Obituaries

May 15, 1933 - March 6, 2023

A Celebration of Life will be held to honour Oliver on WEDNESDAY, MAY 31, 2023, at 1:00 PM (PST), at SPRINGFIELD FUNERAL HOME, 2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC. If you are unable to attend in person, please join the family online by Livestream at the time of the service (see below), a recording will be made available to view shortly thereafter.

To view the Livestream/recording or send the family condolences, please visit his obituary page at www.springfieldfuneralhome.com/obituaries/fabris-oliver www.springfieldfuneralhome.com/obituaries/fabris-oliver (or click the direct link with his name in it, below).



At the age of 89, on March 6, 2023, Oliver Fabris peacefully went to join his previously departed beloved wife and other family members.

His surviving family members who mourn this deep loss include his children, Roberta Lewis and Rick Fabris; stepdaughter Viveia (Alan) Tokunagan; grandchildren, Lina Lewis (Jeff Foley), Peter (Tara) Lewis, Ricky Fabris, Angelo Fabris, Marina Fabris, and Chris (Heather) Fabris; great-grandchildren, Davyn, Presley, Hudson, Liv, Bristol, Benson, Vienna, Jackson, and Sophia; as well as his sister, Liliana, and numerous nieces and nephews. Sadly, Oliver was predeceased by his wife, Marina, in 1988; his parents, Pietro and Carmen; his sister, Milvia; and his two brothers-in-law, Amerigo and Rino.

Born in San Giovanni de Casara, Italy, Oliver came to Canada, at an early age, with the intention of earning money and returning to Italy. However, that all changed when, in Prince Rupert where they worked together, he met and fell in love with Marina They wed and moved to Nanaimo, BC.

Oliver worked most of his career in the Forestry & Lumber industry with MacMillan Bloedel. He was a lumber grader and worked in Mill Quality Control.

When he retired, he moved to Parksville and then finally to Kelowna.

Oliver spent his spare time gardening and wood working. He was an excellent gardener, grafting and propagating many plants which his family still cherish, growing in their gardens.

He was extremely talented when working with wood. Slow but very talented! He built houses, made furniture, and designed and carved beautiful carved pieces until just a few years ago. Many of his carvings continue to be enjoyed by his family and friends.

Oliver made his own wine for years, from grape to wine in the basement of his Nanaimo house. Later years, he resorted to using juice to make dry white and red wines.

He enjoyed lawn bowling in Parksville and Kelowna. He participated in Senior provincial games in lawn bowling. He even taught this sport to the blind. He also liked to curl, boat and enjoy a fine glass of Merlot.

Oliver’s singing, whistling and joking will be missed at the Village at Mill Creek home which gave him so much comfort and peace in his last years.

Oliver will be dearly missed by all with whom he shared himself.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Village at Mill Creek, www.baptisthousing.org/donate.

• May 31, 2023
  I always enjoyed playing with or against Oliver on the bowling green in Kelowna He was a good bowler and a very nice man. Sincere condolences to all his family.
  
  - Elaine Hansen-Hill
• May 25, 2023
  I only had the pleasure of knowing Oliver for a few years. He was a wonderful man. I always enjoyed our visits. Roberta and family, my condolences. - Willie Mackle
• Mar 18, 2023
  I so enjoyed getting to know your dad. I will miss his whistling and singing so much. Thank you for sharing him with us.
  
  You are in my thoughts and prayers
  
  Bonnie VMC - Bonnie d
• Mar 18, 2023
  To the family of Oliver Fabris. We are sorry for your loss.
  
  Please reply to this e-mail.
  
  [email protected]
  
  We have a connection to your family from San Giovanni di Casarsa, Italy
  
  Your father lived in the same courtyard as Rino Fabris.
  
  - Rino Faris

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