We Remember

BUSCH, Alan Ernest

October 20, 1960 — November 7, 2018

Alan Ernest Busch passed away surrounded by loved ones on the morning of November 7, 2018 at the age of 58. Alan was born in Kelowna on October 20, 1960 to Ernest and Angelina Busch. It was at Kelowna Secondary School that Al met his future wife and the love of his life, Deborah Ann Rickards. Al and Debbie married on August 31, 1985 and spent several months travelling through Europe on their Honeymoon. This was the first of many wonderful adventures together around the world.

Al went on to study at the University of British Columbia, graduating in 1986 with a Bachelor of Commerce and obtaining the designation of Certified Accountant. The couple moved to Vernon where he began working at KPMG from 1986 until 1990. It was in Vernon that Al and Debbie welcomed their first child, Sarah, into the world. Shortly after they moved back to Kelowna, the family of three quickly grew to five with the birth of their sons Stephen and Craig. During this time, Al joined his dad and brothers Ron, Ken and Mark in running and operating the family business OK Builders Supplies Ltd.

The Busch family has deep roots in the Okanagan. In 1914 Alan’s grandfather, Angelo Martin, immigrated from Italy and helped in the construction of the Kettle Valley Railway. In 1953, Alan’s father Ernest, uncle Raymond, and grandfather Michael started Busch Construction Company. As it grew, it later became Valley Building Materials Ltd. and finally OK Builders Supplies Ltd.  The family history was instrumental in the early formation and growth of the Okanagan Valley that we know today. In 1995, after the passing of his father Ernest, Al took on the role of President of OK Builders Supplies, a title he was proud to carry.

Amongst balancing a busy family and work-life, Al always found time for the things he loved most. He was an avid football fan, global traveller, master pasta chef, classic rock connoisseur, and world-famous secret agent (at least according to him). Above all, Al was a man of integrity and he will be very dearly missed.

Al is survived by his wife Debbie and their children Sarah (David), Stephen (Weronika) and Craig (Stephanie); his mother Angelina Busch and mother-in-law Patricia Rickards; his brothers Ron (Terry), Ken (Debby) and Mark (Tammy); and many beautiful nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his father Ernest and father-in-law Bradley Rickards.

We would like to thank Dr. Michael Banwell, Al’s brother-in-law Dr. Russell Naito, and the wonderful staff and volunteers of the BC Cancer Agency for their care and support. All are welcome to join us for Al’s Celebration of Life on Thursday, November 22, 2018 at 1:00 pm at Springfield Funeral Home, 2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna. In lieu of flowers, please make donations on behalf of Alan Busch to the Kelowna General Hospital Foundation, Central Okanagan Hospice Association, or BCSPCA.

If you wish to send a condolence, post photos or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Share Your Condolences.”

 

Service
Thursday, November 22, 2018 at 1:00 pm

Location
Springfield Funeral Home

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In lieu of flowers, please make donations on behalf of Alan Busch to the Kelowna General Hospital Foundation, Central Okanagan Hospice Association or to the BCSPCA Link: www.kghfoundation.com, www.hospicecoha.org, www.spca.bc.ca

 


Service Information

Service Details


The service for BUSCH, Alan Ernest is scheduled for Thursday, November 22, 2018 at 1:00 pm. Below you will find the map for the service location and the contact information should you have any questions.

Address & Contact for Service Location:

Springfield Funeral Home

2020 Springfield Road Kelowna, BC

Phone: 250-860-7077


Special Requests:

None.


Funeral Pointers:

 


Condolences

  • Rhonda and Larry says:

    Debbie;
    It is with a very heavy heart I write to you and the entire family to offer our sincere condolences of Al’s passing. We have so much we want to say, and yet sit in silence often, and reflect on the many great years Larry has been with the Busch family at OK Builders. Al will be remembered for many things; and for sure his Integrity. What a great leader. We are grateful for the opportunity to be with you and the family on the 22nd, to celebrate his life and personally tell you how very sorry we are for you loss. Our thoughts continue to be with you during this difficult time.

  • Mark Omelaniec says:

    I am saddened by the news of Al’s passing. I have known Al for many years due to our relationship with our cement supplier and always considered Al to be a kindred spirit. Family business, concrete industry, same age. I remember many conversations over drinks of our trials and tribulations as independent businesses dealing with our corporate competitors and our complaints of cement price increases cutting into our profitability while enjoying their hospitality on a fishing boat, golf course, great restaurant or Canucks suite!!
    I regret not being able to carry out something Al and I talked about years ago; being retired and spending a long vacation together on a boat in the Caribbean with our wives. I remember that conversation like it was yesterday and I it was a goal that I was working to call him on it in the next few years. I am sorry for you loss, and I hope and trust you will remember that smile and full head of white hair (another commonality of ours, but mine is not white). I have lost a friend but you have lost a father, a husband, a brother, an uncle, a son…
    I will miss Al and always remember him as the good person he was, may he rest in peace.
    My heartfelt condolences to the Busch family.

