We Remember
HROMEK, Al (Aloysius John)
June 28, 1935 — October 25, 2014
It is with deep sorrow as well as unshakable faith in God that we announce the unexpected but very peaceful passing of our beloved husband, father, grandpa, uncle, and friend, Al Hromek. He slipped quickly into the loving arms of Jesus at 10:30 p.m. Saturday, October 25th, 2014.
Al was born in Dysart, SK and moved with his family to Kelowna in 1945 where his first job was delivering the Kelowna Daily Courier. After graduating from Kelowna Secondary School in 1953, he went to work for CP Rail followed by a time with BC Rail. Later he moved to Vancouver to work with Standard Oil. During this time, 58 years ago, his best friend, Leon Beaulieu, introduced him to his sister, Ev, who quickly became the love of his life. They were married in Vancouver on January 31, 1959, and moved to Kelowna 5 months later to start Al Hromek’s Bridge Service, the Chevron Station at Harvey and Pandosy.
Next came his precious family, 7 amazing children and 22 even more amazing grandchildren, each of whom he enjoyed immensely and was so proud of. Celeste (Ken Davidson) – Chloe and Kyle; Celia (Dev Randhawa) – Josh, Jessica and Jasmine; Christopher – Zac, Carly, Luke, Jake, Max, Ben and Sam; Jill (Leroy Rempel) – Nate, Quinn, Brooke and Grace; Julie (Gary Thiessen) Austin, Jordyn and Sarah; Craig (d. 1975); Joy (Steve Barton) – Seth, Jonathan and Joel.
After 14 delightful years, greatly enjoying serving the public at Bridge Service, Lindsey Webster invited Al to join his Real Estate Company. This launched him into a very successful 30 year career through his winning smile, heart of integrity and the favor of God.
Al was a ‘super fan’ of the Vancouver Canucks and the B.C. Lions. He was known for his happy heart through his whistling, singing and telling jokes. He was an ardent fisherman, treasuring his times in the mountain lakes with his kids, grandkids, and fishing buddies, not to mention his many hunting escapades in the backwoods for elk, moose, bear and deer during the 70’s.
Al’s overriding passion was loving, following and getting to know His Heavenly Father through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, whom he loved and served since 1973. As a result of his love for God and people, he bought 80 acres up June Springs, then built and founded Mountain Home Ministries, which blessed many groups over the next 25 years.
Thanks to their son Christopher’s introduction, a life as short-term missionaries began with Youth With a Mission in 1985, taking them to 27 countries over 27 years, with most of their time spent in the Philippines and Haiti. Living Faith Miracle Center became their home Church in 2001 where they learned the true power of redemption. Since that time they have impacted many countries with the Gospel, most recently Haiti, the last 5 years teaching pastors and leaders.
Al’s unique humor, genuine compassion, kindness, and encouragement always touched others. He inspired others to dream Big and enjoy the great destiny God has for each one. His legacy of unconditional love for his family, and many who became like family, all around the world, has left an indelible mark. Through his help and encouragement, businesses, schools and orphanages were started.
His family wishes to thank Dr. Darrell Hamm and the extraordinary care provided by the Critical Care Staff at Kelowna General Hospital.
The Celebration of Al’s Life will be held at New Life Church at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 1st, 2014 with refreshments to follow.
IN LIEU of flowers, donations to further their work and continue Al’s legacy in Haiti and the Philippines may be made through Living Faith Miracle Center, 1551 Water St. Kelowna, B.C. (Website: lfmc.tv). Condolences may be sent through www.springfieldfuneralhome.com .
Service
1:00 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 1st, 2014
Location
New Life Church
Share with Others:
Continue Al’s legacy in Haiti and the Philippines may be made through Living Faith Miracle Center, 1551 Water St. Kelowna, B.C. (Website: lfmc.tv).
Service Information
Service Details
The service for HROMEK, Al (Aloysius John) is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 1st, 2014 . Below you will find the map for the service location and the contact information should you have any questions.
Address & Contact for Service Location:
New Life Church
2041 Harvey Avenue Kelowna, BC
Phone:
Special Requests:
None.
Funeral Pointers:
Condolences
Judi Dreher and myself Debbie send much love and prayers to all of you..
We are saddened to hear about your loss. May it comfort all of you a little to know we care about the sorrow you feel and that we are thinking of each of you.
