We Remember

GABRUCH, Alvin

It is with deep sadness that the family of Alvin Gabruch announces of his passing on January 2, 2021 at the age of 67.

He leaves behind his children, Andrew (Annick), Chelsea and Alex; as well as his 5 grandchildren, Isabelle, Joseph, Benjamin, Samuel and Jack. He also leaves behind his siblings, Wendy, John and Tammy.  He was sadly predeceased by his brother David and his beloved son Jeremy.

Alvin was a big personality. As the oldest of 5 children, he was raised on a farm near Battleford, Saskatchewan. In 1971, he graduated from high school; the 1st graduating class from the newly built Comprehensive High School in North Battleford. Then in 1972, he was awarded The Dalgliesh Award as the top aggregate for 4H cattle production. He traveled to England aboard a Dalgliesh grain cargo ship and toured around England, all expenses paid for 3 months. He returned to attend the University of Saskatchewan and enrolled in the Agriculture Program. He completed a year and then returned to the farm where he worked alongside his parents. He loved agriculture and was an accomplished farmer.

In 1985, he and his family moved to Creston, BC where they purchased an apiary. He continued to be involved in grain farming and was later employed by the School District. He began driving a school bus and then moved into other job postings. In 1996, he purchased a property where he grew his farm and added a cattle operation. He loved the farm as well as his dogs.

As a member of the Pentecostal Church he was involved with the youth ministry, and served on the board. Alvin also participated in a missionary trip to Guatemala and Ukraine. He also travelled internationally for enjoyment.

Alvin will be missed.

Due to COVID restrictions, there is a private interment service on January 23, 2021.

Donations can be made to the JoeAnna’s House with the Kelowna General Hospital Foundation by visiting www.joeannashouse.com

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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JoeAnna's House with the Kelowna General Hospital Foundation Link: joeannashouse.com

 


 


Condolences

  • Mervin & Irene Sundbo says:

    To the Family of Alvin Gabruch:
    It is with sad hearts that we heard of Alvin’s passing. He possessed such a vibrant personality and was always a pleasure to converse with. May the Lord comfort you during this time of deep sorrow.
    With our love and prayers,
    Mervin & Irene Sundbo

  • Dave Basaraba says:

    So sorry! We had so many great times! Give rest O Lord to your servant where there is neither sick word sorrow!

  • Karen Jensen (Sparkes) says:

    Deepest condolences to the Gabruch family. We have had many laughs over the years with Alvin. Rest in peace Alvin, know you will be missed. Karen & family

  • Ellen Romanowski says:

    I am so sorry to hear this.I enjoyed many conversations with Alvin during the years at Glad Tidings in Creston.It was great to see him again at Sharon School Camp again here in North Battleford.Inremember your whole family with fondness.

  • Barb and Gordon Ogilvie says:

    Our heartfelt sympathies to all of you. We have known Alvin since your family first moved to the valley, through farming, bees and the school district. He will be remembered for his kind, friendly way, many stories and smile. Find comfort in your memories and knowing he is now at peace.

  • Scott Veitch says:

    He was my neighbor … we often chatted when he drove by me walking my dogs while he was buzzing off to his sd8 job. I will miss his cheer.
    Scott Shannon and our Boys

  • Merrill Palmer says:

    My sincere condolences. This is heartbreaking

  • June Walker says:

    My sincere condolences to the Gabruch family! I worked with Alvin at the school district and enjoyed his many interesting stories! Always good for laugh!
    My sincere condolences to the Gabruch family! I worked with Alvin at the school district and enjoyed his many stories and jokes!

  • Sheila Peel says:

    Sincere condolences to Alvin’s family. I worked with Alvin at the school and always enjoyed conversation, laughs and memories of 4H days back in Saskatchewan. He was a kind person and he will be missed.

  • Julie Groot says:

    To the family, my deepest condolences for your great loss. I will miss his evening visits to Tim Horton’s for Iced Coffee and a sandwich. Our conversations were always interesting and fun. Sometimes when he was so tired and almost falling asleep, we kept an eye on him to make sure he was ok. He always had a kind word for the youngsters that came in, and often spent extra time in conversation with them. He was interested in all the goings on of our valley, and seemed to know everyone by name. His loss will be felt by all of us.

  • ANNETTE HAMBLER-PRUDEN says:

    I AM SO SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT THIS. I KNEW ALVIN FOR MANY YEARS AS A SCHOOL DISTRICT EMPLOYEE. MY CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY

  • Laura Lundy says:

    So sorry to hear of the loss of Alvin. Condolences to the Gabruch family. I worked with Alvin at the School District and we called him Mr. Sunshine! He was a truly genuine soul, always a smile, a kind heart. We shared many a story and many laughs. He will me so very greatly missed.

  • Jane Leeming says:

    I was so very sorry to hear about Alvin. He was a kind man who always had a smile and time for a quick chat as he did his school deliveries. He was a brave soul to drive the Salmo Creston everyday! My sincere condolences on your loss. He will be truly missed.

