BARR
Alvin Leslie Barr passed away at the Foothills Hospital in Calgary, Alberta on June 1, 2012 at the age of 76 years. Alvin was born at the family home in the Lacombe District on November 15, 1935, the second child of Lester and Sadie Barr. He started his schooling in Sunnycrest, and then moved to Lacombe and later to Red Deer. At the age of 14, Alvin developed diabetes, and the doctors predicted he would not live past the age of 21 years.
After school he worked at Wiltshire Bakery and then at various jobs before starting at the Royal Canadian Air Force Base, Penhold as a cooks helper. Alvin married Katharine Kullman on April 8, 1958 and together they raised four children. In 1959 Alvin began working as a cook at the Provincial Training School in Red Deer. He received his Journeyman Cook Qualifications in October of 1963 and later became the Head Chef.
Hardware was always of great interest to Alvin. In April of 1965 the move was made to Rimbey and he opened the Marshall Wells store. He and Kathy continued with the store until 1986 when he retired. Alvin enjoyed dancing,hunting, fishing, camping, quading, skiing, and bowling with his family and friends for many years. He always enjoyed building with wood and was glad to help with any renovations or construction. In life, he enjoyed the times spent with his family and friends doing outdoor activities.
Alvin was predeceased by his parents Lester and Sadie Barr, brother Earl Barr, sister Shirley Patterson, daughter in law Jean Barr and niece Donna Mae Patterson.
Alvin is survived by his loving wife and best friend Kathy of 54 years and their children Dale (MaryRose) Barr, Terry (Marlene) Barr, Allan (Lori) Barr and Brenda (Pete) Bouwsema; sister Joyce Short, sister in law Fern Barr, brother in law and sister in law Robert and Eunice Kullman; twelve Grandchildren Kirena, Aaron, and Evan Barr; Shandel Barr, Warren Giggs, Heather (Chad) Ramsey, Brad (Liza) Giggs; Renata and Carmen Hirdzik; and Chris, Josh and Meagan Bouwsema.
Funeral Services were held from the Rimbey Christian Reform Church on Thursday June 7, 2012 at 1:30 pm with Pastor Bill Nieuwenhuis officiating. Interment followed at the West Haven Cemetery in Rimbey, Alberta.
If desired in lieu of flowers donations may be made to Canadian Diabetes Association #6 5015 48 Street Red Deer, Alberta T4N 1S9 or to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Alberta, #101, 5208 53rd. Avenue Red Deer, Alberta T4N 5K2.
Expressions of sympathy may be forwarded to the family by visiting www.wilsonsfuneralchapel.ca
WILSON FUNERAL CHAPEL & CREMATORIUM
serving Central Alberta with locations in Rimbey & Lacombe
in charge of the arrangements.
Phone: (403) 843-3388 or (403) 782-3366.
"A Caring Family, Caring For Families"