We Remember
STOBER, Albert
January 1, 1931 — October 18, 2019
Albert “Al” Stober passed away peacefully at the Central Okanagan Hospice on October 18th, 2019. Born on January 1st, 1931 in a farmhouse in Franklin Manitoba to the late Olga and Emil Stober, Al lived on the homestead for most of his life taking over the farm after his Father’s passing when he was just 14 years old after his Mother, Olga, instilled exceptional confidence in her young son.
Al was wonderfully devoted to his wife Sandra and their 4 children Linda and Darrell Johnson (Shane, David), Mark and Bernice Stober (Andrew, Michael, Brittani, Landon, Cole, Harrison), Ken & Linda Stober (Dallas, Liberty) and Carolyn Stober and Matt Hauge (Capri, Cassidy, Chrisen). He was a loving “Papa” to his thirteen Grandchildren, an Uncle to numerous nieces and nephews and a dear friend and mentor to so many. He was predeceased by his sister Frieda Stober, Sister Ella Goltz (Romanus), Brother Paul Stober (Carrie), Sister Gertrude Otto (Ewald), Nephew Harry Otto, Niece Janet Otto and his Sister Mary Wieser (Otto).
A man of very strong faith, Al was a true giant and pillar of our community.
He was a visionary who faced down the odds and won. Having been recognized as Business Leader of the Year in 1999 for his worthwhile causes such as the Tree of Hope charity and the Return of the Peregrine Falcon project, his insurmountable dedication and volunteer hours in the community of Kelowna are legendary.
Retirement was not an option in Al’s mind, working right up until his passing, Al Stober was the CEO for the Stober Group for the past 62 years. He just may have been the oldest noteworthy CEO in North America.
Al was a sports enthusiast who loved to golf, waterski, alpine ski, and play tennis and volleyball. He taught many kids over the years to waterski at Green Bay Bible Camp.
He was a devoted Evangelist who spent countless hours volunteering through various projects all over the world including both the build of the original Trinity Baptist Church on Springfield as well as the build of a hospital in the grasslands of Cameroon, West Africa in 1986. With his wife Sandra and his daughter Linda’s family by his side, they worked alongside a crew of 40 locals to construct the much needed centre. This was an achievement Al held very close to his heart.
He led by example. There was never a job too large or too small that he would not tackle. The phrase “this can’t be done” had never been a part of Al’s vocabulary.
His greatest life achievement however was his children and grandchildren. In his words “Each one of my children have become great parents and are focused on family. They are people of character and place high importance on giving back to others. What more could a Father ask for? I’m blessed.”
Special thanks to the wonderful doctors, especially Dr. Rachel Carver and nursing staff at the Central Okanagan Hospice Association and to our special helpers at home, April, Vanessa and Marco who provided invaluable care to Al over the past several months.
A Celebration of Life service will be held on Thursday, October 24th, 2019 at 1:00 pm at Trinity Baptist Church, 1905 Springfield Road, Kelowna. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Child Advocacy Centre Kelowna in Al’s name at www.cackelowna.com.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.
Service
Thursday, October 24, 2019 at 1:00 pm
Location
Trinity Baptist Church
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Service Information
Service Details
The service for STOBER, Albert is scheduled for Thursday, October 24, 2019 at 1:00 pm . Below you will find the map for the service location and the contact information should you have any questions.
Our sincere and heartfelt condolences to Sandra and all the family. Al was a great boss and a wonderful person. I will fondly remember our regular lunches at Kelowna Golf and Country Club during which he shared his experience and wisdom both in business and life. He was an creative leader who built an impressive legacy to be carried forward.
We are deeply saddened to learn Al’s passing – a true visionary for both his family and our community. Al held himself and others to the highest of standards in his constant pursuit of excellence that spanned his lifetime. Al was an extraordinary leader, passionate developer, and dedicated volunteer for so many causes. The Board of Directors at URBA extend our sincerest condolences to the family. He is a man whose legacy will last forever.
Laurel D’Andrea – On behalf of the Uptown Rutland Business Association
My deepest condolences to Mrs Sandra Stober and the entire family. Although I only worked for ASC for a short time, I deeply respected Al and enjoyed our early morning chats and comraderie. He was a great man and leader and spoke very highly of his family. May you Rest In Peace Al.
A kind, good man who, leading by example, has given so much to our community … and to our world. Al’s strength of character, his ability at once to be powerful yet gentle, and his absolute love and commitment to family. Our thanks. Our prayers. Our memories. Love, Mary Jo Schnepf and Stafford McKergow
Sandra,I did not know that Al was that ill as of late,I’m so very sorry that I did not visit him before he passed away in person,please forgive me for that,I will always cherish all the good times we shared as copies with golfing,dinners and fellowship in Kelowna and Phoenix for so many years,I will miss him very much as a good friend and may God well come him with open arms to his kingdom.
My most sincere condolences to you and all your family
My condolences to Ken and Linda, and the entire family, we go back a long way. So sorry for your loss.
So sorry for your loss from renters in Arlington apartment in VERNON BC
Sandra and family, Our condolences at this sad time, as I remember all Al and I did together as we worked on various projects. May God be your comfort today and beyond. Steve & Barb Ulrich
Dear Carolyn , Cassidy and family,
I’m sad to hear of your Dad’s passing. Sending hugs and love your way.
Who knows what amazing heavenly creations await your dad in his next home, perhaps he will be the one building them. 🙂
Love LisaMarie Lawrence, Heather & family
Dear Aunt Sandra & Family
Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you mourn the home going of your husband, father & grandfather.. Uncle Albert was a special person to our family and it will be an adjustment to know that he has gone to his heavenly home. Uncle Albert always wanted to know how everyone was doing.. We appreciated him and you also Aunt Sandra. Thank God we know that the grave can not steal our memories. May God continue to bless your family and give you grace as you mourn his passing.
Love Bernard & Merilyn
Dear Sandy. I was so sorry to hear of Al’s passing. When I served as Green Bay Camp chairman I appreciated Al’s dedication and expertise as we dealt with many issues regarding the running of the camp. I always valued his opinion and vision even though we did not always agree. I always admired him for his successful ability in balancing his business acumen with his strong faith and belief in the Lord. Al truly was a mentor to me. I am grateful for my time in working with him.
Dear Carolyn, Sandra and family
Our sincere condolences to you. Al was a great man, who was always learning and interested in people. We are so sorry for your loss and know you will carry on his legacy.
Blessings,
Stacey & Wesley Campbell
Sandra and family we want to offer our condolences and may God continue to care for you especially at this sad time in your journey. Our deepest sympathies Norm & Virginia Jaster
Dear Sandra and Family
We offer our sympathy to all of you at this time.
Tony and I enjoyed reading the book that Al wrote. Tony is sorry that he missed the funeral, but the same day of the funeral Tony suffered a stroke. Thankfully he has recovered.
To Mrs. Stober and family my condolences Former renter of Carmen Manor. Respectfully Mrs. Catherine Rice
My deepest condolences to Mark and the entire family.