Al Passarell Explained

Honorific-Suffix:MLA
Al Passarell
Birth Date:22 April 1950
Death Place:Dease Lake, British Columbia
Office:MLA for Atlin
Term Start:1979
Term End:1986
Predecessor:Frank Arthur Calder
Party:New Democrat, British Columbia Social Credit Party
Spouse:Ruth Passarell
Occupation:school teacher

Alan Lawrence Passarell (April 22, 1950  - September 29, 1986) was a Canadian politician who served as a Member of the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia representing the riding of Atlin from 1979 to 1986. He was in the New Democratic Party until October 1985, when he switched to the British Columbia Social Credit Party.[1]

Passarell lived in a log cabin without a telephone. Before becoming a politician, he was a school principal. In 1979, he won his seat by one vote, and was subsequently known as "Landslide Al". As a MLA, he was known for advocating positions for Northern British Columbia. He garnered headlines for his tall tale about fighting a grizzly bear.[2] [3] [4] [5]

Passarell died when a plane he was on crashed into Dease Lake.

Notes and References

  1. News: B.C. Socred Member, Wife Killed in Plane Crash. 6 April 2012. The Windsor Star. 29 September 1986.
  2. News: Beyer. Hubert. Passarell A Friend Who Will Be Missed. 6 April 2012. Ladysmith-Chemainus Chronicle. 1 October 1986.
  3. News: Hunter Changes The Grizzly Details. 6 April 2012. Spokane Chronicle. 6 October 1982.
  4. News: MLA Twisted Bear Facts, Hunter Says. 6 April 2012. Vancouver Sun. 5 October 1982.
  5. News: Legislator Has Grizzly Encounter. 6 April 2012. Anchorage Daily News. 5 October 1982.