The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh.

Alvin gave us 49 years of friendship, connection, laughter and his unparalleled devotion to share himself with the world. We all have uniquely journeyed life with him, whether we knew him intimately, or through mutual friends and of course through his love for gaming. Alvin’s complex health issues would never come in the way of wanting the most out of life. He was a person we all could count on to call and ask us how we were doing knowing that he himself had greater needs than our own. Alvin personified selflessness desiring to be generous with his time and limited resources. Though Alvin lived in poverty, his wealth was not measured by his bank account balance, rather it was measured in the treasured friendships and family who he adored. Saying Alvin had a number of setbacks in life would be an understatement. Despite these barriers Alvin time after time showcased his tremendous resilience proving barriers were no match for his insurmountable inner strength.

On Saturday September 10, 2022 Alvin experienced yet another setback and was transported to The Grace Hospital from the personal care home he had moved to on July 3, 2022. It was determined soon that Alvin was in acute renal failure. Just three days later on the afternoon of September 14th, we learnt that despite the exhaustive interventions attempted to remedy the diagnosis, there was nothing more that could be done to reverse the impacts of living with diabetes.

The afternoon call on September 14th from his incredibly gifted doctor was devastating. Alvin knew he was dying and yet that afternoon he gave again to those who visited him in room 329.

In fact Alvin received more visitors that afternoon than he had in three years. Alvin shared that evening, “I never want this day to end!” We laughed, shared stories, hugged, held hands and reminded Alvin how much we loved him and in Alvin fashion he had so much to share!

Into the late evening, Alvin struggled to get comfortable and his brother Stephen was called to be at his side to assure he was not alone. When Stephen stepped out of the room, Alvin was finally able to find comfort and died knowing he had one of the best days of his life just 12 hours earlier. We all are profoundly saddened we weren’t given a few more days with him and for many others to be able to see him before his death.

We have set up this fund to cover costs that are not covered by the Province of Manitoba. Alvin’s wishes in bringing people together will be meticulously followed. If you are in a financial place to give, thank you for your generosity.

A visitation will take place on September 27, 2022 at Friends Funeral Service on Tuesday, September 27th 7-8 pm (Alvin's visitation details). This will be an opportunity to be with one another and personally say good-bye to this giant of fierce love and grace.

Knowing that the most important day for Alvin in the calendar year was his birthday it is not surprising that Alvin is throwing a birthday party that will be the focus in celebrating his life. This Marvel themed birthday party will take place on Saturday, October 8, 2022 at The Warehouse (Riverwood) from 2 pm - 5 pm at 270 Gordon Avenue. All are invited - more information will be shared at his visitation and on the Friends Funeral Service website. We hope everyone who was touched by Alvin’s love for life will attend.

A private internment will take place following cremation and Alvin will rest by his father’s side at the St.Vital cemetery in Winnipeg, Manitoba.