Alvin Prete
August 19, 1924 – March 12, 2018

Alvin (Fat, Lovey) Prete was born on the family farm to James and Justina (Denis) Prete, the second eldest of nine children. He took his schooling at Virgil School. He worked hard on the family farm as well as neighbouring farms to help the family through difficult times. At 16 he left home to work at Eston and talked often as to how homesick he was for his family.

Alvin's passion as a young man was to play baseball and from all accounts he was very good at it. In 2016 at the age of 91 he was so pleased to attend a reunion with the surviving team mates of the Resource team he had played with in his youth.

Alvin's whole life changed in the fall of 1949 when the new school teacher came to board with his folks. Romantic sparks flew between Alvin and Stella instantly and the soul mates were married on November 14th, 1951. They moved into the new home they had built and worked very hard together to begin their farming career.

Three daughters were born to this union- Maxine in November, 1952, Beth in December, 1955 and Pauline in October, 1959. Although no sons were born to this union, Alvin and Stella always said they were blessed with their son in laws, often commenting on how they were like their very own.

The joy in Alvin's life was always his family. He was often found enjoying a dance around the house with his "Best Girl" or one of his daughters or granddaughters. Many hours were spent smoothly gliding around the house or at community dances. Everyone loved to be asked to dance by Alvin.

Happiness was always in Alvin's eyes when grandchildren and great grandchildren arrived and he loved to give them all a nickname. The names were goofy but they all loved it. His family knows that being with his grandkids added many happy years to his life. He loved to put each new addition on his knee and kiss and tease them. They all grew to know that Grandpa was a big tease but each one adored him. Many hours were spent giving each grandchild rides on the golf cart until they learned how to drive it themselves. It is a wonder that the cart ever made it to the golf course as it should have been worn out.

Alvin retired from raising cattle and pigs at 65 and with good health he enjoyed many years of golfing with his sweetheart, family and friends. He enjoyed playing cards, horseshoes, dancing, picking raspberries (he loved eating them), helping with the lush garden, family gatherings and spending time with his grandchildren.

Alvin and Stella moved from the farm to Humboldt in October, 2015 and after a health crisis they moved to Bethany Village in Middle Lake.

Alvin will be lovingly remembered and greatly missed by his wife Stella Prete; his daughter Maxine Cross, granddaughter Nicole Cross, great grandson Kewin Sommerfeld, granddaughter Jynell Cross (Adam Stachelek), great granddaughter Varenna Stachelek; his daughter Beth (Terry) Newberry, grandson Darren (Lorie) Newberry, great granddaughters Katie and Dayna Newberry; granddaughter Staci (Travis) Heinbigner, great grandsons Scott and Levi Heinbigner; daughter Pauline (Allan) Holtvogt, grandson Brett Holtvogt, granddaughter Holly (Cal) Holfeld, great granddaughter Naomi Holfeld. He is also survived by his sisters Marion Mullen, Marg Quaroni, Luella Haddon, Loretta DeCoteau and Inie (George) Gratton; sisters in law Edna Stewart, Nellie McLaren, Toni Woolsey and Barb Hardy and a large extended family of nieces, nephews and cousins.

Alvin was predeceased by his parents James and Justina; his brothers Bill, Harold (Slim) and Ted Prete; son in law John Cross; three young nephews, Doug Prete, Gilbert Mullen, Melvin Haddon; brothers in law Ettore Quaroni, Gerald Mullen, Bill Haddon, Ken Hardy, Bill Prost, Ken Stewart, Ken McLaren; and sister in law Pearl Prete.
The Funeral Service for Alvin was held on Thursday, March 15, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. at the Pleasantdale Community Hall, officiated by Pastor Dave MacPherson. Interment followed in the Pleasantdale Cemetery. Memorial donations in Alvin’s memory may be made to St. Brieux Manor or the Pleasantdale Cemetery.

 

This notice placed courtesy of
Malinoski & Danyluik Funeral Home
Phone: 682-1622