Alvin (Bob) Bernard James Westerby

Alvin (Bob) Bernard James Westerby passed away peacefully at the age of 77 on Friday, Oct. 13, 2006 after a courageous battle with cancer with his loving family and beloved dog, Kerby, by his side.
Al is survived by his sons, Ross, Doug (Nora), and Tom; daughters, Debra (Roy) Williams, Barbara (David) Olson, and Lisa (Kevin) Fillmore; and 12 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
He also is survived by his brother, David (Bev); sisters, Carrie (Bill) Gilchrist, Pat Cates, and Pearl McKay; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his wife, Betty; brothers, Willie, Norman, Tom, Jeff, Ken, and Don; sisters, Brenda and Hazel; and daughter-in-law, Becky.
Alvin (Bob) was born July 25, 1929 in Emo, Ont. and was one of 13 children.
As a young man, he worked in logging camps and in 1950, he married Betty Evelyn Watts. In 1952, the family moved to Atikokan, Ont., where Al was employed at the iron ore mines as a heavy duty mechanic.
In 1969, the family moved to Fernie, B.C., where Al was employed at Kaiser Coal. Then in 1973, they moved to Beaverdell, B.C., where Al was the master mechanic for Teck Corp. until his retirement in 1991.
Al was a very honest and hard-working man, and will be remembered most for his love of his family and his wonderful sense of humour. He adored his grandchildren and had a very soft spot in his heart for all animals.
Al also was an excellent carpenter, and his talent ranged from building houses to cabinets and down to the smallest of toys for his grandchildren.
He had many interests, which included music, golfing, fishing, watching baseball (Blue Jays), and hockey (Canucks), playing cards, and walks with his dog, Kerby, and especially his annual hunting trip to northern B.C. with “the boys.”
He will be sadly missed by his family and the many friends who passed through his life.
A memorial service will be held at a later date and his ashes will be scattered as per Al’s wishes.
Should friends desire, in memoriam donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society.