Tribute

On the beautiful autumn day of Saturday, October 31, 2020, Alvin John Doerksen passed away at his son’s home near Wycliffe, British Columbia at the age of 78 years, 10 months and 27 days.  Alvin was born on December 5, 1941 in Steinbach, Manitoba to John and Clara Doerksen.  He was the first of seven children born to them.

After leaving home Alvin married the love of his life Eva Dueck in 1963 and they had four sons in the next seven years.  Their life was an adventure, moving from Winnipeg, to Abbottsford and then Calgary in 1966. always on the move in search of better work and a better life. Alvin became a journeyman carpenter in Calgary and over the next 30 years worked on many projects throughout western Canada. However, Alvin was raised on a farm and loved the farming life.  He eventually moved his family to a farm in Northern Alberta west of Grande Prairie where the family lived from 1974 to 1988.

The economy of the 1980’s was particularly difficult for farmers and the family had to leave the farm and moved to Ft. McMurray where Alvin worked fulltime as a carpenter and scaffolder in the oil sands. This began another unexpected adventure.  Alvin began to develop a tool pouch specifically for scaffolders and his creation was so well received by scaffolders that Alvin patented his designs and became an inventor. The scaffolders pouch allowed Alvin to transition to a manufacturing business and retire from carpentry. Alvin sold his pouches all over Canada and this gave him and Eva the freedom they had never had before to travel and enjoy life.

Alvin was a kind and generous man. He was a friend to many. He enjoyed music and was musically talented, able to play the violin, guitar and accordion by ear. He enjoyed singing and for many years was part of a men’s quartet. Alvin was also a man of faith and his love of the Lord was evident in the manner he lived his life.

Alvin leaves behind to mourn his passing, his beloved wife of almost 57 years, Eva and his four sons; Lynal (Tania), Mario (Karen), Carey (Sandra) and Michael (Wendy).  He also leaves behind ten grandchildren; Hannah and Mya; Evan, Theodore, Beatrice and Esme; Danyka, Jessyka, Emery and Cameron.  Alvin leaves behind his siblings; Paul, Milton, Marlene, Joyce, Carol and Cindy.  He was predeceased by his parents, John and Clara.

A Celebration of Alvin’s Life will take place on Friday, November 6, 2020 at Mark Memorial Community Funeral Home, 2024 Industrial Road No. 2, Cranbrook at 2:00 pm.  Alvin will be laid to rest in the Westlawn Cemetery in Cranbrook.

Unfortunately, due to Covid restrictions only invited guests will be permitted to attend.