When Al Rodgerson speaks, you don’t just hear about his life — you sort of experience it. With a voice equal parts candid and warm, Al recounted several decades’ worth of stories, spanning across North America, his careers and his crafts. Now a resident at Aspira Royale Place, he shares not only his past, but how retirement living has become a new chapter — one that still includes purpose, community, and the occasional movie night.

Career in printing and artistic pursuits
Al spent most of his career as a millwright, repairing printing equipment for newspapers. “I did that for 30 years,” he said. “And in 1992, I retired from the Kingston Whig-Standard.” But “retired” hardly describes the life he’s led since. In his post-career years, Al - pictured with Royale Place's Resident Engagement Manager Charity - turned to artistic pursuits: first stained-glass making, then building intricate model ships up to three feet long with masts stretching even taller. “They’re very meticulous and very delicate,” he noted, “and of course, you don't want anybody to handle them other than yourself.” Since moving into retirement living, shipbuilding has taken a back seat. Still, Al has found other ways to keep his hands and mind engaged. Perhaps most notably, he’s become the driving force behind movie nights at Royale Place.

Making movie nights his own at Royale Place
“When I came here, I didn’t know what to do,” Al admitted. So he started helping with the residence’s movie nights — originally run every night of the week by one very overworked volunteer. Al stepped in and helped restructure the schedule. “Now he’s only running movies once a week,” Al explained, “and he can watch the hockey playoffs or whatever he wants to do.”

Al’s Saturday night movie program has become a staple at Royale Place. Al curates thoughtful films that veer away from “car chases and 16 bullets from a gun that only holds six shots,” as he humourously put it. His selections range from Mr. Holmes to 84 Charing Cross Road and Snowden. “It’s interesting to try and find movies that you think people will like,” he says. And while not everyone attends, Al doesn’t mind. “You’re dealing with a certain few,” he says, “but it’s rewarding.”

Career in printing and travelling North America
Al’s journey began in Hamilton, Ontario, in a “broken home”. Raised by a single mother, Al - pictured here as a young boy - worked just about everywhere in his neighbourhood: a funeral home, a theatre, a bowling alley, and a bakery, but it was the theatre that sparked his lifelong love of movies. Eventually, Al landed at the Hamilton Spectator newspaper, learning the intricacies of the linotype machine — an apparatus once essential to newspaper printing.

Ever the adventurer, he took his skills to the U.S., working at newspapers in Fort Worth and Salt Lake City. That’s where he received a life-changing letter: “Albert, call this number.” It led him to Kingston, back to Canada, and to a 30-year career at the Whig-Standard in Kingston. “The Davies family who owned the paper cared for their people,” he said. “If you wanted to go to night school, they paid for it. If you wanted to play sports, they supported you.” Al has called Kingston home since 1964.

The move to retirement living and making friends
After decades of living independently—and caring for his wife, who has difficulty using her hands — Al made the decision to move into retirement living. “I had a guy cutting the grass, someone else shovelling the snow,” he said. “Even so, I finally got to the point where I couldn’t do it (live at home) anymore.” He and his wife visited several residences in Kingston before choosing Royale Place. “Some felt like hotels,” he recalled. “As soon as I walked through the front door, I didn’t like them. When I walked into The Royale, I felt comfortable. There was no pressure, no hard sell.” That comfort extended beyond the lobby. “I’ve made friends. Maybe ten, maybe 20,” Al said. “But it’s up to you. They’re not going to come to you. You have to go to them, stick your hand out, and say, ‘Hi, how are you? My name’s Al.’”

Praise for the staff and advice for retirees
While he has mixed feelings about the food, Al - picture here as a young man - found joy in introducing small comforts to the willing chefs at Royale Place, like his now-famous BLT with cheese. “My son-in-laws have even started making them at home. It’s gone viral,” he laughed. “ Now nearly 94, Al still drives, keeps busy, and jokes with the staff — who he praised enthusiastically. “From the cleaning staff to the office staff, they can’t do enough for you,” he said. “If you have a complaint, they want to hear it. They’ll clear it up one way or another.”

For those unsure about making the move to retirement living, Al has simple advice: “Don’t wait too long. I waited too long myself.” He spoke sincerely about the transition — about expectations versus reality, and the deeply personal nature of the decision. “We all have to make this choice at one time or another in our lives. You can’t continue forever.”
As for longevity and living to 94? “I don’t know what the secret is,” Al smiled and shrugged. “I don’t use a walker, I don’t use a cane, I drive my own car, and I’m a busy, busy, busy person.” Whatever the secret may be, Al Rodgerson’s life is proof that staying active, staying connected, and staying curious just might be a good start.