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March 18, 1925 - October 12, 2019
It is with great sadness that the family of Albert Rella announces his passing on Saturday, October 12, 2019 at the age of 94.
Albert was born on March 18, 1925 in Grand Forks, B.C. After moving to Trail, B.C., he met the great love of his life, Alice ("Dolly"). Their 65 happy years of marriage is an inspiration to their family and many friends.
Albert was an exceptionally curious and practical man. Throughout his life, he continually developed his high level skills in masonry work, carpentry, electrical work, plumbing and mechanics. A few examples of his "purposeful" life included designing and building: a "full scale" airplane when he was 13; one of the first water ski boats on Christina Lake; and the family home and much of the furniture. He maintained and repaired vehicles, including rebuilding engines; he also loved to renovate his children's homes and make toys for his grandchildren.
Albert thoroughly enjoyed his 45 year working career at Cominco, which included managing several construction projects in South America, Europe, Trail, and Kimberley, B.C. Over the years, he felt truly fortunate that Cominco provided his family and community a secure and steady economic base. At Cominco's "100th Year Celebration", he was honoured to be mentioned as one of the employees who was instrumental in the success of the company's Trail operations. With his grade 10 education, he was also proud of becoming an honorary member of a Canadian Engineering Association.
Albert and Dolly took considerable pride in their home activities, including cooking, gardening and especially socializing with family and friends. They also enjoyed many years of travelling to various places in Canada, the USA and Europe. Their main pleasure was vacationing with their large family at Christina Lake, for the past 60 years.
Albert cherished his life in Trail and the Kootenays. Over the years, he was a volunteer for many organizations and community events, including: the Knights of Columbus; the 1968 World Cup Ski Races at Red Mountain; school track meets; church building committees; and civic planning committees. Albert also enjoyed: fishing at Kootenay Lake with the "Big 6"; golfing; playing cards; cross country skiing; pottery (including building the kiln and potters wheel); wood carving; and playing the harmonica in his later years.
He was predeceased by his parents, Benjamin and Pauline, his brothers, Ben and Vic, and his wife, Dolly. He is survived by: his children, Allan (Cathy) Rella, Carol (David) Fulowski and Susan (Chris) McIver; his grandchildren David (Alisha), Allison (Chris), Craig (Zsanett), Caitlin (Alex), Nick and Natalie; and his great-grandchildren Layla, Liam, Asher and Finley; and his loving sister, Laura Anselmo.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, October 26, 2019 at 10:30 a.m. at the Holy Trinity Catholic Parish in Trail, B.C. with Father Francis dela Cruz, Celebrant. Bill Clark of Alternatives Funeral and Cremation Servicesâ„¢ has been entrusted with arrangements.
The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to the staff at Swan Evergreen Village in Calgary, Alberta for their support and compassion during the final days.
As an expression of sympathy, please make a donation to the charity of your choice in Albert's name.
You are invited to leave a personal message of condolence at the family's online register at
www.myalternatives.ca
 Alternatives Funeral & Cremation Services


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