We Remember
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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.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.
Condolences you Linda and family. I loved our Wednesday coffee gatherings. Al and I had so much in common.
We are saddened to learn of Al’s passing. No words can relieve the pain that are feeling Linda, but know that we are thinking about you.
Linda, ….lovingly written memories of Al’s life. Here is a sweet memory to share with you. Hold on to those moments. Love and hugs from your friend. xox
Linda: We are so sorry to hear of your loss I will miss him at our annual Christmas lunches for retired LDB
employees.
Joe and Christine Kenward
Kamloops
My sincere condolences to the Thiel family. I knew Al through lawn bowling. He was such a good sport and his laugh was contagious. He will be missed by so many people.
Linda: It is with sadness that we think of our friend and neighbor Al. We found Al’s humor to be contagious. We have always been welcomed to your home for visits, meals and card games. Al was always willing and ready to provide a helping hand and never bashful about asking for help in return. Al and I shared witicism in our teasing of each other. We’ve known Al for 23 years. Upon asking Al why he never told me where he was born or grew up, he responded by saying he thought I was a double agent, such a quick witty answer. Noreen and I miss Al and we wish you Linda our sincere condolences. We look forward to your continued friendship.
Errol and Noreen Redman
Linda, we are so sorry to hear of Al’s passing. We think of you and hope we can meet one day. New found cousins but such terrible losses on both sides. I like to think that Al and Lorna are having a good visit.
Linda, I just ask Byron what should we say? His response was “Al was one hell of a guy!” We have such fond memories of our youthful days together. You captured his life so well in your telling of the story of a life well-lived. We have been thinking of you as you and the family are moving through this time of great loss. For each of you it will be different. May you feel surrounded by love as you and the whole family move through the loss of Al.
Fond regards,
Vivienne and Byron