GAUVIN, Omer Gauvin

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, and papa. Omer Gauvin passed away on December 30, 2025, surrounded by his family.

Omer was born in St. Paul, Alberta, and at a young age attended boarding school for six years. An avid hockey player, his parents hoped he would become a father of the Church, but instead, he became a devoted father to three children.

After the birth of their first child, Omer decided to return to school and completed his Business Administration at NAIT. Following three years working at Canadian Freightways, Omer and Madeleine made a bold decision in 1973 to sell their home and move to Kelowna with their three young children.

A hard-working and determined man, Omer’s drive and dedication shaped not only his career but the lives of those around him. In 1980, he founded Central City Hardware, building it from the ground up through integrity, perseverance, and the belief that a gentleman’s handshake still meant something. He taught his children to roll up their sleeves, do the job right, and take pride in honest work.

Though he had a sharp mind and strong work ethic, Omer always made time for fun with his wife, family, and friends. Omer and Madeleine were able to retire at a young age and fully embrace the joys of life. At 40, Omer decided to learn how to ride a motorcycle and convinced Madeleine to join him on adventures throughout North America. Together they travelled the world, visiting every continent, enjoyed their condo at Big White, spent countless hours golfing, and lived for months at a time in their motorhome. No matter the destination, as long as Madeleine was by his side—his co-pilot—Omer wore a smile and was truly happy. “If you wanna play, you gotta pay!”

Unfortunately, Omer’s Parkinson’s diagnosis slowed life down, but the love, support, and devotion surrounding him never wavered. The family would like to sincerely thank the staff at David Lloyd-Jones for their kindness and compassion to Omer, and his entire family, over the past two years.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 60 years, Madeleine; his children Ed (Robyn), Renee (Colin) Cameron, and Dan (Richelle); and his grandchildren Quinn (Maeve), Allan, Sarah (Michael), Lyndon (Karen), Kaydon, Amelia, Bronwyn, and Gabrielle; as well as his new great-granddaughter, Julietta, who was born in 2026, after his passing.

Omer will be missed beyond words and remembered with love, admiration, and endless gratitude for the life he lived and the joy he brought to so many. We will miss that smile so much and will continue to “work hard and play harder” in your memory. We love you deeply and miss you already, but you will live on forever in our hearts.

A Celebration of Life will be held on FRIDAY, MAY 22, 2026, at 1:00 pm, located at SPRINGFIELD FUNERAL HOME, 2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC. If you are unable to attend in person, please join the family online by Livestream at the time of the service (see below), a recording will be made available to view in 3-5 days.