SCHWAB, ALBERT DAVID

June 15, 1918 — May 31, 2023

It is with heavy hearts and profound sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of Albert Schwab two weeks shy of his 105th birthday. On that day we lost the heart and soul of our family.

Albert was the fourth child of Jean Schwab of Switzerland and Marie Macaire of France. He outlived seven brothers and one sister. Dad is survived by his four children, Victor (Lynda), Norm (Helene), Jocelyne (Craig), Monique (Johnny) and his daughter-in-law, Kelly. He was pre-deceased by Lucille, his wife of 70 years, his son Dennis, his daughter Vivian and her husband, Roger.

As his legacy, he leaves behind 20 grandchildren, 52 great-grandchildren, 5 great-great’s as well as many other members of our extended family. He was the best Pépère there ever was and loved them all equally. He was a baby whisperer, a storyteller and truly loved being around people of all ages.

Dad was born a war baby in 1918, “in the middle of the year, middle of the month” in Lac-du-Bonnet, MB.  His family moved to BC when he was six, settling in the French community of Maillardville. He married Lucille Belanger in 1941 and together they raised 6 children in the house they built; a home filled with love, laughter, and faith. He was a founding member of Our Lady of Fatima Church. The pioneers held a fundraising bazaar in 1946 and the following year construction started with the help of many parishioners. Dad headed to the work site with his tools on weekdays after work and on Saturdays. He was proud to serve his country and was a Veteran of World War II. Every Remembrance Day he would make his way to the cenotaph well into his 90’s, often joined by his family.

Albert worked 43 years at Fraser Mills, moonlighting on weekends slinging beer at the local pubs to make ends meet. They were the most loving parents you could ask for and their love for each other never wavered. As their family grew so did their hearts. You could drop in anytime for a chat, a meal, a shoulder to cry on or just to hang out in the back yard sharing stories.

This gentle, loving, and caring man; forever the host, has left a permanent mark etched on all our hearts. Dad will forever be remembered for the twinkle in his eye, that crooked mischievous smirk on his face, playing his accordion at family gatherings; and, that he had the worse poker face ever when playing 500.  Above all, he will be remembered for the unconditional love he showered on all of us.

When asked what his secret was for living such a long life, he said he never worried, he never smoked, and he never drank hard liquor!

Dad always told us that Nursing Homes were for old people and that he intended to stay in his home until the end. He came so close, he lived on his own terms and with a little help, he stayed in his house for over 75 years until the age of 104 years.

Unfortunately, his health started to decline in 2022 and he had to be moved closer to family in Kelowna & resided at Mill Creek Village until his death.

His life was well lived, and he was well loved by all those who knew him.  We’re not quite sure what we will do or where we will go now that he is gone. The birthday party on June 17 to celebrate his 105 amazing years of life will still go ahead. Sadly, our guest of honour will only be with us in spirit, watching over us and enjoying the festivities.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday June 17, 2023, at 4:00 PM at Springfield Funeral Home, 2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC.

A Catholic Mass will be held at a later date and his ashes will be interred in Coquitlam at the Robinson Memorial Cemetery.

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