Alden “Al” Oliver
November 15, 2023
In Loving Memory
Alden “Al” Leslie Oliver
Alden (Al) Oliver, our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather passed from this life into the presence of his Lord and Saviour on Nov. 15, 2023, at the age of 83 at Overlander Residential Care in Kamloops BC. In spite of our deep sadness, we have comfort and peace in knowing that he is now home with his Lord Jesus Christ. The special moments that each of us cherish will remain in our hearts.
Al is lovingly remembered by his wife and best friend of 48 years, Sharon, along with children Jeff (Rose), Koby (Dan), Dulaine (Pat), Darren (Cathy), Debra (Cheryl); grandchildren Devon (Aphithay), Brianna (Scott), Alex (Mabel), Rachael, Juno and Lucy; great-grandchildren Naiyanna, Quinn, and Logan, as well as sisters Shirley, Diane, and Karen, sister-in-law Pat, brother-in-law Terry (Naj), and many nieces and nephews.
Born in Colgate SK, to Elmer and Violet Oliver, Al grew up on the family farm. He attended the University of Saskatchewan obtaining an Agriculture degree in 1962, and then operated his own farm before moving, during his first marriage, to Kamloops in 1970.
Al enjoyed working in several fields, but his most rewarding years were with TRU (then Cariboo College) where he wrote the curriculum for, and taught, the original Horticulture Maintenance program in the early 1980s, and the last 23 years of his working life with the BC Gov’t as the Provincial Ginseng Specialist, and Regional Horticulturist, retiring in 2004. In 1998 Al and Sharon moved from Kamloops to Chase after purchasing their retirement home there.
Al will be remembered by all who knew him for being a respected, kind and gentle man of integrity as well as for his humorous quick-wit!
During his lifetime he enjoyed camping and gold panning, activities such as playing baseball and curling, and hobbies including rock and mineral collecting and jewelry making, but he definitely had a particular passion for gardening, as his parents had, and which he has passed on to his children. He loved the hours spent propagating, planting, pruning, weeding, and sharing plants and produce with others. While living in Chase he also enjoyed speaking to area garden clubs, and giving tours of his and Sharon’s home which featured a large, landscaped property with their extensive hosta plant collection.
In 1978 Al became a devout Christian and his Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ became his priority in life, and even when, during his later years he experienced many major challenges to his health, he faced them all with faith, courage, and grace.
Our family would like to thank the amazing staff and volunteers at Overlander Residential Care, Al’s final home. We cannot say enough about the compassionate and loving care that he and we received there. We appreciate and are so very grateful to each one of you.
A celebration of Al’s life will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Al may be made to The Mustard Seed Kamloops https://theseed.ca/ or the Alzheimer’s Society of BC https://alzheimer.ca/bc/en
Arrangements entrusted to
Cypress Funeral & Cremation Services 250-554-2324
Condolences may be expressed to the family by phone or email through Cypress Funeral & Cremation Services:
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Comments: 11
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. I feel so lucky to have been able to be apart of Al’s life even though it was only a short time. He was such a kind and caring man who I will miss. I will always remember his warm smile and touching words at our wedding. Love to you all.
My condolences to the family, he was my uncle and Godfather and seemed bigger than life. The world will miss such kind generous man, rest in peace Uncle Al.
We send our love and prayers to all the family members especially Koby & Dan it is always hard to lose a loved one but now he is in a better place no more pain and suffering but he will still be with you in your heart
I was born the year he graduated. I remember the house he had south of his parent’s house. At least I think I do. Lol. He reminded me very much of his Dad. And that is complimentary! He obviously had a gift of horticulture/agriculture. Knowledgeable and successful. May he rest in peace. And may all of you take comfort in the memories he made with you, and that he is now with his Lord.
We are sending our love & sincere condolences to Sharon & their families . Many sweet memories to keep in your heart ❤️ Hugs to you all
I only met Al a couple of times when our families joined hands but he was a lovely man who was suffering with dignity and a smile. I know he will be greatly missed as the Patriarch of his family. Blessings and prayers to Sharon and the family.
Our Condolences to you Sharon and families. I have many good memories of Al when we were growing up, especially Christmas at Bus and Violets house, and me helping him vaccinate a bear when he managed the zoo at Kamloops . I know he will be greatly missed.
Our sincerest condolences to all of you
Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time
We hope all the fond memories will give you comfort
Hugs and kisses
I have numerous fond memories of Uncle Alden from our family get togethers in BC, AB, and SK in years gone by. He will be missed by everyone for sure. To the family I say this…..”Memories are the movies of our lives: drama comedy, romance, and action. Hold them close and replay them often.” From my girls and I we offer our condolences and wish everyone well.
My condolences to the family, I was pretty young but I do remember being at the house with my parents Ken and Jean Paxman (who have also passed) as a kid.
My parents purchased the quarter of land that he owned south of Colgate, to this day we have always referred to that land not as the legal land location but always as Alden’s. I would have to look it up to see what the legal location actually is, it has always been Aldens.