We Remember
GARTNER, Allan Douglas
April 14, 1964 — May 9, 2020
Allan Douglas Gartner died peacefully at the Kelowna General Hospital, BC on Saturday May 9, 2020 at the age of 56. Allan is survived by his brother Bryce and his wife Pamela née Durocher in North Bay along with nieces Paige, Bailey and Julia and his brother Chris in Toronto and niece Olivia. He is preceded in death by his father, Charles “Sid” and Elizabeth “Betty” nee Zufelt.
Allan was born on April 14, 1964 in North Bay where he grew up on Trout Lake. He graduated from Widdifield High School in 1984 and went on to gain degrees in Marine Biology from the University of Guelph and a degree in Civil Engineering from Carleton University.
Allan worked as an engineer around the globe including Canada, Bermuda, Australia, Indonesia, The Philippines, Thailand, and Hawaii where his work at the Honolulu zoo won awards. Al’s personal passion was for competitive paddling which he started with the North Bay Canoe Club in the 1970’s. He continued this passion while living in Australia as well as Hawaii where he participated in ocean outrigger canoe races.
Al’s nature of giving was demonstrated through his volunteer work with the Kelowna Fire Department, the Australian Coast Guard and most recently, volunteer training missions to Central and South America with Fire Rescue Training International where he aimed to provide help to those that needed it.
Special thanks to Missy Blackburn and Paula Craig for their compassion and care provided to Al. Due to these times, a celebration of Al’s life will be scheduled for Kelowna, BC and North Bay, ON later this year. He will be sadly missed by countless friends and family who loved him dearly.
Once a brother, always a brother, no matter the distance, no matter the difference and no matter the issue.
-Byron Pulsifer
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.
Al was a gentle soul with an easy going nature and generous smile. We will miss him dearly.
So sorry to have read this news today. I met Al at Carleton University. He was kind, honest and so smart. We reconnected ever few years through Facebook. I wish I’d made more of an effort to stay in touch. Condolences to his friends and family. Lots of love,
Gillian (Saltwater)
Chris and Bryce—I’m so sorry to hear about Allan. I will certainly remember him for his good sense of humour and your tribute to him his a reminder of what we can all do to help others in need.
I worked with Al at Reid Crowther & Partners a long time ago. We shared a lot of laughs and I was very saddened when I head that he passed away. My heartfelt sympathy to all his family. A life lost too soon. I hope Al finds peace.
You were a great guy for keeping up with people!
I will miss our chats!
Godspeed cousin Al
Love Toby
My condolences go out to all of Al’s family. I met Al years ago in Kelowna. Also met up with him in Australia for a few days while traveling. His kind heart and great sense of humor will be missed. Sad to hear of this day. Rest In Peace brother
As he called me “Continent” ❤️
AL WAS A FINE YOUNG FELLOW. lIVED UP THE STREET.and member of the North Bay Canoe Club.He will be missed. Glenroy
So sorry for your loss. We open our hearts and will have you in prayer. Love Kevin, Jennifer, Haley, and Ryker.
Chris and Bryce – Our deepest sympathy for your loss, Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Sincerely, Rob, Andrea, Evan & Julian
Sincere sympathies to the family.
Condolences Chris and family, on the far too early passing of your brother, Al. He lived the life of a learner, adventurer and competitor and his impact will be felt workdwide. Thinking of you at this time, Liz Gribbon
Al and I were original dive buddies. We took our SCUBA certification course together at age 16 and I recall his love of diving. He later worked on an underwater archeology and preservation project with my father (pictures are of the research report). We lost touch after school but it sounds like Al had a lifetime love affair with the water. I’m so sorry for your family’s loss. He really was one of the good guys… Mark Vandenhazel
I am really sorry to learn about Al’s passing. We worked together many years ago when I moved to Canada. He made me feel welcome in my new job and adopted country. It was always nice to meet him and share a coffee or lunch. Condolences to his family.
I was shocked and saddened to hear about Al. He was a good friend to me at university in Guelph and made a tough first year away so much brighter. He was someone I always felt completely at ease with. So sorry to his family for the loss of someone special.
I was shocked to learn of Alan’s passing – we had been friends since our days in Bermuda working at BBSR. We lost touch for awhile when I moved to England but reconnected and caught up. He will be greatly missed. The photo is from happy days in Bermuda, 1989.