ESTEPHAN, Afif Kabalan “John”

January 10, 1932 — June 13, 2025

Afif “John” Kabalan Estephan, left us on June 13, 2025, one week shy of his 93rd birthday.

Born in Jib Jannine, Lebanon, a small town in the Beqaa Valley, to father Kabalan Assad Estephan (1890-1972) and mother Shafea Nasif Sowma (1900-1982), Afif was the sole surviving child (two sets of twins perished before Afif was born), of what was a second union for his father. He was the much-loved only child of his adoring mother, who he spoke so endearingly of up until his last day.  All five of his step-siblings from his father’s first marriage predeceased him.

In his later youth, determined to help him avoid swimmer’s rash during the summer, his mother enrolled him in tailoring school – a rather fortuitous intervention.

At 19, sponsored by his father’s sister Saada and her son Ab in Edmonton, Alberta, Afif courageously emigrated from Lebanon to Canada, not knowing a word of English, but determined to build a better life for himself, and to help provide for family back home in the old country. Sadly, mere months after arriving in his newly adopted country, his beloved Aunt passed away. But, as would prove to be to his great fortune, his Aunt had introduced him to the Klinck family – John and Audrey, and their two children Pat and Jack. The Klincks welcomed Afif into their lives, and in turn Beverley and the children. There is no more accurate way to describe their relationship, other than to refer to them as our family.

The Sowma Family, from his mother’s side, were a bit closer in proximity than Lebanon. Afif made sure to visit them in California, and stay in contact, and vice versa, fostering a close bond that remained intact over an entire lifetime.  It is a very cherished connection, felt mutually on both sides of the border.

Edmonton’s Johnstone Walker Department Store, and later Woodward’s, were where young Afif was given his first opportunity to hone his skills as a tailor in their in-house tailoring departments. It was on his daily bus rides to and from work where he first spotted a lovely young hazel-eyed beauty on her own daily commute, whom he quickly determined to court.  Introductions ensued, and soon Afif and Beverley were a couple on their way to a lifetime together, marrying in 1959. Three babies arrived between 1960 and 1963, completing their family of five.

1967 brought an incalculable change for the Estephans. As he’d already demonstrated, Afif was not afraid to take a chance at an improved life. The young family had vacationed a number of times in the Okanagan.  The valley, orchards, warm summer weather, and moderate winters beckoned, reminding Afif of Lebanon, and was surely a deciding factor in determining their final choice of Kelowna as their new place to call home

Afif was hired to run a tailoring shop on the mezzanine level of Harry Mitchell’s Men’s Wear.  However, it wasn’t long before Afif and Bev decided to venture out on their own, knowing they’d have a leg-up on the competition with Afif as the on-site tailor.  In 1974, a store was born – John’s Men’s Wear. Afif, now known more widely by his Christian name John, was the tailor extraordinaire, while Beverley did just about everything else… bookkeeping, stock ordering, merchandising. Over the following 25 years, and close to 24/7, they became a team known for their reputable service and fine assortment of products. It was a point of immense pride for Afif to be the tailor of choice for the RCMP, undertaking alterations on everything from every-day uniforms to the red serge dress uniforms.

When they weren’t working, which was rarely, they built many new homes from the ground up, travelled, played bridge, and hosted gourmet meals. Afif had his individual outside interests too, which  Beverley HAPPILY allowed him to pursue independently… salmon fishing, target shooting, and gardening. He was the proud cultivator of fragrant roses and massive beefsteak tomatoes. He was also a long-time Rotary member, volunteering in countless areas over many years to support the club and its causes.

Retirement was the prize in 1997 – the comfy reclining chair was calling his name, and Afif answered. Shared pastimes continued, including at breakfast time, when the cards were dealt for a very competitive hand of wild card.

After Beverley’s passing, Afif found a true passion in preparing many-course meals and sweet treats (very often Lebanese cuisine) for family and friends. He so loved good food and the socializing that came with it.

Afif was predeceased by Beverley in 2019.

Left to mourn him are daughters Rene (Brian) and Sheila, and son Ab (Michelle), and grandchildren Malcolm and Jenna, Mason, and Ellison and Isabel; many treasured friends and acquaintances far too numerous to mention, cultivated through all the years around the coffee pot at John’s Men’s Wear; the Houssian/Shoranick families; and Miray Estephan and family.

Afif and Miray had only recently made contact, and that connection brought him such joy in these last years.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Dr. Paul Hart for caring for Afif.  It was very appreciated.

No service at Afif’s request.

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