With his family by his side, Alvin Stranks passed peacefully at Lee Manor in Owen Sound, on Tuesday July 8, 2025, at age 94. Beloved husband of 67 years to Evelyn (Jean) Stranks (nee Bell). Loving father of Jim (Cheryl) of Bognor, Dave (Deb) of Lucan, and Jane Warner of Owen Sound. Proud grandfather of Sam (Candace), Ed (Kate), Mackenzie (Cam), Mike (Melissa), Kiah, Matt (Amber), Patrick (Miriam), Liam (Melissa), Josh (Sydney), Paige (Ryan), and Emily, and great-grandfather of 15. Survived by his sisters-in-law Margaret Kuglin (Tom) and Pat Bell. Alvin was predeceased by his parents George and Hazel Stranks (nee Beirnes), step-father Alex McDonald, sister Mary VanEvery McDonald, brothers Robert, William, and Edward Stranks, all of England, and his brother-in-law Robert Bell. He will be fondly remembered by his many nieces, nephews, cousins, the Beirnes family, and friends in the community.

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Alvin was a man of many hats—quite literally. Whether it was a floppy sun hat in the garden or his trusty cap while out on the road, he wore each one with the kind of quiet confidence that comes from a life well lived. He was born with soil under his nails and the sound of tractor engines in his ears. His love for tractors and obsession with his childhood farm never left him. Long after he'd moved on from that place, you could still hear him talking about the rows he once tilled, the land he once walked, and the barn cats he welcomed like family. One winter, when a scrappy little stray wandered onto the property, Alvin built her a Styrofoam shelter with “Cat” written neatly above the door. That was Alvin—practical, kind, and just a little bit funny. He also loved birds, raising budgies in the basement complete with 50 nesting cages and 2 large flight cages. He loved his routines. Meat and potatoes were the cornerstone of his diet, and the story of his reaction to spaghetti on his honeymoon—“Where are the potatoes?”—was a favourite family tale. Breakfast was always porridge, especially when the grandkids stayed over. He’d declare, with a grin, that it would “put hair on your chest,” even if you weren’t too thrilled about eating it.

There was always a twinkle in Alvin’s eye and a mischievous smile on his lips. He'd call the grandkids “miserable kids,” but we all knew it was his version of “I love you.” He teased, laughed, and had a way of making everyone feel like part of the story—because chances are, you were. Alvin could talk to just about anyone and would, more often than not, discover that you were either a cousin, a neighbour, or had worked with someone he knew from Hobarts, the bus route, or one of the many roads he helped cut through Holland Township while driving bulldozer for Chester Holley.

He was a builder and a doer. He designed the first walk-behind snow blower, grew big gardens every year, and didn’t let a single scrap of food go to waste. Whether it was his plate or someone else’s, every last bite was accounted for, and when it came time for dessert,he'd grin and say “it tastes like another”.

Alvin had many jobs—at Hobarts, as a delivery driver for York Trading, farming in Allenford, and driving the school bus to Hepworth and into Owen Sound. Later, he and Jean ran a retirement home in Chatsworth, and he kept going long after most people would have slowed down. He delivered mail on Routes 4 and 5 until he was 80, and he never missed a chance to bring a grandkid along for the ride and an ice cream cone.

He loved the news, war history, and end-times prophecies, often with a serious tone but that same familiar spark in his eye. And in one of his most beloved phrases, he’d occasionally recall, “Back when I was a little girl,” leaving us all howling with laughter.

Alvin was a man of stories, of dirt roads and hearty meals, of quiet strength and deep roots. His life was stitched together by community, family, and the joy of simple things—a good conversation, a full plate, and a drive through the countryside. He may be gone from our sight, but the memories he gave us—sweet, funny, and rich with love—will live on forever.

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Arrangements have been entrusted to the Garafraxa Hill Funeral Home, Chatsworth. A funeral service will be held in the funeral home chapel on Thursday July 17, at 1:00pm with a visitation 1 hour prior. Officiated by Pastor Andrew Versteeg and Paul Dixon. Interment to follow at Mount Zion Cemetery, Holland Centre. If desired, donations to the Owen Sound Crisis Pregnancy Centre or Safe n' Sound would be appreciated by the family. The family wish to express their sincere thanks for Alvin's exceptional care and for the kindness extended to the family from the compassionate staff at Lee Manor. Online condolences may be expressed at www.garafraxahillfuneral.com