1

Albert Checkley was an Innisfail man well-known to the community as co-owner of the Chisholm-Checkley department store. When he enlisted in the First World War, he kept up correspondence with various friends and family members, and many of his letters home were reprinted in the local paper. It was through letters from "Check" that the people of Innisfail and District learned what it was like for a Canadian boy overseas, and what their own loved ones must be going through on a daily basis.

2

Photo of Checkley, printed after he was declared missing.
24 June 1915

3

Part one of Checkley's November 26th letter.
26 November 1914
Innisfail, Alberta

4

Part two of Checkley's November 26th letter.
26 November 1914
Innisfail, Alberta

5

Letter from Checkley.
18 February 1915
Innisfail, Alberta

6

Another 'Check' letter.
1 April 1915

7

An advertisement for the store Checkley owned in partnership with Duncan(?) Chisholm.
20 August 1914
Innisfail, Alberta

8

This is an advertisement for the department store Checkley owned in partnership with Duncan Chisholm.

9

Final letter from Checkley.
15 April 1915

10

Part one of Checkley's April 29th letter.
29 April 1915
Innisfail, Alberta

11

Part two of Checkley's April 29th letter.
29 April 1915
Innisfail, Alberta

12

Announcement of Checkley's death.
5 August 1915

13

Sergeant Albert Checkley's death struck a chord with the entire community. All of Innisfail felt they had known the man affectionately referred to as "Check", even if just through his letters. His cheery voice and amusing anecdotes were sorely missed; all of Innisfail and District mourned the loss of this optimistic young man.