Elvin Masuch
September 12, 1930 ~ March 16, 2014
It is with deep sadness that the family of Elvin Masuch announces his passing on Sunday, March 16, 2014. He departed peacefully surrounded by his loving family.
Elvin faced his diagnosis of cancer with courage and determination. Everyone who helped him was touched by his warm smile and gratefulness.
Elvin was born on September 12, 1930 to August and Louise Masuch in Rimbey, Alberta and moved to Erickson at the age of five. He had five siblings: Eric, Esther, Fred, Marie and Goldie. He attended Erickson Elementary School and Creston Valley High School. He was an excellent athlete taking top honors in track and field; he also enjoyed playing tennis where he met his future bride, Elaine Ross. He left high school to help support the family farm taking employment in the forest industry. He built many of the forestry access roads in the Creston area that are still used today for recreation and logging.
Elvin and Elaine were marred in 1955, built their home and raised their children, Brian and Karen, on the family farm in Erickson. Even though Elvin worked full-time, he continued to farm and raise a commercial crop of fruit every year until his 80th year.
Elvin was a man of service to his community. For 50+ years he was an active member of the Lutheran Church, taking on various leadership roles. He took great interest in the Erickson water system and was an elected trustee of the Erickson Improvement District for 32 years. He was the Regional District of Central Kootenay Director for Area B for 17 years and was also an active member of the Erickson Community Association. He attended many meetings during those years and was always willing to help whenever he could. Elvin was a long time local resident who loved this valley and stood up for what he believed in.
Between work, farming and volunteering, Elvin had time for other interests: travelling to Hawaii with Elaine, fishing with Brian, camping with friends and family, square dancing, reading newspapers, and most of all, spending time with his grandchildren.
Elvin will forever be loved and remembered by his wife Elaine, son Brian (Dawn) of Victoria, daughter Karen (Robin) Douville of Erickson, and grandchildren, Kim and Ben Masuch and Colleen and Marcel Douville; sister Goldie Pedersen, and many nieces and nephews.
A Memorial Funeral Service was held Saturday, March 22, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at Redeemer Lutheran Church with Pastor Doug Stapleton officiating. Interment at Forest Lawn Cemetery, Erickson, BC will be held at a later date.
Any friends wishing to make a memorial contribution may do so to the B.C. Cancer Foundation, 601 West 10th Ave., Vancouver, BC V5Z 1C3.