PYBUS, WILFRID ANSON
1931-2016
Wilfrid Anson Pybus passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 10th, 2016 in Kelowna B.C. surrounded by family. Wilfrid is survived by his 5 children, Anne (Keith), Douglas (Susie), Ralph (Liz), Steven (Barb) and Diana (Ron); 13 grandchildren and a great grandson; siblings Joan, Bruce, Ruth, John, and Glenn; as well as a network of extended family and friends. Wilfrid was predeceased by his loving wife of nearly 60 years, Vivian Eileen Pybus, on January 7th, 2016.
A long term resident of Summerland, Wilfrid was born on May 26th, 1931 in Vancouver, B.C. He graduated from Magee Secondary School in Vancouver and briefly attended the University of British Columbia. As a young man, Wilf’s first love was flying and his spare time and money spent obtaining a fixed wing pilot’s licence. Shortly after high school, Wilf attended the United Church Christian Leadership program at the Naramata Centre, where he met his future wife Vivian, a vivacious young woman from Portage la Prairie, Manitoba.
Wilf and Vivian were married on September 28, 1956 and after spending time in Kitimat and Vancouver, they moved to the Okanagan Valley in 1966 when Wilf took a book keeping/accounting job with the newly opened Brenda Mines. In his early years with Brenda Mines, Wilf juggled a busy family life and several years of accounting night school courses. Wilf was one of the first office staff members hired at Brenda Mines and one of the last to leave, retiring in 1991 when the mine finally closed. He was a faithful employee and proud of his contributions to Brenda Mines. The main focus of Wilfrid’s life was his family. Wilfrid was a member of the Summerland United Church. Although he had a love of his community and life in Summerland, he was happiest being in his garden, attending to his fruit trees, observing bird life, reading, and astutely following world news. Wilf was a closet historian and very knowledgeable of world events. In his later years, he continued to enjoy Bridge and Sudoku, and regular games of Mexican train with Vivian and their dear friends Marg and Ray Mitchell, who they had met as young people at the Naramata Center.
A celebration of Wilf’s life will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, April 23rd at Everden Rust Funeral Home on 1130 Carmi Avenue, Penticton B.C.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Canadian Cancer Society or the Canadian Mental Health Association.
The family would like to express their appreciation to the Penticton Hospice Staff, the Cottonwood staff in Kelowna, Dr. Marjorie Krabbe and in the recent weeks to Dr. Mackle for the compassionate medical care of Wilfrid.
Condolences can be sent to the family by visiting www.everdenrust.com