For Posterity's Sake         

A Royal Canadian Navy Historical Project

In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar 

SCHLOSSER, Alvin Russell - passed away in Kelowna. A heart of gold stopped heating, hard working hands at rest. It is with great sorrow the family of the late Alvin Russell Schlosser announces his passing in Kelowna, BC, November 6, 2003. Born in Hanna, Alberta on October 26, 1943, Alvin was the youngest of three children. Alvin was in the Navy from 1960 to 1964 in Shearwater, NS. After leaving the Navy, Alvin got a job in Edmonton at the airport working on planes. In 1965, Alvin met and married Edna Letendre and made Their home in Grande Prairie where their daughter, Judy, was born. Alvin finished his apprenticeship as a heavy duty mechanic with R. Angus. Working for Caterpillar he was able to transfer to different towns and so made a transfer to Dawson Creek, BC where he worked for Finning Tractor and their son Darcy was born. From there a move to Fort Nelson was made then another move to MacKenzie. The family made their final home in Quesnel in 1978. Here the Schlosser family enjoyed skiing, skidooing, curling, fishing, hiking, and camping together. Alvin enjoyed Quesnel and the community and always wanted to lend a helping hand, so it wasn't a surprise when he and his son Darcy joined the Barlow Creek Volunteer Fire Department. I n1999, Finning Tractor closed their doors and Slocan invited Alvin to join their team as a heavy-duty mechanic in their ship. Alvin was a family man and a man who did not hesitate to help family, friends and co-workers with the advice and the wit. In January of 2001, Alvin was diagnosed at the Kelowna General Hospital with "Boop" (bronchiolitis obliterations with organizing pneumonia) a disease that attacks the lungs and Dermatomyositis, a disease that attacks muscle and tissues. Alvin showed tremendous strength and courage with his battle of these two unique and rare diseases. Throughout his illness he continued to be concerned about the people around him. When he ahd the energy he would take walks with his wife Edna and dog Daisy. He enjoyed the company of his grandchildren Riley, Devon, Amanda, Jessie and  Kolton. He had married into a large family whose company he cherished with many good memories and laughs. He thought highly of his close friends. Co-workers were not people he merely worked with but people he considered friends. Alvin will be missed dearly by those whose lives he touched. Left to mourn his passing are his loving wife Edna, his daughter Judy (Peter Malic), Quesnel, BC, his son Darcy (Lisa Schlosser), Grande Prairie, AB, five grandchildren, Riley Malic, Devon, Amanda, Jessie and Kolton Schlosser, Alvin is survived by his other, Ethel Lind, Calgary, AB, brother Ray (Dinah) Schlosser, Edmonton, AB, and sister Donna (Brian)Sutherland, Calgary, AB. A memorial service was held November 10, 2003 in Quesnel, BC at Clayton's Funeral Chapel with Norm Botterill officiating. Edna and her family want to thank family and freinds for their support during these last difficult weeks. A heartfelt thanks to you all. A special thank you to Dr. Davidson and Dr. McFetridge of the Avery Health Clinic for acting on Alvin's behalf and allowing him to get the medical attention he needed. Also to the wonderful doctors, nurses and staff at Kelowna General Hospital, especially Dr. Graeme McCauley.