Albert Barkley

Albert Merkley Barkley

Albert Barkley of Portage la Prairie passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 28, 2014 at the Douglas Campbell Lodge at the age of 87 years.

Albert was born in Portage in 1926, the son of the late Bert and Vera Barkley.  He received his education at Victoria School and PCI High School where he excelled at running and was the champion of the mile and a half races.  He also excelled at music and was an accomplished violin player.   Albert served in the military in 1944 and 1945.  In 1947 he married Clara Gardiner of Reston, Manitoba.  They had three sons which were all raised in Portage, Brian, Doug and Barry.  Albert was a butcher for twenty years first at the Eaton’s Groceteria, then briefly at IGA and several years at the Portage Coop.  He then went on to work thirty years at the Aggasiz Home for Boys as a juvenile councilor.  Albert’s favorite pastimes were fishing, boating, camping and watching sports.  His favorite teams being the Brooklyn Dodgers, Toronto Mapleleafs and Winnipeg Blue Bombers.  Albert was also a long time member of the First Baptist Church.

Albert leaves to mourn, his wife of sixty seven years Clara; sons Brian (Brendene), Doug, (Rachel) and Barry; grandchildren Blair, Beth, Christopher, Kevin and Mellisa; five great grandchildren; sister Shelagh Cabana of Montreal and nieces and nephews and their families.  He is predeceased by his parents Bert and Verna Barkley and sister Beverly Montagnon.

Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, February 6, 2014 at 1:00 pm led by Cecil Brown in the First Baptist Church, 102  3rd Street SE, Portage la Prairie, with viewing prior to the service. Interment will follow the reception at Hillside Cemetery.

As expressions of sympathy, if friends so wish, donations may be made in Albert’s memory to the Youth For Christ  60 Tupper Street N., Portage la Prairie, MB R1N 1W8  or to Douglas Campbell Lodge Foundation, c/o Portage District General Hospital, 150-9th St.SE, Portage la Prairie, MB, R1N 3T6.

A tree will be planted in memory and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel.  204-857-4021 www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com