Ev, you were the first person I met when we moved to Kelowna, and I will always remember each of your beautiful children as they grew up. Our children growing up together were the best years I fondly remember when I sit and dream of the goodness we all have around us. Thanks for being good friends, I treasured your friendship. hugs Peter/Bernice Sebastian
Dear Hromek family, I am so sorry for your loss, I just learned of Al’s departure. He offered me a place to stay at the Lodge when I moved from Montreal, and had a lot of grace toward me, that’s for sure… he and Ev were always very kind and generous, and I will always remember his passion for people, and his gift of hospitality.
Hugs to all of you,
Andre Lefebvre
Alberta, Canada
“What an amazing person and what a remarkable life.” Keeping you all close in our thoughts and prayers at this time.
Hugs,
Dawn and Dean Radcliffe
Hi Ev my sincere condolences to you and family Plenty of memories as a teenager with Bridge Service and living next door to you on Manhatten Dr. when I was first married and we had our first son. Al was always a upbeat guy and had that big smile when I saw him.
Ev & family, I pray that the Lord will grant you His peace & comfort in your time of grief. Al was a very special man that made a difference to those he touched. I first met Al in 1965 when I was 15 and he gave part-time employment at Bridge Service. I worked for Al until 1971 and during that time, he taught me many life lessons including integrity, honesty, & patience, which I have valued all of my life. The Lord blessed me through Al, which I am thankful for. Today Al sees Jesus face to face, as we will to one day. Ev, blessings to you & your family. Peace be with you. Oscar
There is no possible way for me to say all the Absolutely Wonderful things,(And well),about a man and almost 2nd Father to me along with Lady Ev, my 2nd Mom whom both saved me in more ways then any one could ever possibly know or imagine was possible let alone my biological Mother and now deceased Father.My Mother will say to this day that the only reson I live and breath is because of Al and Ev Hromek…
Man oh Man what I lucky man I am today because of all that Al did for me .I can still see him throwing a piece of bread over the dinner table at me with this knowing grin on his face all in fun.
Being up on the mountain with him cutting firewood for the lodge and or just spending time with him will always be sunken into my heart and mind for as long as I am on this earth,,,,God bless you Al for all you did for me .You, I know are in a Great Place now and hope you Ev and All the family which all feel like family to me ,Well all I can say is I Love you all and will see you Saturday…..
We are so sorry to hear of Al’s passing. Al was a great friend to young fellows who loved cars when he had Bridge Service. I was one of those young fellows, and when he made a conscious decision to follow Jesus, that had an impact on my life. He was a great example and I am proud to have known him. I have many fond memories of Al. Our thoughts and prayers are with Ev and the entire family.
Ev, my deepest sympathy for you and your family. Al was one of the finest men I have ever known. He was much loved and will be missed.
My thoughts and prayers are with the family at this sad time.
With deepest sympathy from me to all of you….
We send our love and prayers to you. Al’s smile will remain with us forever.
Ev and Family:
It;s difficult to say goodbye to great neighbors when one leaves the neighborhood, but doubly difficult when their earthy presence is no longer . Al and you all have great neighbors during our 30 plus years on Manhattan. Al was a positive, generous, hardworking gent and always with an optimistic smile. Our Grand Daughter Hina again sends her thanks for Al’s generosity in lending her a bike for the summer months.
God bless and see you Saturday.
We have so many great memories of truly an amazing man of God! Our hearts, prayers and love to you Ev and your family.
Al & Ev were there to teach us the ways of God by example:Love Jesus, be there for people who are seeking, give time and resources to the poor, counsel the wounded and restore the hurting ones.Visit the sick.We availed of it all. Thankyou both. Love you always.
Ev, To a loving and giving family who’s door was always open to friends and those in need. Wishing you comfort and peace.
Condolences sent by: Jim & Marie Rolfe
Ev and family – Al was a missionary, a husband, a father, a grandfather, a friend, a relator, and an incredible mentor. Love and prayers Jack and Gaylene DeGruchy and families
Celeste, our thoughts of comfort are with you and your family. What a marvellous life, lived by a truly extraordinary man. May you always cherish his memory… We have made a donation in Al’s honour in lieu of flowers. Randy, Tamara, Soren & Ryder
Our sincere condolences to ALL the family.
Our sincere condolences to ALL the family
Gin, Joe and Marilyn
Ev, our condolence to you and family. We shall missed Al dearly and reminiscence over our time together in Kota Kinabalu.
Dear Ev and families; Our hearts go out to you all-may God’s warm and loving arms surround you with comfort, peace, and His presence today, tomorrow and the days and weeks and time that follows. Phil, Terry-Lynne and Lucas
Ev, our condolence to you and your family. We will always appreciate our connection with you and Al in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia.
