Alvin Arnold Park

Alvin Arnold Park passed away peacefully on May 19, 2011 surrounded by family at Central Okanagan Hospice House in Kelowna at the age of 80 years. Alvin was predeceased by his brothers Harvey, Hanson, Tommy, Howard and by his sister Thelma. He is survived by and will be dearly missed by his loving wife Doreen of Merritt, brother Melvin (Olive), sisters Ila and Verna; two sons Terry (Debbie) Park, Dale Park and one daughter Judy (Ben) Byer and five much loved grandchildren Katie, Kelly, Jimmy, Danny and Abigail. Alvin and his twin brother Melvin were born on May 14, 1931 in Tisdale, Saskatchewan. Alvin married Doreen Kvemshagen on June 10, 1954 in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan and shortly after moved to BC where they started their life together. A fundamentally kind and decent man, Alvin's life was also marked by hard work, generosity and a love of life in which nothing was more important than his family and friends. Al's optimism and unwavering love of life was reflected in the fact that he laughed often and easily, a laugh that was equally distinctive and contagious. During the early days in BC Alvin put in long days near Douglas Lake Ranch at Camp 3 and then would put in a second full day in the evenings tirelessly building a home for his family. Alvin and Doreen live in that home for over 50 years where they raised their three children. Alvin went on to work for many years at Craigmont Mines and later the Department of Highways. The Park home served the family well over all of those years and was a joyful center for many gatherings of family and friends. The door of the Park home was always open and it was not uncommon to find many more people staying there then there were beds.

Alvin was an avid outdoorsman and spent many happy days with family at the family cabin he built at Horsefly Lake. He enjoyed hunting and was an avid fisherman. He loved being outside whether it was getting a load of firewood, berry picking, boating or camping. Always a generous man, Alvin was the first one to lend his help to anyone who needed it. It was Al's nature to help those in need without being asked. Friends and family would look forward to a smiling Al showing up with a load of chopped firewood in his truck. Alvin's enduring love of his life was Doreen, they had 56 wonderful years together. Nothing brought Alvin and Doreen more joy than gliding across the dance floor in each other's arms. Alvin was immensely proud of his children and grandchildren who were a source of great joy to him. Upon retirement he continued to be hardworking and generous. He volunteered his time and energy to help with building projects at the Legion Hall and the Lower Nicola Community Hall. When Doreen moved into Coquihalla Gillis House Alvin was right there volunteering to help with activities, watering flowers and other tasks. An open house Memorial Tea Celebrating Alvin's life will be held at the Merritt Civic Center at 1950 Mamette Avenue on Saturday June 4th from 1:00 – 3:30 pm. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, Coquihalla Gillis House or to the BC Children's Hospital. The family would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the doctors, nurses and volunteers at the Kelowna Cancer Center, the staff on 4B at the Kelowna General Hospital and to the staff at the Central Okanagan Hospice House. A special thank you to Dr. Fyles for her genuine concern and care of Alvin.

Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.mem.com. Arrangements in care of First Memorial Funeral Services, (250) 762-2299.