Mr. Albert John Marouse passed away peacefully in the Chilliwack General Hospital on April 26, 2010. He was born Sept 20, 1914 in Weno, AB. His parents emigrated from Belgium. He was an only child and when his mother returned to her birthplace with him, he obtained his schooling in Belgium. After she died, Albert returned
to Canada at 16 years of age to work with his father, William, who had changed his surname to Morris. He owned a garage, Enderby Motors, in Enderby, B.C. Albert was a volunteer fire fighter in Enderby. He helped his dad build the fire truck that will be on display in Enderby later this year. He met and married Mary Jane Potrie from Mable Lake, B.C. in 1938, where they resided until they moved to Vernon where their first child, June, was born. Later they moved to Abbotsford where their second child, Chris, was born. The family moved to Calgary in 1952 and Albert and Mary Jane divorced in 1959. Albert married Nellie Hayduk in 1970. After his retirement from Chinook Centre where he was a security guard, they moved to Richmond, B.C., They enjoyed almost 30 years together until her death in 1999. While they resided in Richmond, Albert joined the Masonic Lodge #142 and became Grand Master. After Nellie passed, he moved to White Rock and then on to Hope, B.C. Albert and Nellie had spent a great deal of time in Hope and they loved the area. Albert decided to spend the rest of his days at Riverside Manor in Hope. While living at the rest home, he met Jean Agnes Kam. They were constant companions until her death in 2008.
Albert wore many hats during his long life. He belonged to the Rocky Mountain Rangers. He was employed as a confectioner, salesman, pole truck driver, mechanic, security guard, to name a few. Hank Williams was one of his dry cleaning customers. One of the joys of his life was music and he was very proficient at it. He played the drums, accordion and the organ. He played drums with the Polka Dots in the old Garden Ballroom in Calgary in the 60’s and with the Checkmates a few years later, where they made a record. He played the organ and the accordion up until very recently. He entertained the residents at Riverside Manor on special occasions. When Albert was anywhere nearby, you could always count on him to tell a good joke. He had an unbelievable memory. He was usually the life of the party and loved to make people laugh. Somewhere in heaven they will hear “Play it again Gabby.”
He was predeceased by his parents, son-in-law Peter Cool, and Mary Jane Potrie, Nellie Anastasia Hayduk and Jean Agnes
Kam. He leaves to mourn his passing, two daughters, June
Samphire (Dave), Chris Cool, two step-daughters, Helen O’Connor
(Lorne) and Joanne Lillios (Dan), half sister Sherry, several grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great great
grand daughter, Kaylee.
A simple celebration of life will be held at a later date. Cremation
was by Just Cremations of Aldergrove. In lieu of flowers please
donate to a charity of your choice in Albert’s name. The family would like to thank the staff at Riverside Manor for their care and concern and for making Dad’s last years enjoyable.