The family of Alfred Keber regret to inform you of Al’s passing on Thursday February 11, 2021. Al was born in October 1935 in Lacombe, Alberta and moved to Anderson Subdivision in Vernon, BC as a young child. Al married the love of his life, Etoyle Hoffman on September 1, 1957. In July of 1960 they were blessed with their only son Kenneth. In May of 1966 they were blessed to adopt their only daughter Jo-Anne.
Through the years Al was a Foreman for a logging company, a heavy-duty mechanic, a millwright, and a renowned taxidermist of Alpine Taxidermy. Al loved young people and spent his time investing in their future. He was the leader of the first BX Boys scout troupe in the 1970’s, which became one of the most successful troupes in the area at that time. Al was an active member of Elim Tabernacle (Alexis park church) serving as a board member, an elder, Sunday School super intendant and the commander of the Crusaders group. Al was on the board of directors at the Upper Room Mission in Vernon and was the manager for a few years.
As an avid outdoors man, Al explored many back country areas throughout BC. One of his joys was taking his family with him on some of his excursions. Using his beloved horses, he would often disappear into the back country for weeks on end without ever encountering another person.
In September of 1981, Al, his wife Etoyle and close friends Jerry and Jenny Schmidt were involved in a very serious car accident. Al was not expected to live, but through much prayer and wonderful medical intervention everyone survived. However, this event did change his life dramatically as he was no longer able to ride his horse or continue to run his business of Alpine Taxidermy. Al did not allow this event to take away his joy and continued to enjoy his family and friends and the great outdoors for another 39 years!
One of the most important things in his life was his faith in Jesus Christ. As a young man, Al endured many personal crises that led him to know Jesus as his Lord and savior. In his final years, he eagerly anticipated spending eternity with Jesus.
The last year and a half of his life Al became a resident of Polson Special Care in Vernon, where the loving staff cared for him and his wife Etoyle as he battled dementia. Al’s family all want to express their appreciation to the staff of Polson Special Care for treating and caring for Al and Etoyle in such a compassionate way. We would also like to say a special thank you to his medical care team at the office of Dr. Schuch.
Al is predeceased by his parents, Karl and Lydia, his sister Ester (Bill), his brother Arthur (Elsa), foster son Harvey and his in-laws Jake and Edna Hoffman. He is survived by:
Wife: Etoyle
Son: Ken (Carol)
Jared (Kaitlin) Maeli, Jensen
Kelsey (Jesse), Jasper, Aziah, Brooklyn
Justin (Celeste)
Jordan
Daughter: Jo-Anne (Alren)
Brandon (Kayla) Micha, Everlea
Laura (Thom), Alex, Cayleigh, Bethany, Declan
Kaitlin, Logan
Brother: Fred (Ester)
Kari, Greg
Brother: Lorence
Mike, Debbie
Esters children: Faith, Hope, Charity, Karl
Sister-in-law: Carole (Fred)
Lana, Lester
Al is also survived by numerous great nieces and nephews.
Due to the current Covid-19 restrictions, there will be a celebration of life later. The family would like to thank everyone who has reached out and sent their support during this difficult time.
If anyone would like to donate in memory of Al Keber, you can do so at www.gideons.ca
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Alfred Keber February 11th 2021..
Décès pour la Ville: Vernon, Province: Colombie britanique