Alexander Silvan
Our dad, Alex, passed away peacefully at the hospital, with family holding his hand, on Father's Day. Dad was born in Vancouver to Mary Gliebowich and Walter Silvanovicz, and grew up in the flats of Burnaby. From an early age, Alex was determined to learn. He worked hard to master English, then mathematics and science. In 1955 he graduated from UBC as a pharmacist, and then married the love of his life, Agnes MacDonald. They moved to the Kootenays and bought SaImo Drugs, raising their young family there for eight years. In 1968, the family moved to New Westminster. Alex worked for Cunningham Drugs and then Shoppers Drug Mart, before switching from a career in pharmacy to property management. Dad had a keen eye for real estate, and he knew how to install, build or fix almost anything; and if he didn't, he'd learn. He was actively working until he was injured in a car accident in January 2020. When not working, Dad enjoyed many hobbies. He had a bountiful vegetable and flower garden, was an accomplished photographer, and had a passion for cars.
Alex was a devoted husband to Agnes for 65 years, and cherished his family: Donald Silvan, Christopher Silvan, Teresa (Gordon) Gibbons and grandchildren Michelle (Sandy MacKean) , Derek Silvan, Katie and Kiara Gibbons, and greatgrandchildren Rosie, Isobel and Alexandra McKean. We are so grateful for our Dad's sense of humour, and for what he taught us about hard work, honesty, family and love.
Thank you Dad - you will be missed.
Agnes Silvan
Our Mom, Agnes, passed away peacefully at Point Grey Private Hospital in Vancouver on Thursday, March 18, 2021 with family holding her hand.
Agnes was born on January 28, 1931 in Edmonton, Alberta to Captain Donald MacDonald and Christina MacIntyre of South Uist, Scotland. Agnes was the 9th amongst 10 siblings: she enjoyed a close, lifelong friendship with her younger sister, Rhoda. When Agnes was 14 years old, the family moved to Hamilton Street in New Westminster; she attended St. Ann's Academy High School and belonged to Our Lady of Mercy Parish.
After high school graduation, Mom attended teacher training at 'Normal' School located where City Square in Vancouver now stands. On July 30, 1955, Agnes and Alex married. Mom's 1st teaching job began in 1953; it was Gr. One at Armstrong School in Burnaby and ended when her first son, Donald, was born in 1956. Soon after, Chris was born in 1957 followed by Teresa in 1963.
In the 70s, Mom decided to go to UBC to advance her teacher qualifications and thus began her Kindergarten career in the Vancouver School District. Mom ultimately, took care of all of her grandchildren and often substituted for Teresa's Kindergarten, Gr. 1 or Gr. 2 classes at St. Michael's and Vancouver College schools.
She was a long-standing supporter and contributor to the CWL, the Poor Clares, and the Oblate Fathers. Since the 60s, on Sundays, 1st Fridays, special missions, any occasion, Mom could always be found on the left side aisle of St. Peter's Church in a centre pew. Mom never ever missed Mass!
Mom's main focus was her family. She was never happier than when she hosted every family event and celebration. There was always a meal for any of her children or grandchildren dropping by for a visit. We would talk for hours enjoying the front yard camellia tree from the kitchen table or the backyard garden from the living room couch. Mom loved going out for lunch, movies, school plays and concerts, Scottish highland games, and shopping. (she mostly shopped for other people). From Mom we learned to work hard, be strong, healthy, kind, happy, generous, caring, loyal and loving.
Mom is predeceased by her loving husband, Alex, and is survived by her children: Donald, Chris, and Teresa (Gordon); her grandchildren: Michelle (Sandy MacKean), Derek, Katie and Kiara; and her great granddaughters: Rosie, Isobel and Alexandra.
Thank- you, Mom. You will always be loved.