Alfred Walter Arrance

Alfred Walter Arrance

Dec. 12, 1922 - Dec. 15. 2015

On Tuesday December 15, 2015 surrounded by family, Alfred (Alfie) Walter Arrance passed away and is now reunited with his beloved wife, Mary and son, Robert who had gone before him. Alfred was dearly loved and will be remembered fondly by surviving family members; sister Lucille, brother Chuck, son Elmer (Sandra), daughter Audrey (Robert) and son Brian (Sonya), along with grandchildren Tania (Brian), Kezia, Jason (Sandy), Sean (Sue), James, Brent (Rhayne) and great-grandchildren Branden, Ashleigh, Brittany, Colby, Stefani, Baili, Madalyn and Piper. The family would like to thank the doctors and staff at Cottonwoods Extended Care for their compassion, as well as the superb care and comfort they provided Alfred. We are truly grateful, thank you. Funeral Services will be held Saturday, December 19, at 2:30 pm at Valleyview Funeral Home in Rutland.

Alfred Walter Arrance was a natural leader whose winning presence allowed him to take control of various situations with ease. Equipped with a clear and calculating focus, he possessed a tough-minded, “take charge” attitude. He had the ability to make even routine situations seem exciting, and he was at ease with the role of playing problem solver. Alfred always sought out the scene of where the action was. Sociable, analytical and pleasant, Alfred was an individual who enjoyed life’s challenges.

Alfred was born on December 21, 1922 at At home in Prince Albert, Sask. His parents were Rosalie Olive Alvina and Charles Edward. Alfred was raised in Prince Albert, Sask. Always able to express himself well, Alfred possessed strong interpersonal skills. He was optimistic in his outlook on life and was able at all times to be open and direct in his communication. Armed with a great wit, Alfred was raised to be accepting of others and to implement a strong personal work ethic.

Blessed with a balanced attitude, Alfred was able to relate well with others. Including Alfred, there were sixteen children. According to script prepared by the Cariboo Chilcotin Metis Association: Marie Anne (July 19, 1913 - October 26, 1928), Alexander Alimear Elmer (October 18, 1915 - October 27, 1962), Leona (December 4, 1917 - March 3, 2012), Sonny (1919 - 1919), Ernest (March 15, 1920 - July 13, 1921), Joseph Richard (August 26, 1921 - 1921), Alfred (December 12, 1922 - December 15, 2015), Marlene (1923 - August 6, 1936), Therese Lucille (September 14, 1925), Leonard Clifford (July 4, 1927 - June 18, 1995), Charles Edward (September 24, 1930), Chrisella Vada (July 24, 1932 - July 26, 1936), Sara Ferny (June 4, 1934 - 1934), Clarissa Jean (July 13, 1936 - August 1, 2008), D'Arcy Darrell (November 9, 1937 - November 23, 2009), Marcella Joan (March 31, 1941). Alfred had a strong desire to be treated fairly and would readily offer others the same fairness in return.

As a young child, Alfred showed his creative ability in many ways. He was outgoing and animated. Alfred enjoyed new activities and pursued a variety of interests. He took part in hockey, both as a player and later as a coach. In his spare time as a child he enjoyed hockey and sledding.

Friends and acquaintances found Alfred an easy man to get to know, and had many friends. Alfred was uncomplicated and straightforward in his relationships, which allowed him to accept people for what they were. While growing up, some of his best friends were Johnny Bower. Later in life, he became friends with many Kelowna families including the Colletts, Bunchieus, Oranges and Cabellas.

On 1941 Alfred exchanged wedding vows with Maja (Mary) Pasos at the Anglican Church of Prince Albert, Sask. Alfred was attentive to Mary's feelings, and he charmed Mary and others with his gift for being able to give freely and generously. A good listener with an engaging personality, Alfred was able to bring pleasure and unexpected humor to the relationship.

Very much like a kid himself, Alfred identified with the inquisitive and creative side of his children’s personalities. He was able to direct his energy and spontaneity towards helping his children acquire added common sense skills. Alfred was blessed with four children, Elmer Alfred, Audrey Alice, Robert Walter, Brian George. They were also blessed with six grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren, Grand children: Tania Suzanne, Kezia Denine, Jason Robert, Sean Michael, James Robert, Brent William Great-grandchildren: Branden David, Ashleigh Suzanne, Brittany Denine, Colby Cecil, Stefani Marie, Baili Roberto, Madalyn Berline, Piper Mikayla.

Alfred was a flexible worker who was able to draw the best from others around him. A persuasive individual who was quick to make necessary decisions, Alfred’s strengths included being able to think on his feet. Gifted with many stories, Alfred was able to talk at length about memories from his childhood and situations long past. Alfred could multi-task, and could be very resourceful if the need arose, specifically the time Princess Margaret became locked in the bathroom when the light bulb burned out. The fact that she was a princess did not deter him from entering and coming to her assistance. His primary occupation was care taker. He was employed for 45 years.

Alfred was assigned to the Homefront division here in Kelowna. Alfred was a cool thinker who could handle himself well in a crisis. He showed leadership qualities and could make tough decisions when he was called upon to do so.

Alfred enjoyed his leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. His favorite pursuits were fishing, hockey, out door activities, cutting wood, driving around visiting people and telling stories. He was content to enjoy his hobbies alone but was also willing to share his interests with others.

Because he liked to take risks, Alfred was a perfect match for athletics and exercise. He was enthusiastic and confident about these activities. Alfred played hockey. Alfred continued to played hockey until the age of 71. He also bowled and golfed regularly well into retirement. Alfred was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching his favorite events whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list were hockey.

Alfred was a generous man who prized that same quality in others and would gladly give to someone in need. So it’s little wonder that he was so active and giving in his community. Alfred was a member of several community groups, including serving on committees for the fire department in OK Mission.

Although he took up golfing later in life, Alfred was recognized for scoring a hole in one at least three times.

Travel and vacations were experiences that Alfred did not do often. He was partial to vacations that were casual and close to home, often going up to "the cabin" or out in the woods with Mary to chop firewood. He and Mary did travel occasionally to visit family and some favorite vacations included returning to Prince Albert, Edmonton and Disneyland where they went for their 50th Anniversary.

Alfred was not a big pet lover but did have a few over the years. One of Alfred’s favorites was Major a cocker spaniel he had for 12 years and Kim a German Shepherd that the family had for 13 years. He also had a cat named Socks and later he and Mary had a Siamese name Tonya and a large black cat named Blackie.

When Alfred’s retirement finally came in 1987, he was well prepared. So much so that he and Mary were able to retire to their brand new home in Scotty Creek subdivision in Kelowna. In retirement, he found new pleasure in golfing, bowling and played hockey until around the age of 71.

Alfred passed away on December 15, 2015 at Kelowna, BC. He is survived by his children, Elmer, Audrey and Brian and a brother Chuck and sister Lucille. Services were held at Valleyview Funeral Home. Alfred was laid to rest in Kelowna Memorial Park Cemetery next to his wife Mary and son Robert.

Alfred was the kind of person who could win others over easily. A concrete communicator, he relied on his senses to increase his involvement and awareness of others. He was always able to provide amusing repartee to his friends and acquaintances, offering a seemingly endless supply of quips, anecdotes, jokes and stories, told and retold. This is how everyone will remember Alfred Walter Arrance.