We Remember

THIEL, Alvin

September 5, 1947 — June 22, 2023

With broken hearts and deep sorrow, the Thiel family announces the passing of our beloved Alvin “Al” Joseph Thiel, on Thursday, June 22, 2023, at Hospice House in Kelowna, BC.

Al is survived by his loving wife Linda; brother Jim; stepbrother Jim; Aunt Girlie; as well as by his sisters-in-law, nieces, grandnieces, nephews, grandnephews, cousins, and many friends.

Al was born in Humboldt, Saskatchewan on September 5, 1947, to Marcellus and Mary Thiel (née Roth).  Marcellus and Mary moved their young family to New Westminster, BC, where Al spent his youth.  He formed many lifelong friendships while attending and graduating from Lester Pearson senior secondary high school.  After high school, Al attended BCIT and graduated with a diploma in Business Administration.

From 1970 to 1977, Al was employed by Simpson Sears Ltd. in Burnaby as the Payroll Manager and then as an Audit Manager.  From 1977 to 1979, he successfully ran a Motorcycle and Snowmobile franchise in Vernon, BC, before returning to Vancouver where he was hired by the Provincial Government with whom he worked for the next 28 years.  His first posting was with the Liquor Distribution Branch in Vancouver, where he was the Payroll Manager and a Project Manager.  In 1995, Al and Linda moved to Kelowna, BC, for his next posting as a Charitable Gaming Auditor.  Al retired from the Provincial Government in 2007, but before finally fully retiring, he worked part-time for a year with Canadian Blood Services as a Clinical Assistant as well as a Transport Attendant.

Al’s main passion in life, after family and friends, was his love for motorcycles (of which he owned many over the years).  Each year entailed a long distance ride or two.   Al’s love of riding took him on many adventures with his fellow riding enthusiasts, Bill, Bob, Rick, Jim, Gary, and Bernie to name a few.

After motorcycles, sports played a huge role in Al’s life, both as a participant and a spectator.  Baseball was a love of his, where he excelled as a player until he was into his 60s.  Curling; he loved curling; curling was where his competitive nature came shining through.  Finally, Lawn Bowling here in Kelowna (where he embraced the game) he was on the Board of Directors for a few years, he volunteered and made many new friends.

Al had a magnetic personality, a real people person. He was known for his warm bear hugs hello and his infectious laugh.  He was a great listener, a loyal friend, an avid reader, an animal lover, and a thrifty shopper.  He was a master card player, especially in Bridge, Kaiser, and Crib. He loved driving his sports car; his motorcycle; taking Otis for walks; listening to the Blues; watching football; going for coffee with the guys; and cruising the world with Linda.

“So long” Al.  We will miss you.

A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date.

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