    • Debbie says:

      Dear Mark, I remember Al mentioning all the great trips you had together, and heard him mention the common bound he felt with you as well. I must say I forgot about the mention of a sailboat in the Caribbean, this would have been a fine trip indeed. I do hope that you are able to fulfill this trip one day with your wife. The photo brought a smile to my face, a true Al photo, thank you for submitting this. Kindest regards, Debbie Busch

    • Debbie says:

      Dear Lynn and Paul, great memories that’s for sure! It’s amazing how those years flew by and although I never wanted to forget them, time does it’s darndest. Thank you for reminding me of the smiles that we all shared together. Wishing you both health and happiness, Deb

  • Paul & Lynn Macklem says:

    Dear Deb,
    Our heart felt sorrows are with you. Al was a special guy and we have such good memories of him from camping and all the dinners we shared. One of Paul’s best memories was when we were camping at Ellison. Al, Russell and Paul went down to the beach to shoot off the flairs we’d gotten from Lynn’s Uncle. The unhappy ranger arrived after we’d shot off a flair. Al and Paul pinned it on young Russell and we escaped with no more than a stern warning. Al always had that mischievous twinkle in his eyes. Love and condolences to you and your family.
    Lynn and Paul Macklem

  • Ed Rankin says:

    Ron, Ken and Mark, my deepest sympathies are with you and your families
    Ed Rankin

  • Bob/Janet Tucker says:

    so sad… hoped he would beat it… big hugs to all the family…
    Bob & Janet Tucker

  • Maria Ridgewell says:

    It is with a heavy heart that I write my heartfelt condolences to Debbie and the family. I am shocked to hear of Al’s passing and I deeply saddened, such a young life over too soon. I first met Al, Debbie when Stephen played soccer with my son, David. I later crossed paths with Al as he and OK Builders were great supporters and sponsor for the Okanagan Challenge Mens Soccer Club, which I was president of for 4 years. What a great, kind, gentleman he was, he will be missed, very much so. My condolences to Ron, Terry and Family also, my thoughts and prayers are with you all.
    Maria Ridgewell

  • Jim Shea says:

    It’s was my pleasure working for him he was vary good to me

  • Lane & Ron Shupe says:

    We are so very sorry for your loss and that our world has lost such a special person in Al. Please know we are here for you if ever you need us. Call upon your friends and family to get through the months ahead.

  • Diane Burns (Busch) says:

    Dear Deb, Aunt Angie and cousins Ron, Ken, Mark and their families.
    Sending my condolences to all of you. Many memories have been coming to mind when we were kids. Going on holidays together like the road trip to Calgary/Edmonton and the big trip to Hawaii for Christmas one year. Many happy times during the summer when the Busch boys would came to our house to swim in our pool and not ever wanting to leave. Another great memory was getting together Christmas Day rotating to each aunt/uncle’s homes for the turkey dinner. Playing with boy toys since there was just girls on our side of the family or you boys would come to our house and play with “Barbies”. It was in the Kelowna Karate Club that my husband Glen and myself got to see the other side of Alan shine. When he was competing Alan wasn’t that quiet shy guy anymore.. His memory will always be in my heart. Thoughts and prayers to all of you.
    Sending

    • Debbie says:

      Thank you Ray, I can picture Al riding at full speed towards the bike rack, and spinning up some dirt, at some poor unsuspecting person,, hopefully it wasn’t you! The image of this brings a smile to my face. His birthday was a great evening, and it was wonderful to see you four friends together again. Hope your doing well and still running. Deb

  • Raymond Polman says:

    Deb, I am blown away by this news. Al was one of my closest friends from grade 5 onward. I can vivdly remember him with his brush cut hair coming crashing into the bike stands at AS Matheson school. I was also there with him as he scrambled to recover his bride during your college years. Al was my inspiration as he worked on achieving his black belt in karate and focused on achieving his CA. We studied together at McGill for or CAs, we parties together and laughed together. Thank you for bringing us together recently for his birthday, and lasting memories of the great guy that Al was.
    Al the best to you and your family in this time of such a tragic loss.
    Ray

  • Raymond Polman says:

    Photo attached frkm Al’s 50th
    The fab 5 minus 1!

  • Carol Williams says:

    Angie, Deborah, Ron, Ken, Mark and families

    My thoughts, love, and prayers go out to you all.
    Alan was a very unique and special person. I feel honored to have played a small role in his life and in the life of Ok Builders Supplies Ltd.
    You all made me feel special and part of the family. I will always cherish the many years and wonderful memories we shared together.

    God bless and care for you at this time.

    Carol

  • W. Tod and Teresa Alstad says:

    Deb and family we offer our sincere condolences on the passing of Alan, although we didn’t get to spend a lot of time with Al and you when we did it was always an occasion and a lot of fun. If there is anything we can do please just ask.

  • MARC DION says:

    Deb, so very sorry to hear the awful news of Al’s passing. Although I only knew Al a little it was enough to know that he will be missed a lot. We had shared some very good times. Good Bye Al – sorry you had to punch out early. Marc

  • Tanice Fadden says:

    Our deepest sympathy and sincere condolences to you Debbie, and your family. Sincerely, Bruce and Tanice Fadden

  • Peter and Heather Held says:

    Dear Deb and the Busch Family.
    We are deeply saddened to hear of Alan’s passing and offer our sincere condolences.
    So stunned to hear this news. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
    I have great memories of living on Belaire across from the Busch’s.
    I forgave him for hitting me on the head with a golf club. It was an accident and I was standing in the wrong spot.
    It was a funny moment.
    Alan was awesome and a genuine person.
    Peter and Heather Held

  • Jim Johnson says:

    Debbie and Family,
    I just today learned of Alan’s passing. It is difficult to express the shock and sadness I feel. As you know, Al was one of a few “very best friends” who grew up together beginning as grade school children. In many ways, this small group of boys were like brothers. Know that each have only the fondest memories of a child, and then a man, they truly regarded as their own very own family. Please take good care Debbie. I am so sorry for your loss.
    Sincerely, Jim Johnson

    • Debbie says:

      Jim, thank-you for your sincere, insightful, and caring words. I know Alan felt the same way, he had throughout his life a few people who he considered his closest friends.
      Thank you for reaching out.

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