Alban Gaboury was one of 14 children of Adelard and Marie-Anne (Drouin) Gaboury, who were both born in Quebec, and farmed in Manitoba. In 1929, Adelard and Marie-Ann and 11 of the children (including Alban) moved to Spirit River AB. French was spoken at home, and the children were raised as strict Roman Catholics. The family moved to Bronco Creek, Willowvale and Silverdale. During this time, a brother, Paul, passed away, a sister, Geraldine, was married, and a brother, Emmanuel, moved to Edmonton. Two sisters, Fern and Blondie, were residing at a convent in Peace River, and Alban worked there to pay for their accommodations. In 1938, the parents bought an uncleared homestead north of Codesa, and lived in a house near the post office which had been abandoned. Unfortunately the renovated house burned down a year later, and the family then rented a house. Alban and his father worked at falling trees and cutting railway ties. When his younger brother, Ben was looking for a job, Alban worked in the mill so that Ben could work with his father. In 1940 the parents moved back to Spirit River. By this time, Alban and his brother Emmanuel had enlisted with the army, being joined by their younger brother, Dominque, in 1944. All three brothers served overseas. Alban’s parents retired in 1951; Adelard died in 1969.
Source: Smoky Peace Triangle pp. 214-217 Family history