Alvin Philippsen died Dec. 26, 2011. He was born Sept. 11, 1929 in Moscow, Russia to Heinrich Philippsen and Anna Friesen. Alvin’s family escaped to Canada via the Red Gate before Stalin closed the border that December. He grew up in Eli, Man., and Black Creek, B.C. He was baptized Aug. 31, 1947, into Black Creek MB Church, where he remained a member 47 years. He married Irene S. Wedel Aug. 12, 1951. He was a Sunday school teacher, assistant treasurer, lay preacher, assistant pastor, church council member, and moderator. He also served on the Comox Valley Ministerial Association, the Comox Valley board, and the national Youth for Christ board. Alvin taught 30 years in the Courtney school district, including 15 years as a vice-principal. After retiring to Abbotsford, B.C., Alvin served on the Garden Park tour committee, as secretary-treasurer for the Abbotsford male chorus, president of the Evergreen Village Strata Council, and a member Clearbrook MB Church, Abbotsford. His generosity was boundless. Alvin is mourned by Irene; children Lynda, Laurence (Lorraine), Norman (Kellie Hudson); 3
grandchildren; 2 siblings.
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