We Remember

FABRIS, Oliver – UPDATED SERVICE/LIVESTREAM INFO

May 15, 1933 — March 6, 2023

A Celebration of Life will be held to honour Oliver on WEDNESDAY, MAY 31, 2023, at 1:00 PM (PST), at SPRINGFIELD FUNERAL HOME, 2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC. If you are unable to attend in person, please join the family online by Livestream at the time of the service (see below), a recording will be made available to view shortly thereafter.

At the age of 89, on March 6, 2023, Oliver Fabris peacefully went to join his previously departed beloved wife and other family members.

His surviving family members who mourn this deep loss include his children, Roberta Lewis and Rick Fabris; stepdaughter Viveia (Alan) Tokunagan; grandchildren, Lina Lewis (Jeff Foley), Peter (Tara) Lewis, Ricky Fabris, Angelo Fabris, Marina Fabris, and Chris (Heather) Fabris; great-grandchildren, Davyn, Presley, Hudson, Liv, Bristol, Benson, Vienna, Jackson, and Sophia; as well as his sister, Liliana, and numerous nieces and nephews. Sadly, Oliver was predeceased by his wife, Marina, in 1988; his parents, Pietro and Carmen; his sister, Milvia; and his two brothers-in-law, Amerigo and Rino.

Born in San Giovanni de Casara, Italy, Oliver came to Canada, at an early age, with the intention of earning money and returning to Italy. However, that all changed when, in Prince Rupert where they worked together, he met and fell in love with Marina They wed and moved to Nanaimo, BC.

Oliver worked most of his career in the Forestry & Lumber industry with MacMillan Bloedel. He was a lumber grader and worked in Mill Quality Control.

When he retired, he moved to Parksville and then finally to Kelowna.

Oliver spent his spare time gardening and wood working. He was an excellent gardener, grafting and propagating many plants which his family still cherish, growing in their gardens.

He was extremely talented when working with wood. Slow but very talented! He built houses, made furniture, and designed and carved beautiful carved pieces until just a few years ago. Many of his carvings continue to be enjoyed by his family and friends.

Oliver made his own wine for years, from grape to wine in the basement of his Nanaimo house. Later years, he resorted to using juice to make dry white and red wines.

He enjoyed lawn bowling in Parksville and Kelowna. He participated in Senior provincial games in lawn bowling. He even taught this sport to the blind. He also liked to curl, boat and enjoy a fine glass of Merlot.

Oliver’s singing, whistling and joking will be missed at the Village at Mill Creek home which gave him so much comfort and peace in his last years.

Oliver will be dearly missed by all with whom he shared himself.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Village at Mill Creek, www.baptisthousing.org/donate.

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

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Village at Mill Creek Link: www.baptisthousing.org/donate

 


 


Condolences

  • Rick says:

    Thanks, Dad… I love you love 💕. Always…

  • Ireland family says:

    Very sorry for your loss. I enjoyed the time I spent working and visiting with Oliver and discussing all things lumber !! God bless

  • Greg Henkelman says:

    Loss hits so deep, but such a life of incredible hobbies and passions! Embrace those special memories and remember that you have the support of loved ones and friends.

  • Lee Curtis says:

    Rick and family. Oliver was apparently very accomplished and from what I read and have heard through Rick, he enjoyed sharing those talents. I’m sure he taught his family many of his skills and shared his values. Although he is not present now, he is not gone. His spirit lives on and he will be with you. Best wishes to you all.

  • Springfield Funeral Home says:

    1948; aged 16

  • Leeanne Lehman says:

    I adored Oliver. I was his caregiver for a few years and I really enjoyed knowing him. I felt that we had a special bond.

  • Murray Bamford says:

    Condolences from the entire Bamford family. Our thoughts are with you in this time of grief and loss.. I have such great memories of your father especially trying his new batches of red wine. Sorry for your loss. Kind regards, The Bamfords

  • Joyce Wenner says:

    Sincere sympathy Roberta, Rick, Viv, Lina and Fabris family on the passing of Oliver. I met Oliver and Marina in 1964 and later they became my neighbours in 1971 when you lived on St Andrews St. My thoughts are with you all at this sad time and may your memories of them stay with you always.

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