Arnold Alvin Dreger

We are heartbroken to announce the passing of Arnold (Al) Dreger on October 30, 2019. Al passed away in Kelowna General Hospital in his 83rd year.

Dad is survived by his Daughter Sandra Dreger (Randall) and Son Stephen Dreger (Sara Mae) and Grand Children Michaela Dreger and Hunter Dreger.

Dad lost the love of his life, his wife Loys Dreger in 1999. And we are sure he is again re-united with her. He missed her tremendously over these past 20 years.

Our Dad was born in Watrous Saskatchewan to Gustav and Martha Dreger and was raised primarily by Martha because Gus was away working on his job as section foreman on the railway in northern Manitoba. Raised on a farm, our Dad was no stranger to hard work even at a young age, and we heard many stories over the years of the efforts and challenges of his childhood, including his treks to and from school each day in 2 feet of snow, for 5 miles uphill, past a graveyard.

Dad enlisted into the RCMP as a young Man and forged his career within. He then moved into the Crime Lab section as a Forensic Document Examiner and spent the rest of his professional career working in this area. He enjoyed his time serving with the RCMP immensely and we are incredibly proud of him and his accomplishments. Our Family made the big move to Summerland, BC in 1983 and Dad’s career changed dramatically from being a Forensic expert to becoming a cherry orchardist. “those damn cherries” as Dad, used to say.

It was during the early stages of his RCMP career, that he happened upon a young nurse on a train in Revelstoke, BC. This was our Mom, Loys. It was love at first site. They were married in Squamish, BC in 1960 and then Sandra came along in 1970 and Stephen in 1972. Dad worked hard to provide everything that a Family could have ever wanted. Dad was always involved in our activities, and as such, wore many hats, including Scout leader, softball umpire, soccer coach, hockey coach, and of course our moral support and biggest fan. And He made it through all of the trials and tribulations of raising two kids back in the 1970/1980’s. On special nights, Mom would allow Dad to have dinner on a TV table in front of hockey night in Canada. We can still hear the all familiar theme song that played at the beginning of the hockey games.

Our Dad spent countless hours as a volunteer driver as well, providing transportation for people travelling from Campbell River, Courtenay and other mid Vancouver Island locations, down to Victoria to receive Cancer treatments. This was a 4 hour drive each way and was a very familiar display of our Dad’s caring nature, and his desire to help others.

As years the passed after the loss of Mom, Dad immersed himself into his Family more then ever. He was overjoyed with the birth of his Grand children and spent much of his time with them as they grew from babies. He also spent so much time at his Daughter’s home, and rarely missed his Sunday visits for a beer on the back deck, or the invitation over to share a meal and leave with enough leftovers to last him a week. (Being a lifelong Saskatchewan Roughriders fan, sometimes the visits had to take place in the house in front of the TV)

We have had an informal celebration of life. And the Family will have a celebration of Dad’s life in the Spring of 2020 on Vancouver Island, at the big rock.

We love you to the moon and back Daddy.