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It is with great sadness we announce the passing of our wonderful Father & Grampa on November 14. Dad passed at home, at peace, and surrounded by his loving family.

Pie was born December 28, 1924 in Rossland, where he lived his entire life. Most people didn’t know Dad’s real name, most only knew him as Pie, a nickname he earned as a young boy.

Pie was a true gentleman, patient, kind, quick witted, sharp as a tack, with a memory that never failed him. He was always the Go To person for friends and family looking to confirm a birthday, an event, or a sports trivia question.

With a lifelong love for sports he enjoyed his years as a member of the Kardiak Kids softball team. However it was his passion for lacrosse where Pie, playing alongside his brothers, won 3 Provincial Championships with the Rossland Redmen through 1954-1956. Pie looked forward to his annual trip to Seattle to watch the Mariners and New York Yankies games with his brother Babe & buddies.

Pie worked as a Pipefitter at Cominco. Upon his retirement in 1983 after 42 years, we presented Dad with a set of golf clubs with the hopes that he would take it up. He started gradually with a couple of games, a little more in the next few years, then a little more again, and finally golfing almost every day with his good friends. He could hit a long ball and for many years was able to shoot his age or better. He was in his 90th year when he played his last round. As Dad’s health declined and he could no longer play, he still enjoyed watching hockey, baseball, and golf on TV. He missed the activity but mostly he missed the camaraderie shared with his friends.

Pie moved into Esling Park Lodge in 2006, he enjoyed his years there and the close knit community and friendships he made there.

Pie served in WW2 although he would never speak of it. Upon returning Pie met and married Mary Ellen Bingham in 1946 and is reunited with her now to celebrate their 70th anniversary. Together they raised 5 children in a caring, supportive and fun loving environment.

Survived by his children Caroline (Bill) Savinkoff, Marilyn Ayotte, Kenny (Irene) Laface, Lyall (Karol) Laface, Debbie (Dario) Cescon. Grandchildren, Jennifer, Jillian, Jeffrey, Chris, Megan, Sarah, Stephanie, Shawn, Samantha, Nicole & Evan, and their families, including his beloved 13 great grandchildren with 4 more on the way. Sisters-in-law Betty Laface, Carol Mawdsley, brother-in-law Tommy Bingham, and many nieces and nephews.

Predeceased by his wife Mary Ellen, son-in-law Rick Ayotte and granddaughter Tammy Savinkoff, his parents and 9 brothers and sisters. Pie was the last of 10 children.

At Pie’s request there will be no service. A gathering in memory of Pie will be held at a later date. Alternatives Funeral and Cremation Services™ has been entrusted with arrangements.

Sincere gratitude to Dr. Kynan Bazley for his exceptional care, Dr. Jonas Sandstrom, Dr. Lily Kirby, and the staff at Monashee Medical Clinic, Dr. Marnie Jacobsen and the Home Support team, Cathy Sahlstrom at Alpine Drug Mart, Reva Strachan & Cathy Cunningham at Infinity.

As an expression of sympathy donations can be made in Pie’s honour to the Canadian Diabetes Association, MS Society or KBRH Health Foundation.

You are invited to leave a personal message of condolence by visiting the family’s online register

www.myalternatives.ca.



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