We Remember
RICH, Allan “Al” Charles James
January 21, 1950 — November 6, 2021
After a courageous 20-year battle with neuroendocrine cancer, Al Rich peacefully passed away, on November 6, 2021, at the age of 71, in Kelowna, BC.
Al’s memory will be lovingly remembered: by his soulmate and wife of 38 years, Beverly Rich; his daughters Megan and Tennille (Serge), grandchildren McKenna, Adrienne, Evynn, and Jenson; his sister June; his brothers- and sisters-in-law Marlene (Stan), Mike (Debbie), Alan & his partner Debbie, Liz (Larry), and Theresa & her partner Paul; and numerous nieces and nephews and their families. Al was forever grateful for Bev’s side of the family as they welcomed him into their lives and hearts. Al was predeceased by his parents, Dorothy & Clarence; his sister Dorothy; mother-in-law Helen; sister-in-law Eileen (Arthur); brothers-in-law Dave and Barry; and special Auntie Marie.
Born January 21, 1950, Al was the youngest of three children, raised in River Heights, Winnipeg, Manitoba. In his early teens, Al started working with his “Father” in the family-owned bakery on Corydon Ave. Al’s “real” career spanned over 35 years in the sheet metal fabrication industry, where he was well respected and formed many lifelong friendships.
In 1983, while on a bus/ski trip in Thunder Bay, Al met his future bride, Bev. Their adventures together led to their love of travelling, including Europe; Mallorca, Spain; Mexico; and the Caribbean. They cherished summers at their lake-front cottage on Barrier Bay in Whiteshell Park, where boating and fishing became a fond pastime.
Al’s love of cats knew no bounds; this love was not restricted to only his cat Vinny. Every cat that he encountered sensed his soft touch and affection.
Al and Bev retired to Kelowna, BC, in 2008. They were drawn to the Okanagan by the sun, water, and mild winters. They enjoyed retired life amongst the beautiful landscape of vineyards and orchards. Cherries and peaches were Al’s favourite fruits. Al and Bev were pleased to take visiting family and friends on wine tours and picnics.
Over the course of 25 years, Al owned three different Miata cars, all three flaming red. He loved cars! A true Miata fan. Al and Bev became members of the Okanagan Valley Miata Car Club. For 9 summers they travelled to Oregon in a caravan with their friends to attend the annual Explore Oregon Rally. Watching NASCAR was a beloved pastime for Al.
Special thanks to Dr. McCloskey for directing Al to specialists, and to Dr. Khoo for managing his cancer and always coming up with alternative plans at the appropriate time. Also, thank you to the Kelowna Cancer Centre and their wonderful staff for their caring and constant follow-up.
Al’s wish was for cremation and no service. For those who wish to honour and remember Al, consider a donation to the BC Cancer Agency – Sindi Ahluwalia Hawkins Centre for the Southern Interior. To make a donation “In Memory of Allan Rich” please call 250-712-3921 or mail to BC Cancer Foundation at 339 Royal Ave, Kelowna, BC, V1Y 5L3.
Forever loved. Forever missed. Forevermore at peace.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.
So sad to hear. Al was a very special person. Hugs to Bev.
Sure gonna miss you Al but there are so many great memories that will keep you with us.
We are so saddened to hear of Al’s passing.. We always enjoyed spending time with both of you at Miata events. We send you our deep felt condolences Bev and will be thinking of you during this difficult time..
Bev, I’ve only just heard of Al’s passing. My sincere condolences! One of my favorite people in the Miata Club. He fought valiantly and we were all blessed to know him! It’s with deep sorrow that I mourn his passing. Sincerely Jadine
Al’s great humor and ability to take teasing was a gift. I will always remember how he was so gracious in taking on the lead as Big Bamboo, with little Bamboo by his side in Jamaica – a vacation we will always treasure, remember – Love you both, Al will be missed!😘
Big BAMBOO…….you will be missed…..you may be gone but not forgotten. So many good memories.
My dear Bev
Al comes to life with his beautifully composed obituary. Well done and much love , Carol
Dear Bev and Family. We are deeply saddened to learn of Al’s passing. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him. His friendly nature, wonderful sense of humour, genuine interest in others and love of anything Miata endeared him to his many friends in the Okanagan Valley Miata Club. Our sincere condolences. Debbie and Garry Hartley
Our sincere condolences Bev. We always think of you both, especially on Christmas Eve.
Love Bev & Clay
Bev, words fail to express my deep sorrow for your loss of Allan.
You were his special Angel nurse.
Loved Al’s caring smile and quiet sense of humour.
Wonderful times shared.
❤️Myra
Words never express totally how one feels of a loss of a loved one whether a spouse, sibling, parent or a friends. All have there own memories of their time with them. Both of you were warriors on this journey together through this illness. My love to you and your family at this difficult time. Rip Al. A treasure to know.
So sorry to hear of Al’s passing Bev. Our thoughts are with you at this very difficult time.
Dave and Debbie
I was so sorry to hear of your loss, Bev. Hugs to you across the miles.
Hi Bev. Just found out about Al’s passing. Really shocked to hear. We sure enjoyed our time during some of our longer Miata runs. Our thoughts are with you. Will miss him.
Hello from Allan’s “big sister” June. My sister, Dorothy and I were his older sisters and we often called him our “little brother” although passed us in height quickly as he grew. What a wonderful brother. We had such fun as children. We lived on the Red River bank as children and swam (without life jackets) and canoed and even skated on the river in winter. Our mother Dorothy was such a sweet and loving woman and we were always loved greatly by Mom and Dad. In the summers we would rent a cottage at the beach and enjoy baking potatoes in a campfire, swim constantly. Father stayed behind to run the bakery. Each of us in turn learned to help in the bakery , icing cinnamon buns, and helping with the till. Often in the evening when Father got home from work dad would ask if anyone wanted to go for a car ride. We would go to the gas station and put a dollar’s worth of gas in and away we’do go through the countryside, patting horses along the way. When we moved into Fort Garry we had a ball fiend across the road and we’d go sit on the swings in the dark with our dad, during the day we’d play baseball. Allan always loved cars – he had a whole collection in his room. One Christmas we came from Prince George and we set up a race track all around the living room and Al would play with his neices entertaining them for hours. When Al married he drove his family out to see us in Prince George where the kids got to ride horses and go to the lake. As his neices Wendy and Debbie grew they would visit Grandma and see Al then. Over the years Allan has been a huge support to me. I felt the closest to him than I did to anyone else especially after our Mother passed away. He was always there helping Mom with anything she needed. One day he was carrying pots and potting soil and one of her neighbours said “he’d bring her the moon if she asked for it”. Bev was always by his side helping him with our Mom and sister Dorothy. He was so strong and wise. Once he helped me in buying a car over the phone after my husband Dave passed and I had no clue how to buy one. He was “always there for me”. Even with all his health challenges he always had time to talk to me and give advice. Al and Bev visited us many times in Prince George.. After Dave;s passing them came and stayed with me in Victoria, a much needed support. Our last Christmas together was in Victoria. I’m so thankful for their visits to B C There are many many other memories I could share but the computer would run out of memory if I kept at it. Goodbye dear little brother. May you rest in peace. I feel so sad without you but I know you are no longer in pain and in such a huge struggle. You did well. You fought a good fight. Love sister June Hollands