Jack and Teresa Gareb

                  By Colleen Palumbo for the Golden News Oct.2,1996

So often in the news these days we read about tragedy and just as often my columns deal with events in the past that had terrible outcomes. This week it gives me great pleasure to share with you a happy event that is about to take place. On October 8^th, Jack and Teresa Gareb will quietly celebrate their 60^th wedding anniversary.

      Teresa’s mother, Rosa Corelli, was born on April 17, 1880, in Cosenza Italy, and her father, Santo (Sam) Falbo, was born February 17, 1882, in Calabria, Southern Italy. Sam and Rosa were married in Cosenza, Italy in 1910 and moved to Canada, making their home in Golden on August 13, 1912.

       Teresa was born in Golden, B.C. August 7 , 1917.

Her godparents, Camillo Colonna and Marietta Perri, attended her baptism, performed by W.R. Yahner, on September 2, 1917.

        John (Jack) Gareb was born to Ellis and Miriam Gareb on April 5, 1906, in Lebanon and came to Golden in 1926.

         Jack and his uncle, Sam, bought the Lyric Theatre, which also housed a pool hall , dance hall, and taxi stand. In 1929 they sold the Lyric to Alex McCloskie. Jack then biult the Golden Motors building and his Uncle Sam biult the Big Bend Hotel. In 1931, Jack took on the Ford Agency, selling it in 1935, to A.C. Hamilton Hamilton.

           From the Golden Star, dated October 16, 1936, the wedding, “Gareb – Falbo”. A very pretty wedding was slemized at Sared Heart Church on Thursday morning, October 8^th, when Rev.Father P. Claessen untied in marriage Miss Teresa Falbo and Mr. John E. Gareb, both of Golden.

            The bride, who was given in marriage by her brother, Mr. Carmelle Falbo, looked charming in a gown of white satin with train and wore an embroidered veil held in place by a coronet of orange blossoms. She carried a bouquet of pink roses and fern. Her attendant was Mrs. B. Daniele of Field. The groom was supported by  Mr. B. Daniele.

              Following the ceremony, a wedding breakfast was served at the home of the bride’s mother, Mrs. S. Falbo, and was attended by relatives and close friends of the contracting couple.

               Later Mr. and Mrs. Careb left by motor for Calgary to spend a short honeymoon, and on their return, will make home in Golden.”

                Jack  and Teresa’s first child, Miriam, was born in Golden in 1938, followed in 1943 by their son Jack.

                 Jack then went into the trucking business and in 1947, purchased the B.A. Service Station and took on the Massey Harris, Mercury and Monarch Agencies. In 1960, he built the Golden view on top of the hill and the Yoho Chevron Service. In 1964, he started the subdivision on the top of the hill now called Gareb Subdivision and in the same year, started the Finning tractor biulding. In 1969, he developped “The Morningside Campground” leased it out and finally sold it in 1981, when it became the K.O.A. Campground.

                Several years ago Jack and Teresa moved into town to make things a little easier and have taken to living in Kelowna in the winter. Jack likes to putter about his garage and Teresa enjoys knitting and crocheting. Their daughter, Miriam, lives in Golden and son, Jack, in Kelowna. They have three grandchildren: Tessa, Kinberly and Brent and one great-granchild.They both enjoy having company for tea and a talk about the old times in the valley. Like so many of the valley “oldtimers” they speak very humbly of the contributions they made to the valley. How will they celebrate? Quietly with family and friends.