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Alexander (Alex) Stephen Pivarnyik

November 1, 2024

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May 22, 1942 - November 1, 2024

In loving memory ~

Alexander (Alex) Stephen Pivarnyik passed away peacefully on November 1, 2024 at the age of 82, in Nanaimo Regional General Hospital with his son Kevin by his side.

Alex was born in Kelowna, BC on May 22, 1942, where he was the youngest of three kids. He lived his early years in Kelowna until the family relocated to Victoria when he was 14. After graduating from high school, Alex moved to Vancouver where he started his first job was a bike courier. Alex left the big city for a quieter life in Hedley BC, where he started his career in the sawmill industry and met the love of his life, Karla (Dziobek). Alex and Karla were married in 1963 and spent the early years of marriage moving around the interior of BC chasing sawmill jobs; from Hedley to Horsefly, to Princeton, Vancouver and finally settling in Upper Fraser in 1966 to raise their family. Alex was an avid outdoors man, hunting and fishing and enjoyed his solo time in the bush. He was also passionate about music, and enjoyed writing his own songs.

In 1972 the family relocated to Ladysmith BC, where Alex continued his career in the sawmill industry and worked at Shawn Timber Sawmill. In the late 70's, Alex decided to change careers and become a paramedic for the BC Ambulance Service. After 7 years witnessing too many tragedies, Alex returned to his sawmill roots and finished his working years as a Millwright for Mike Gogo Cedar Sawmill.

Alex and Karla enjoyed many trips to Reno and Las Vegas (they loved slot machines) and were regular bingo hall members where Alex was known for calling numbers. Alex was an avid coin collector and part of the Ladysmith & District Historical Society because of his love of trains and street cars.

In 2004, Karla was diagnosed with lung cancer. After a long, tough battle, she passed away in 2006 with Alex at her side. Alex was never the same without Karla, and after 18 years living alone, is now reunited with his beautiful wife of 43 years in heaven.

In 2020, Alex moved into La Rosa Gardens retirement home. He was incredibly fond of the staff and grateful for the four years he spent living there. He enjoyed simple pleasures in life (like playing a Johnny Cash record or a good bucket of KFC chicken!). Alex was a very generous person, always donating to people in need.

Alex is survived by his sister (Rosalie), three children (Kenneth, Karen and Kevin) and 6 grandchildren. At Alex's request, there will be no service.



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