Sylvester Riffin

Sylvester Riffin passed away peacefully on July 19, 2020 at the age of 90, at home and with family by his side.  Left to mourn are his wife, Ruth, of 58 years, their 5 children (and spouses), 9 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild. 

In 1958, Sylvester left the beautiful island of St. Vincent in the West Indies and immigrated to Canada, arriving in December at the Montreal airport.  He had learned the art of cabinet-making in St. Vincent and worked for 10 years for Trans Canada Fixtures in Montreal.  During that time he met and married Ruth.  Two daughters were born before the family moved to Lacombe in 1970.  Over the next few years 3 sons were added to complete his family.

During his life in Lacombe, Sylvester worked for Parkland Furniture as a foreman, and later a furniture designer.                                                                                                                         

Sylvester was sought by countless people for his listening ear and wisdom.  He was known for his warm greetings, and his accepting nature of everyone.                                                                                                                                            

He loved vegetable gardening and shared the produce with many families, especially students arriving for university. 

The last few years of his life, Sylvester suffered with dementia, and after a recent massive heart attack this spring, his health began to decline. 

We, as a family, are grateful for the time we had to spend with him and to be with him to the end.  He will be greatly missed by us, his extended family, friends, and his large “adopted family”. 

A Private Family Funeral Service was held at the Fairview Cemetery, Lacombe, Alberta on July 27, 2020.

Memories can be posted here for the family. 

If you would like to make a donation in his memory, please consider the following:

1. Lacombe Food Bank: 5225 53 Street, Lacombe, AB  T4L 1H8
2. A Better World Canada: 103, 5033 52 Street, Lacombe, AB  T4L 2A6

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