Alan Spink
November 30, 1931 ~ January 28, 2012
Alan Spink passed away on Saturday, January 28, 2012 at the age of 80.
Al is survived by his wife Joyce of 59 and a half years, and daughters Denise (Hans), Kim (Kevin), son Mark (Jacqueline, Alex and Matthew) and sister Doris Donaldson.
Al was born in Calgary and went to school in Ogden. He worked for the CPR, Neonex, United Trailers and Custom Structures. Al and Joyce retired early to BC, first to Tappen and then settled in the community of Wynndel.
Al was a craftsman. In Calgary he was an active member of the Canoe Club and raced and built beautiful cedar strip canoes. He also made canoe and kayak paddles and racing kayaks. When Joyce and Al retired to Tappen, he built their retirement home. Al became a beekeeper, and participated in the annual fall fairs, competing, winning and eventually judging the honey competition. Al was an accomplished gardener and knowledgeable fruit grower who generously shared his harvest with family and friends. Al was also a wood carver. He carved birds of prey and local waterfowl and Joyce painted the carvings. In Wynndel, Al was an enthusiastic board member and volunteer of the Wynndel Community Centre and was always willing to lend a hand to help others and apply his building and carpentry skills to improve facilities. He was a supporter of the Wynndel Coffee House and member of the Monday Music nights. His interest in music led him to learn to build and play the mandolin and he often jammed with friends at the Coffee House and other events.
Al was extremely active in retirement and enriched the communities he lived in. He leaves behind many friends and will be deeply missed.
A Celebration of Al's Life will be held on Sunday, March 4, 2012, 1 to 5 pm at the Wynndel Community Centre.
Friends and family are invited to share their stories and play some music.
Special thanks to the ICU staff at the hospital in Cranbrook.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Wynndel Community Centre, (Al Spink Memorial), 5127 Wynndel Road, Wynndel, BC V0B 2N2 or to the East Kootenay Foundation for Health, 13 - 24th Avenue North, Cranbrook, BC V1C 3H9.