Al Clouston

Who was Al Clouston?

Alwyn Vey Clouston was a Canadian storyteller and humourist known as "Uncle Al."

He was popular at conventions during the time he worked as a travelling businessman and owner of John Clouston Ltd. of St. John's, Newfoundland. He retired in 1975 and became a best-selling author of comedy books. In 1980, his comedy album Cinderelly was nominated for a Canadian Juno Award. His other albums included Spinn'Yarns and Come 'er till I tell You.

Clouston married Ida Bridden at St. John's Topsail Anglican Church on November 25, 1933, and they remained together until her death. Clouston died aged 94, and was survived by their two children, four grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.

Alwyn was the son of John Clouston, grandson of Thomas Clouston, and the great-grandson of John Clouston, a stonemason from Kirkwall, Orkney.

He was almost certainly related to Brian Clouston, Sir Edward Clouston, 1st Baronet, Storer Clouston and William Alexander Clouston, as the surname Clouston is exclusive to descendants of Haakon Harvardson Klo, from whom the name derives. However this is not supported by official records. All that can be correctly stated is that he had the same surname as these Cloustons.