August 2, 2019
Tony (Antoine Phillipe) Alvarez passed away surrounded by family and friends at his home in Warfield on Friday, August 2, 2019 at the age of fifty-seven. While born with the many challenges of Downs Syndrome, Tony lived a happy and full life, bringing smiles to those he met and leaving behind many wonderful memories.
He personified the words of L'Arche founder Jean Vanier who wrote " the great thing about people with intellectual disabilities is that they are not people who discuss philosophy...what they want is fun and laughter, to do things together and fool around....". Tony's garrulous laugh and the mischievous sparkle in his eyes started to fade months ago and his family is infinitely grateful to his housemates and care givers at the Forrest Drive Group Home, the staff at the Trail Association for Community Living (TACL) and Dr. Lilli Kerby for making his final days as comfortable as possible. Tony's parents, Dr. Arthur and Mrs. Marguerite Alvarez of Trail, BC, passed away some time before him. He is survived by his siblings Henri, Nanette, Pierre, Marc and Christine as well as his best, big buddy Randy.
Family and friends will gather to celebrate Tony's life on Thursday, August 8. A private interment ceremony will follow at a later date. In recognition of the outstanding and important work of TACL, the family will be making a donation to the association and we encourage those who would like to commemorate Tony to donate to TACL in support of this wonderful organization and its equally fine staff.