braden began his elevator industry career in the 1950s. He was in attendance at the very first Canadian Elevator Contractors Association (CECA) convention in Toronto in 1975 and went on to chair the CECA convention in Hamilton in 1988. A master mechanic, Braden was an entrepreneur who owned several elevator companies, as well as his own rental store. At Niagara, he mentored hundreds of local men, including his children, in the elevator trade. His son, Mark, and daughter-in-law, Jody, hosted the CECA convention in Niagara Falls in 2003. A lifetime member of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, Braden enjoyed cards and darts with friends, and became an accomplished cook in his later years as he became primary caretaker for his late wife of 63 years, Betty. Survivors include sons Mark, Wayne, Alan and Paul; four grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and many other family members and friends.