  • Theresa Montpellier says:

    My sincere condolences to Alvin’s family. I also worked with Alvin for many years with SD8, and as the district courier, he was a ray of sunshine whenever he arrived. We often had banter back and forth over the Creston Thunder Cats and the Nelson Leafs, Here is a picture of Alvin at the District Service Pin/Retirement celebration 2019 – Alvin received his 30 year service pin. His upbeat presence and genuine nature will be greatly missed,

  • Brent Firkser says:

    I always loved hearing Alvin’s voice echo’ing out of the lunch room at the board office when he would stop in there to pick things up. Alvin was a legend and is always remembered fondly. Much Love Alvin!

  • Rick Korens says:

    I am very sad to hear about Alvin Dying. to me he was always good natured and a positive influence during his travels about the School District. I send my condolences to Alvin’s family and friends

  • Deanna Holitzki says:

    My deepest condolences to your family on the passing of Alvin. I knew Alvin for many years, especially when he was the Courier for the school district. Alvin was an absolute gem, and I loved our many conversations together. I particularly remember Alvin’s love of bears, bees, farming and family. We talked a lot about the bears that “hung around” in the trees above the board office in Nelson – Alvin taught me many things about bear habitat and habits. We even searched a couple of times for the bear den – unfortunately (or fortunately!) to no avail. Alvin also taught us all many things about raising and respecting bees, as well as farming, and especially family. He always had stories to tell us – we loved seeing him at the office and hearing his stories. Alvin was a kind, compassionate and caring soul – we are all very saddened by his loss.

  • James Wheeler says:

    I am very sorry to hear of Alvin’s passing. I always enjoyed our chats when he visited Blewett School. He will be missed.
    James

  • Tina Harms says:

    My heartfelt condolences go out to Alvin’s loved ones. I knew Alvin for years through the school district and he was always upbeat, social and had lots to talk about with everyone. Alvin went out of his way to always ask about my work, my family, and my dog over the years. He always kept up with what was going on in the lives of those around him, making connections with everyone he met. Alvin will be greatly missed. Again, my heartfelt condolences to family, friends and creatures he has left behind.

  • Shannon Lanaway says:

    Alvin and I would chat furiously in the office about our Ukrainian shared ancestry. I was grateful for his warmth and humor during my day. I always felt better after a brief chat! Go gently into the night my friend. Many hugs to family.

  • Allison Kepke says:

    Alvin was the first custodian I ever worked with…he trained me well.. He was so welcoming and kind hearted. I have such fond memories of our stories and jokes together. Sparky was my nickname for him… Wonderful person, who will be greatly missed.

  • Cheryl Makeiv says:

    Alvin was a connector and story teller! As our district courier, each week he shared his spark for life while sharing his wisdom and stories. Through this thread of messages, it is easy to see how Alvin touched so many lives! And how he will be so deeply missed by family and friends. My sincerest condolences <3

  • Becky Blair says:

    So sorry to learn of Alvin’s passing. His ability to bring laughter to the workplace was truly a gift, and I appreciated his support and caring for our students. His kindness touched many and he will be remembered as an honest man who had an ability to make our work lighter. Condolences to his family.

  • Gloria Gadacz says:

    My sincere condolences to Alvin’s family. Alvin was a ray of sunshine who always brightened one’s day. His kindness, humour, his positive attitude, his love for his family, neighbours, community and colleagues will always be remembered and appreciated. Alvin was a true friend.

  • Tasha Pollon says:

    I’m sorry to hear of Alvin’s passing, I always enjoyed a quick chat with him in the hallway at South Nelson School, he was such a kind and friendly man.

  • Rollie Wanagas says:

    On behalf of the family of Ewald & Zelma Wanagas, pleas accept our deepest condolences on Alvin’s passing. The Gabruch & Wanagas families have had a wonderful friendship that has existed for decades.. We are saddened by Alvin’s passing & will hold you all close in our thoughts.

  • Lety and Ralph Schalm says:

    Dear Andy, Chelsea, Alex and family we are so sorry for your loss. The Gabruch family has been dear to us for many years as our roots are in Sask. too! We are praying comfort for you and treasured memories of a hardworking, energetic, and faithful man. Sincerely, Lety and Ralph Schalm.

  • Melanie Lankhaar-Rejman says:

    My deepest condolences to Alvin’s family. I knew Alvin for many years as a custodian, bus driver, and school district courier and there was never a day that he wasn’t smiling and greeting everyone with his humor. I was saddened to hear of his passing and my thoughts are with his family during this very difficult time.

  • Vicki Bourdon says:

    So saddened to hear about the loss of Alvin. I knew him first as our custodian at Erickson School where he would come in to start his shift as I was finishing my day in the office. When he switched to mail courier he always had a few minutes to chat as he dropped off and picked up mail. His job made mine so much easier and he always asked about my day and shared his with me. A kind soul who will be missed, not just by family but by colleagues as well.

  • Allan Gribbin says:

    Over the years Alvin and I have had many fun and interesting conversations. These will be missed as will his cheerful attitude and great sense of humor. My condolences to his family.

  • Jason Meidl says:

    I will miss Alvin, so many good chats as we crossed paths…Rest easy my friend

  • Art Froehlich says:

    I was just recently made aware of Alvin’s passing. I am so sad to have received this news and would like to send my sincere condolences to his family. I have incredibly fond memories of Alvin from our time together during the Dalgliesh 4-H trip to the UK in 1972.
    Art Froehlich

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