Our family’s thoughts are with you, Celeste and your family as you make your way through this sad time. May you celebrate a marvellous man and the extraordinary journey that was his life. As suggested we have made a donation to Al’s life’s work in his honour. With care, Randy, Tamara, Soren & Ryder
Dear Ev and family;
Love and prayers to you all on the “going home” of Al who made such a difference in this world because of his love for the Lord: love of his family and friends and humanity.
Blessings, Beryl Baldeo
The lives of so many have been touched by Al. He has served God so faithfully and it that love continues through his family. The words in my prayers that came through is that we have not lost Al but that we have gained an angel who will continue to be with us all.
Peace be with you,
Joan and family
My thoughts are with all of you, my dear neighbors, as you honor Al and his life lived so well. Love to all, Steve
Dear Ev & Family,
Rob & would like to send you our deepest condolences over your loss. Will will always remember Al as a happy & easy going man. It was so wonderful seeing him cycling along the waterfront just a few weeks ago. That is wonderful memory seeing him so happy and carefree.
Embracing you all with much love,
Diana & Rob Anderson
Dear Ev and family. I was deeply saddened to read of Al’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of sorrow.
Karen Copp and family.
Dear Ev and family, Love and prayer and God’s peace and comfort be with you. It was always a joy to see your smiling faces. Al will be so missed.
Dear Ev and Family,
Thinking and praying for you in this time. Although it is painful, we rejoice knowing that he is dancing on the streets of gold. He will be missed!
Be Blessed!
Gerald and Janine Goertsen
Dear Ev and family. Al lived his life in service to others. A great legacy to follow. Remembering you in our prayers.
Dear Ev: Our condolences to you and your family – sorry we were unable to get to the service
Dear Ev.
When we lose a loved one here on earth, we gain an angel in heaven that watches over us. May you take comfort in knowing that you have an angel to watch over you now. We extend our most sincere condolences to you and your lovely family.
We were out of town & only now heard of Al’s passing. I’ll add my thoughts of deep appreciation for both Al & Ev who, over our 40+ years here have been a constant source of inspiration to Joan & I. Why, when I first arrived in Kelowna as a freshly-minted Social Worker, you folks welcomed one of my young charges (who I’ll only call K.S.) into your home & hearts. You proved your mettle over & over again. Al really did represent much of what is right & good; a well-known line puts my thoughts like this, “Well done, good & faithful servant. Enter in to the joy…” of accomplishment.
Have been out of town and just heard of this yesterday….. So very, very sorry to have missed the wonderful celebration of Al’s life. I knew of both your reputations in this city long before I ever met you! My thoughts had always been that these two people were strong pillars in our community and have made our world a much better place. When I finally met you face to face, I was taken aback by the sheer joy on your faces that never left! You two were so FULL of the life of God and had such an impact on me. I appreciate and applaud the legacy that both of you have left in your family and around the world. And I am so impressed with Al’s sweet heart, his character, his work ethic, his integrity, his humour, and his vision. I pray that you, Ev, will continue to run the race with joy and carry the vision to it’s full completion! May God bless you abundantly as you lean on Him for comfort and strength and hope. Thank you Al and Ev for inspiring me with your lives. Al will be greatly missed, but what a wonderful reunion is taking place in heaven with his precious loved ones! Much love to you Ev, and your family…
Dear Ev; I am so sad to hear about Al, yet I smile at the thought of him walking in GLORY with the Lord right now. He fought a good fight of faith and I was very proud to know him. He was a man with a million dollar smile. I was encouraged by his faith and so glad to have gotten to know him better as I spent time helping with those accounting entries and with his computer glitches on the Haiti project. I can still hear him calling me a genius, but the truth is it was his praying that gave me the wisdom! Wish I could have been at the Celebration of his life but I only just heard of his passing (Nov 6th). My prayers are with you Ev and all your family. So glad that we are not like those who have no hope, according to 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, we will all soon be together again.
I don’t know if you will get this link but this is an awesome song to encourage you all. Love you all.
Carol Quesnel
http://youtu.be/P_pId5-yC7k
My heart felt condolences go out to the whole family. I have many fond memories of days spent on the beach at your house on Manhattan drive, summer days filled with swimming, eating watermelon and playing in the old jeep that used to be parked on the beach. Godspeed Mr Hromek.
Stuart Ablett
Tokyo Japan