Alvin Douglas Schreiner's Obituary
SCHREINER, ALVIN “AL” DOUGLAS beloved husband, father, and grandfather passed away peacefully on June 30, 2020. Born on November 13, 1926 in Montreal Canada to Alvin and Billie Jean Schreiner. Due to prohibition, Al’s family had relocated so that his father, grandfather, and uncle could continue as master brewers with Seagram Company. Al enjoyed his early years in Canada and often told tales of helping his father stir the “mash” in the brewing vats, speaking fluent French, playing ice hockey in his new Christmas knickerbockers and watching the Caughnawaga Indians “ride the rails”.
Upon returning to the United States Al lived a happy life with his family. Summers were spent on his uncle’s farm, typically up a tree where he was often chased by “Charlie the Bull”. He would recall as a teen listening on a ham radio to Japanese fighter pilots attacking Pearl Harbor and a few years later he enlisted in the US Airforce. While stationed in Biloxi, Mississippi he met Marcella “Marcie” Darst who was vacationing with a girlfriend. Fortunately, World War II ended before he could be deployed, and Marcie and Al continued their courtship. Al always said that he was in love with Marcie from the beginning and he credits her with encouraging him to complete college as she would not marry him until he received his degree. They were married June 21, 1953 and shortly after moved to Houston, Texas so that Al could begin his accounting career with Magcobar/Dresser Industries.
In 1966 Dresser Industries gave Al the opportunity to move to London, England. Al, Marcie, and their girls, Lynn and Lori, were thrilled. What started as a 1 year assignment turned into a 14 year adventure. Al loved to share stories from his international business trips. Favorites included jumping a “rough neck” plane in Libya escaping the country’s coup, supplying bibles to his staff in Nigeria, bribing officials at checkpoints to enter or exit a country, and conducting meetings in a hotel lobby in Iran, days before the Shah was deposed. During this time, Al become Dresser Industries International Controller of Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. He was considered by his coworkers and employees to be the ultimate American ambassador and they were honored to be his colleague. Al attributed this to following his parent’s teaching: “treat others as you would like to be treated”.
In 1980 the family returned to Houston, Texas. Although Al and Marcie remained in Houston until Marcie’s death, they continued to keep in contact with friends from around the world and to travel as often as possible. Following Marcie’s death in 2013, Al moved to Dallas Texas.
Al is survived by his daughter’s Lynn Dennerstein and Lori Morgan; his son-in-laws Neil Dennerstein and William Morgan; and his three grandchildren, Ethan Dennerstein, Makayla Morgan, and Madeline Morgan. He will be remembered as Papa by his grandchildren, whom he loved “a bushel and a peck”. Al will be remembered by all who knew him as a kind and gentle man. Graveside Service will be held at 2:00 PM on Monday, July 6, 2020 at Restland Memorial Park, Whispering Waters III. In lieu of flowers, please donate to your local veteran’s association.
What’s your fondest memory of Alvin?
What’s a lesson you learned from Alvin?
Share a story where Alvin's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Alvin you’ll never forget.
How did Alvin make you smile?