John Valentine (Val) Pilgrim

February 14, 1940 - January 30, 2023
In loving memory ~
Val was born on Valentine's Day, February 14th, 1940 in Wainwright, Alberta and he passed away peacefully on January 30th, 2023 at his residence in Coldstream, B.C. at the age of 82 years.
Val is the beloved husband of Marie, to whom he was married for 57 years; dear father of Denise Sarazin and Beverly Hutchison (Shawn); grandfather of Brad (Blake), Tyler, Ryan (Brianna) and Hayley (John); great-grandfather of Reese; brother to Lillian Hogarth; and uncle to numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Howard and Kathleen Pilgrim; and siblings, Robb, Peggy and Carleen.
Shortly after Val's graduation from High School in Wainwright, he relocated to Edmonton where he obtained his Heavy Duty Mechanics Licence and began work as a diesel mechanic. He met his future wife in 1965 and they were married in 1966. In 1974 the family moved to Vernon, B.C. where he continued in his chosen profession as a diesel mechanic. That was followed by owning and managing a landscape maintenance business. Val was an honest, hard worker who enjoyed working together with all his staff and clients. He was always a kind, gentle man whose Irish heritage was apparent in his witty and happy personality. Val loved his family, his work, fishing, ice cream, chocolate and the Casino.
An Irish Wake will be held on Sunday, May 21, 2023 at 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. 11421 Priest Valley Drive, Coldstream B.C.
We extend an invitation to friends and family to join us at our home for a celebration of Val's life. An Irish Wake will allow us to honour Val thru one last party where we will be sharing our favourite stories and pictures of Val while enjoying food & drink. As long as we remember him, a piece of him will always be with us.
Cremation arrangements were made with BETHEL FUNERAL CHAPEL LTD., 5605-27th Street, Vernon, B.C. V1T 8Z5 250-542-1187.