Community leader passes away

Family and friends are mourning the loss of a community leader in Vernon.

Jack Gareb had been manager of the Schubert Centre for 25 years, and leaves behind his wife Cheryl and other family members.

Ed Howard, chair of the Schubert Centre Society, says Gareb was a pillar in the community, and a dedicated family man.

“He assisted anyone who needed planning with an event, both within the Schubert Centre and outside of it. He was a go-to-person for anyone. He had a deep caring and concern for everyone he met,” Howard told Vernon Matters.

Howard says another one of Gareb’s legacies is Catherine Gardens, a seniors housing facility located behind the Schubert Centre.

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“That had been in the process for some 20 odd years, and he was a driving force behind that.”

Gareb died today in hospital after being admitted several days ago due to heart issues.

He was 76-years-old.

“We miss him already,” said an emotional Howard.

Vernon councillor and former mayor Akbal Mund says Gareb was always willing to help others.

“He would always say ‘How are you doing, what can I get for you?’ He would always offer that helping hand to any organization, group or individual. The void left by his passing is irreplaceable,” Mund told Vernon Matters.

Shirley Higgens has been appointed as interim manager of the centre.