Albert Bianco

It is with heavy hearts that we share with you the peaceful passing of our beloved father Albert Bianco on August 28th, 2026 at Hillside Village.

Al was born in Sanders West Alberta, on Sept. 12 1926.  His family moved to a farm in Mission Creek, Kelowna.  He was the 3rd youngest of 8 children.  Al had many stories to share about his life on the farm with his brothers and sisters.

While teaching in Kimberly, Al met Mary at a local dance, it was the beginning of 69 years of a wonderful life together. Their love for dancing continued throughout their marriage.

They settled in Salmon Arm where Al taught PE and CR12 at the local high school for over 30 years. He was a well respected Basketball Coach and won many provincial championships. In 2006 he was inducted into the BC Basketball Hall of Fame.

Al and Mary were kept busy raising their 5 daughters.  We fondly remember many family camping trips and outdoor adventures.

Al was very active in the community.  He served on town council, BC ambulance, fire department, citizen patrol, wilderness watch and fish and game club.

The hobbies Dad enjoyed the most were hunting and fishing.  He spent many years in the basement with his fishing buddies “Tying flies and telling lies”.  He gave a weekly fishing report on the radio and in the Observer.  In his 90’s he discovered the joy of throwing horseshoes with his daughter Janice.

In his retirement along with his hobbies Dad loved spending time with his children and grandchildren.  He instilled in all of us an appreciation and love for the outdoors.

We will always remember Dad for his whistling, singing, endless energy, good humour, and enthusiastic story telling.

Al is survived by his sister Joyce, his five daughters, Marilyn (Mike) Richey, Janice (Colin) Girvan, Shelley (Brian) Irvine, Heather Flockhart, Karen (Richard) Bradford, 15 grandchildren, and 16 great grandchildren.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Chris Weicker, the staff at Hillside Village, and his companions, Carol Sweet and Chris Courtice,  whose care and compassion cannot be measured.

Dad was always so grateful for all the care, kindness, and support that he was given.

We love you dad, and until we see you again, straight shooting and tight lines.

A celebration of life open house will be held on October 24th, 2026 from 2-4 pm at the Little Mountain Field House in Salmon Arm, BC.