Retailer Robert Vickers dies

KELOWNA, British Columbia – Furniture retailing veteran Robert ‘Allen’ Vickers passed away peacefully with his family at his side after a courageous battle with cancer here in February 5, 2016. He was 80 years old.

Vickers opened the Wosk’s Furniture store here in the spring of 1970 and retired from the now defunct retailing operation, which at one time was among the largest in Western Canada, in October 1997.

He was born on August 28, 1935 and is survived by his loving wife Marlene of 56 years, son Rob Vickers, his wife Angela and their children Malia, Alexis, Baillie and Dustin; daughter Diana Lazoruk, her husband Cameron and their children Greg, Bradley, and Kristen; his sisters Kay Terkelsen and Gloria McFarlane; and, numerous nieces and nephews.

A long-time resident of Kelowna, Vickers was born in Grand Prairie and became a successful business man and farmer, working in the Okanagan for more than 30 years. After retirement he enjoyed the winters hiking and golfing with Marlene and his many friends in Palm Springs, and was fortunate to spend the summers fulfilling a dream of attending to a friend’s horse ranch, as well as fishing, gardening, and grouse and geese hunting in areas of B.C. and Northern Alberta.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Vicker’s memory either to The Central Okanagan Hospice House, or to a charity of your choice. Condolences can be sent to the family by visiting www.springfieldfuneralhome.com.

A gathering with family and friends to celebrate Robert ‘Allen’ Vickers’ life will be held at a later date in April or May.