Bror Albert Kilberg was born on December 11, 1926 in Malakwa, BC. Albert passed away on Tuesday, April 22, 2014 after a brief period of hospital care in Salmon Arm with his son Eric and sister Anita by his side. He leaves to mourn his wife Faye of 59 years, daughter Elaine (Bernie) Butkiewicz of Exshaw, son Eric (Brenda) Kilberg of Salmon Arm and daughter Patricia (Larry) Schuller of Calgary. He also leaves to mourn 8 grandchildren; Connie (Scott) Stephen of Vanderhoof, Karlene (Derek) Wilson of Airdrie, Bryce Butkiewicz of Victoria, Ryan (Nikki) Kilberg of Calgary, David (Stefanie) Kilberg of Calgary, Trent Kilberg of Saskatoon, Shawn (Kaitee) Schuller of Calgary and Chris (Chelsea) Schuller of Calgary and 12 great grandchildren. He also leaves behind his 4 sisters; Edie Moule of Calgary, Astrid (Bill) Blomquist of Kelowna, Anita Kilberg of Vancouver and Marilyn (Pete) Nowoczin of Kamloops as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Albert was born to his proud parents Bror and Selma 3 months early weighing in at 4 ½ pounds. There was very little medical help but his mother did the best she could under the careful watch of the local midwife to monitor his beginning. In the spring of 1928, the family moved to Vancouver where they bought a home and Albert’s Dad began working for the city. The depression meant that money was scarce, so in 1933, the family moved to the Cariboo where they homesteaded. Three years later, word came that Albert’s Great Uncle Peter was ill and wanted the family to move back to Malakwa and take over his farm. The family packed their belongings in the Cariboo and Albert and his father travelled to Malakwa by horse and covered wagon. The rest of the family came later. Farm life was hard work; cows to milk, pigs to feed, wood to chop and growing seed potatoes. While growing up on the farm, Albert was very fond and good to his sisters.
Albert met Faye at a dance in Canoe in 1952. He spotted this young girl sitting by herself in a corner and went over to make small talk. She didn’t have a way back to Enderby, so Albert offered to give her a ride. Over time Albert was making many trips back and forth from Malakwa to Enderby. On December 4, 1954 they were married in Vernon. They made their home in Malakwa and lived there for the next 27 years. Albert worked for the Blomquist Brothers as a faller and loved the forest and had a deep appreciation for nature.
In 1981 Albert and Faye moved to Enderby. Their home was always open to friends and family and the coffee was always on. He was born with a natural talent for music and loved to play and sing. Grandpa was a quiet and very well respected man. He was kind and patient with a gentle heart. A man of few words but when he spoke one stopped to listen. Our Dad’s Christian faith helped him face the challenges of Alzheimer’s with grace and courage until his passing.
Interment was held at Malakwa Cemetery on Saturday, April 26, 2014 with a Memorial Service following at the Sicamous Senior’s Centre.
Arrangements entrusted to Fischer’s Funeral Services & Crematorium Ltd., Salmon Arm (250) 833-1129. Email condolences and share memories through Albert’s obituary at www.fischersfuneralservices.com.