We Remember

FABRIS, Oliver – UPDATED SERVICE/LIVESTREAM INFO

May 15, 1933 — March 6, 2023

A Celebration of Life will be held to honour Oliver on WEDNESDAY, MAY 31, 2023, at 1:00 PM (PST), at SPRINGFIELD FUNERAL HOME, 2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC. If you are unable to attend in person, please join the family online by Livestream at the time of the service (see below), a recording will be made available to view shortly thereafter.

At the age of 89, on March 6, 2023, Oliver Fabris peacefully went to join his previously departed beloved wife and other family members.

His surviving family members who mourn this deep loss include his children, Roberta Lewis and Rick Fabris; stepdaughter Viveia (Alan) Tokunagan; grandchildren, Lina Lewis (Jeff Foley), Peter (Tara) Lewis, Ricky Fabris, Angelo Fabris, Marina Fabris, and Chris (Heather) Fabris; great-grandchildren, Davyn, Presley, Hudson, Liv, Bristol, Benson, Vienna, Jackson, and Sophia; as well as his sister, Liliana, and numerous nieces and nephews. Sadly, Oliver was predeceased by his wife, Marina, in 1988; his parents, Pietro and Carmen; his sister, Milvia; and his two brothers-in-law, Amerigo and Rino.

Born in San Giovanni de Casara, Italy, Oliver came to Canada, at an early age, with the intention of earning money and returning to Italy. However, that all changed when, in Prince Rupert where they worked together, he met and fell in love with Marina They wed and moved to Nanaimo, BC.

Oliver worked most of his career in the Forestry & Lumber industry with MacMillan Bloedel. He was a lumber grader and worked in Mill Quality Control.

When he retired, he moved to Parksville and then finally to Kelowna.

Oliver spent his spare time gardening and wood working. He was an excellent gardener, grafting and propagating many plants which his family still cherish, growing in their gardens.

He was extremely talented when working with wood. Slow but very talented! He built houses, made furniture, and designed and carved beautiful carved pieces until just a few years ago. Many of his carvings continue to be enjoyed by his family and friends.

Oliver made his own wine for years, from grape to wine in the basement of his Nanaimo house. Later years, he resorted to using juice to make dry white and red wines.

He enjoyed lawn bowling in Parksville and Kelowna. He participated in Senior provincial games in lawn bowling. He even taught this sport to the blind. He also liked to curl, boat and enjoy a fine glass of Merlot.

Oliver’s singing, whistling and joking will be missed at the Village at Mill Creek home which gave him so much comfort and peace in his last years.

Oliver will be dearly missed by all with whom he shared himself.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Village at Mill Creek, www.baptisthousing.org/donate.

If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.

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Village at Mill Creek Link: www.baptisthousing.org/donate

 


 


Condolences

  • Rick says:
    March 17, 2023 at 7:26 pm

    Thanks, Dad… I love you love 💕. Always…

    Reply
  • Ireland family says:
    March 17, 2023 at 8:56 pm

    Very sorry for your loss. I enjoyed the time I spent working and visiting with Oliver and discussing all things lumber !! God bless

    Reply
  • Greg Henkelman says:
    March 17, 2023 at 9:33 pm

    Loss hits so deep, but such a life of incredible hobbies and passions! Embrace those special memories and remember that you have the support of loved ones and friends.

    Reply
  • Lee Curtis says:
    March 19, 2023 at 8:51 am

    Rick and family. Oliver was apparently very accomplished and from what I read and have heard through Rick, he enjoyed sharing those talents. I’m sure he taught his family many of his skills and shared his values. Although he is not present now, he is not gone. His spirit lives on and he will be with you. Best wishes to you all.

    Reply
  • Springfield Funeral Home says:
    March 20, 2023 at 12:58 pm

    1948; aged 16

    Reply
  • Leeanne Lehman says:
    May 22, 2023 at 2:54 pm

    I adored Oliver. I was his caregiver for a few years and I really enjoyed knowing him. I felt that we had a special bond.

    Reply
  • Murray Bamford says:
    May 31, 2023 at 1:11 pm

    Condolences from the entire Bamford family. Our thoughts are with you in this time of grief and loss.. I have such great memories of your father especially trying his new batches of red wine. Sorry for your loss. Kind regards, The Bamfords

    Reply
  • Joyce Wenner says:
    June 1, 2023 at 5:52 pm

    Sincere sympathy Roberta, Rick, Viv, Lina and Fabris family on the passing of Oliver. I met Oliver and Marina in 1964 and later they became my neighbours in 1971 when you lived on St Andrews St. My thoughts are with you all at this sad time and may your memories of them stay with you always.

    Reply

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Testimonials

They took care of me like family.

Judith Szabo

Everything was so organized and pertinent to what we needed. Everyone we met was kind, courteous and very helpful during our emotional and challenging time. Thank you so much.

Heather Mayne

They were so prompt on answering any questions and changing things. They were prepared and respected any religious decisions. The process was so seamless and made easy in such a high stress situation.

Tanya Kohar

In the past 2 years Springfield has helped us through the death of my Mother and my Father. Their response and help allowed us to focus on the remaining family rather than worrying about details of the funeral and all the notifications that are required upon a death.

Terry Eldridge

The atmosphere has been nothing but professional during times of grief.  After the passing of my mother, the staff coached me on the next steps and looked after filling in all the government forms that I needed to sign, which took a huge burden off my mind at the time.

Donald McClure

Everyone was so helpful and kind.  There was no pressure.  They provided exactly what we needed.

Diane Greenwood

From the time I called to the completion of all the services, I received compassionate, attentive and professional care.  There was a sense of caring from each staff member.  I was turning over my Mom to their care and I felt very comfortable with everyone.  I felt heard and never felt pushed into any decision.

Katherine Lewis

I have always found the team at Springfield Funeral Home to be VERY caring, kind, considerate and helpful.  I have and will continue to recommend them to anyone who asks which funeral home would I suggest they use.  No other funeral home I have dealt with even comes close to Springfield Funeral Home.

Ethna Tutt

Right at the onset, I was made very comfortable, there was no pressure.  I was made to feel as if I was the only one they had to serve.

Frances Baum

Everything that was arranged for us was perfect.  Our loved one, husband, father, brother was treated with respect.  Thank you for making this difficult time a little more acceptable via your staff’s obvious caring and respect.

Jacquelene Bluschke