Obituary of Al Cummings
Al Cummings, a brilliant friend, innovative bookseller and book producer, lover of life, and adored husband, has died after a short illness in his 84th year.
Born to parents of modest means, he set his sights on a comfortable and gentlemanly lifestyle and succeeded.
In November of 1970, and married to the lovely Hope Cummings (Nee Kasta), he opened a bookstore in Burlington named A Different Drummer Books. Along with cofounder John Richardson, they developed a very successful and enduring store. Within a few years, Al had become president of the Canadian Booksellers Association.
In 1979, Al decided to produce books and founded Madison Press Books in Toronto. An early success was The Art of Robert Bateman which became a Canadian bestseller in the fall of 1981. This would launch a long publishing relationship. In 1984, with editorial director, Hugh Brewster, Al met with oceanographer Dr. Robert Ballard who was planning a dive to the Titanic and acquired the book rights to the expedition. In 1987 Madison Press produced The Discovery of the Titanic that was published simultaneously in 13 countries. The Canadian Living Cookbook was another series of bestsellers produced in collaboration with Canada’s finest food writers and the staff of Canadian Living magazine.
Along with his love of books, Al had a gift for re-imagining old homes. Working with long-time friend Thomas Sparling they created a home for Madison Press and several luxurious living spaces including an inspired restoration of a shepherd’s cottage near Asolo, Italy.
Al was above all a gourmand, an oenophile and a traveller who revelled in sharing his good fortune with friends. His companions enjoyed being with him in London, New York, Miami, Italy, Nevis, Maine and Toronto. A great host, the best times were at his tables where one would meet the great, the near great and just friends.
Al spent many years between Toronto and Asolo with his partner Newton Ximenes who managed Al’s homes, cooked wonderfully, helped Al through illness and kept things light.
Al recently married his partner of many years, Nicholas Gomes, who filled his last years with joy and the best of care. They were happiest in their kitchen and library, working together on interior design, hosting wonderful dinners with friends and travelling. Al and Nick were together when Al left us.
Al is predeceased by his parents, brother Bruce Cummings and wife Hope Cummings. He will be remembered with love by Michael and Sara Angel, Pam Purves, John Macfarlane, Franco and Barbara Prevedello, Jimmy Molloy and Bernadette Morra, Roger and Kevin Garland, Primo and Annalisa Franco, Tom Sparling, Susan Barrable, Kevin Hanson, John Richardson and Antonio Scisci. Heartfelt thanks goes out to the staff at Toronto General Hospital.
Please join us on Thursday, September 12, 2024 for visiting from 12:15 until 1:30 p.m. at which time a Tribute for Al will be held at the Chapel of St. James-the-Less at St. James' Cemetery & Crematorium (635 Parliament Street, Toronto). Guests are instructed to park on Parliament Street or with instruction inside the cemetery gates.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Al's memory may be made to the UHN Foundation by using the Donations tab on his homepage.
Please share a memory, photo or sentiment of his life here at his memorial legacy page.
Uniquely entrusted to eco Cremation & Burial Services Inc.
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