Alvin Karst

Alvin Joseph Karst passed away August 16, 2013 in the Regina General Hospital, with his loving family by his side. Alvin was born on January 8, 1940 in Assiniboia, SK. He grew up on the family farm near Scout Lake. He started school at the Hay Meadow country school, spent one year at St. Louis College in Moose Jaw, another year at Campion College in Regina and finished at the Assiniboia High School. Alvin went on to university and received a Diploma in Agriculture from the University of Saskatchewan. He then returned to work on the family farm. He courted Laverne Kissner and won her hand in marriage on June 12, 1965. Alvin and Laverne purchased a farm near Preeceville, SK where they stared their family. Darrin was born in 1966, Tracy in 1968, Tammy in 1971 and Sharilee in 1973. They farmed for nine years, but the crops were froze out seven times, so they sold the farm and moved back to Assiniboia in 1974 where Alvin worked briefly for Southern Equipment. Alvin was an entrepreneur and acted upon an opportunity in 1975 to purchase his uncle, Willie Marcenko’s excavating and gravel business. Alvin brought in Dave Mihalicz to help build the business and they became a successful partnership. In 1981, they split the business where Alvin operated the gravel business as A J Karst Construction and Dave managed Karst and Mihalicz Excavating. In 1984 Alvin purchased the Gulf bulk fuel and service station which later changed to Petro Canada. This became a family business and Alvin and Laverne were the first Saskatchewan associated business to receive the Canada Presidents Award in 1987. It also spawned a tire business for Darrin and Tracy which they continue to operate today. In 1995 Alvin and Laverne formed a partnership with Bryan and Lorette Rostie from Gravelbourg called B & A Petroleum which they eventually retired from. Alvin gave back to his community by being active in many organizations; he belonged to the 4-H club while growing up, was a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus, served on Assiniboia town council, was a member of the Rotary Club and Assiniboia Chamber of Commerce, participated in the Assiniboia Diabetes Association and was a founding member of the Southern Cruisers car club. Alvin enjoyed his retirement. During the warm months he was a fixture at the tire shop where he kept regular coffee hours just like his Dad did when he owned the service station. Alvin and Laverne also attended many car shows and went on numerous car runs with Alvin’s pride and joy, 1956 Chev. They drove their motor home south during the winter months, with many close friendships being formed in their travels. Alvin was a master story teller and a wonderful friend to everyone he met. Predeceased by his parents Carl and Margaret Karst, brothers Lionel, Barry and Lawrence, in-laws Herbert and Margaret Kissner and brother-in-law Lorne Kissner, Alvin is survived by his loving wife of 48 years Laverne, children Darrin (Cindy), Tracy (Shirley), Tammy (Dwight) and Sharilee (Kelly), grandchildren Lacy (Brad), Dylan, Bradyn, Austin, Megan, Parker, Jillian, Kyle and Erynn and great-granddaughter Jayla, brother Merv (Gail), sister Janice (Lyle) Erfle, sisters-in-law Elsie Karst, Caroline Karst, Marjorie Kissner and Karen (Richard) Forberg, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and friends. Prayer Service, led by Paul Lewans, was held Tuesday, August 20, 2013 at St. George’s Roman Catholic Church. Reader was niece, Kristin Karst. The Funeral Mass was held Wednesday, August 21, 2013 in St. George’s Roman Catholic Church, Assiniboia, SK, with Father Prince (Father Frances Kurisinkal) as Celebrant. Scott Heatcoat led the music ministry accompanied by Carol Marit. Pallbearers were Alvin’s nephews: Daryle Kissner, Trenton Karst, Colin Karst, Warren Karst, Devin Erfle and Sheldon Erfle. Honorary Pallbearers were all those who shared in Alvin’s life. Readers were Alvin’s nieces, Alison O’Keeffe, Trina Couzens and Karlene Morello. Pascal candle was lit by Janice Erfle and offerings were presented by Elsie Karst and Caroline Karst. Tribute was given by Alvin’s cousin Grant Karst. Honor Guard was formed by members of the Knights of Columbus and Honorary mention to the Southern Cruisers car club members. Interment followed in Mount Hope Cemetery, Assiniboia, with the Southern Cruisers forming a tribute with their cars. Memorial donations were gratefully accepted by the family for the Canadian Diabetes Association, Assiniboia Chapter. Arrangements entrusted to Ross Funeral Service, Assiniboia, SK. An online book of condolences may be signed at www.rossfuneralservice.com