Fabro, Alan Joseph

How do you capture in words the life of a man who lived so profoundly; a man who could measure his life by richness in relationships he formed with those he met, even if only for a brief moment.

It is with deep sorrow we announce the passing of ALAN JOSEPH FABRO, on Thursday June 11th2015, after a courageous three year battle with Metastatic Colon Cancer. Rightly so, this devoted husband and loving father took his final breath while in the presence of family.

Alan fought his cancer with unwavering strength. He never complained nor felt sorry for himself. For Alan, the past three years were a time to be thankful for all of the blessings in his life and to say goodbye to those he held so dearly. Shortly after Alan was diagnosed he wrote the following passage in his journal:

I will look at this 'thug' named cancer and stare him straight in the eye.
I will not blink.
He may take my life, but NOT my spirit!

Alan was a true man of the moment. He loved life and had so many joys. In his passing he did not want us to speak of his accomplishments whether in sport or business, despite there being many to speak of. His successes in life were never the intention; they were the by-product of living a life of action, taking risks and living each moment to its fullest. Alan's greatest accomplishments were his family and the relationships he developed with those around him.

Near the end of his journey Alan reflected back on some of the highlights of his life:

o He was born and raised in Kimberley, B.C.; a mining town of hard working people; a town of closeness and character; a town in one of the most beautiful parts of the world.
o Alan was raised by great parents of Italian descent. They instilled family values of honesty, modesty, and respect for all people.
o He marriedthe love of his life - Virginia (from Southern Georgia). They met and were engaged to be married in only eight days. A marriage that would last 40 years and only separable through Alan's passing.
o The gift of their children Alison and Scott and their wonderful spouses Doug and Ashley. A family that was, and will remain very close.
o The companionship of a twin brother , Colin. In youth, he was always someone to play catch with. Colin is still the finest person.
o The joy of observing staff at McKay Bros. and later on at Western Tractor. Their hard work and diligence was constant.
o The wonderful relationships that Virginia and Alan developed with others over the years; within the John Deere business and outside of work.
o The joy of 6 grandchildren, each one having their own distinct personality.
o Quiet moments with just Virginia, and hectic moments when all the family was together at Alan's favourite place - Wasa Lake. The lake view and Rocky Mountains were forever etched in Alan's mind.

Alan is survived by his wife Virginia, daughter Alison (Doug) Pilsner, son Scott (Ashley) Fabro, mother Fiorina (98 years of age), twin brother Colin, and six beautiful grandchildren - Nolan, Brooke, Makena; Briggs, Rhett, and Ford. Alan is also survived by his sister-in-law Janet and nephew Ryan (Jacquie) Fabro, mother-in-law Eleanor Hallman and a large extended family in Southern Georgia (the finest y'all could ever meet). Alan was predeceased by his father Milo, older brother Robert, and father-in-law Roy Hallman.


A Prayer Service will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2800 Mayor Magrath Drive South, Lethbridge, Alberta, on Monday, June 22, 2015 at 6:00 P.M.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the COAST LETHBRIDGE HOTEL AND CONFERENCE CENTRE, 526 Mayor Magrath Drive South, Lethbridge, Alberta on Tuesday, June 23, 2015 at 2:00 P.M.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Jack Ady Cancer Centre, 960-19 Street South, Lethbridge, Alberta, T1J 1W5