GUSBIN, Albert George
Oct. 17, 1939 - Aug. 25, 2021
Albert was born in The Pas, Manitoba to Berthe Pettit Gusbin and Edmond Gusbin. He is survived by his only sister Amy Polman in Kelowna, and her husband John. He leaves behind his nephews Peter, Ray and Dennis Polman and his nieces Val Petillion and Linda Polman. Albert was a unique character who had a passion for skiing, which led him to operate his own ski shop in the 60’s. Albert (Uncle Al to his nieces and nephews) was a generous soul. In the mid-1960’s Uncle Albert went so far as to equip his nieces and nephews with ski equipment from his inventories at his new ski shop and then to usher us up to Big White for our first experience on skis. Unfortunately, Uncle Albert was a better skier and ski instructor than he was a businessman, summarily bankrupting his new skiing retail operation after dispensing some of it to his nieces and nephews. Albert took to skiing in a serious way in the 1960’s, he could be seen in the family orchard jumping up and down on apple bins to prepare his legs and his body for the coming ski season. His favourite ski hills were Sun Valley and Mount Norquay, where he always talked about the excitement of skiing down the black triangle runs that had moguls the size of frozen Volkswagens”. Uncle Albert was always a colourful character, always willing to tilt a glass and share off-colour jokes which would be the source of entertainment at family parties. His tastes were not expensive, he could always make due with the least expensive items, albeit with some of his own alterations and modifications to make them palatable. His work included forestry, sawmills, and the Vernon training army kitchen. Albert spent his last years at the David Lloyd Jones Seniors home where the staff supported him. Special thanks to the staff there and to Mary Ann Kruiper, a kind family cousin, for her love and compassion. Thank you also to Bob, Albert’s long time childhood friend for his friendship. We will miss Uncle Albert, his generosity, his charm and his character. Due to COVID-19, a celebration of life will be held at a later date.