BRISCO, Al Reid Brisco

It is with sadness that the family announces the passing of Al Reid Brisco on Thursday, June 4, 2026 at the age of 81.

Born on January 20, 1945, Al was the beloved son of the late Russell and Velma Brisco (nee Reid). He was raised on the family farm in Northcote, Ontario, where he lived and worked for the first 20 years of his life. Known for his strong work ethic and independent spirit, Al later left the farm to pursue opportunities on the road, embracing new experiences and challenges throughout his life.

Al was predeceased by his cherished wife, Betty Brisco (nee Selle), on December 8, 2024 with whom he shared many years of love and companionship.

He was also predeceased by his siblings: Burrell Dick, Beatrice Paterson, Irene Journal, Jean Smith, Gordon Brisco, and Roy Brisco. Al leaves behind many nieces and nephews, as well as brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, who will remember him for his quiet strength, resilience, and enduring connection to his family and rural roots.

Although Al’s passing leaves a void in the hearts of those who knew him, his memory will live on through the stories shared by family and friends and through the values of perseverance and determination that defined his life.

Al was a proud member of the Freemasons and the Rotary International organizations that reflected his commitment to fellowship, service and community. Widely recognized as one of Canada’s finest steel guitar players, Al devoted more that 60 years to the instrument he loved. His extraordinary talent earned him recognition as Canada’s premier steel guitar

performer and the prestigious Award of Excellence for his contributions to music. In 1994 he was inducted into the Ottawa Valley Country Music Hall of Fame. Throughout his remarkable career, he worked as a full-time musician performing studio sessions, touring extensively and sharing the stage with many of Canada’s most respected country music artists. His talent also brought him to numerous television appearances, where he showcased the unique sound and artistry that became his trademark.

Beyond performing, Al was a gifted teacher and mentor. He generously shared his knowledge with aspiring steel guitar players, encouraging and inspiring generations of musicians. His patience, expertise and willingness to help others left a lasting legacy with the music community. An entrepreneur as well as a performer, Al combined his passion for music with innovation by creating and building his own respected brand of Brisco steel guitars. His instruments became known and appreciated by steel guitar enthusiasts who recognized the quality, craftsmanship, and experience behind every guitar bearing his name. Music was at the heart of Al’s life, and it remained there until the very end. In a fitting tribute to a life devoted to country music, family and friends recently gathered to celebrate Al at a farewell party filled with laughter, tears, memories and the classic country songs he loved so dearly. The music, performed by family members and friends, created an unforgettable afternoon of friendship, gratitude, and love – a reflection of the joy Al brought to so many throughout his life. Though he is gone from our sight, his music will continue to resonate in the hearts of those who loved him. Al’s legacy lives on through the music he created, the instruments he built, the musicians he mentored, and the countless lives he enriched. He will be remembered for his exceptional talent, his generous

spirit, his unwavering dedication to his craft and the kindness he extended to all who knew him.

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects at Zohr Family Funeral Home 85 Munroe Ave. E.,

Renfrew, Ontario on Friday, June 12, 2026, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. and again on Saturday, June 13,

2026 from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. A funeral service celebrating Al’s life will follow at 11:00 a.m. in the

funeral home chapel. Cremation has taken place.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the exceptional staff of Renfrew Victoria Hospital for

their compassionate care and support. In memory of Al, donations to Hospice Renfrew or Renfrew

Victoria Hospital Foundation would be greatly appreciated.

For more than sixty years, Al filled the world with music and brought joy to countless audiences.

Though the stage is now quiet, the melodies he created and the friendships he nurtured will continue to

inspire future generations. His song may have ended, but its echo will remain forever in the hearts of

those who loved him.