MARGARET MYRTLE BARNETT (GOLDSTONE)

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MARGARET MYRTLE BARNETT (nee GOLDSTONE) Peacefully on January 8, 2006 at the Selkirk District General Hospital, with her family by her side, Myrtle Barnett passed away at the age of 95. She was predeceased by her husband of 60 years, Alfred; father, Fred Goldstone; mother, Grace Saxton; and brother, James Goldstone. Myrtle will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by sons, Arthur (Michelle), Fred (Lorraine), granddaughters Karyn (Ryan) and Karla; as well as many nieces, nephews and friends. Myrtle was born in Windthorst, Saskatchewan on January 5, 1911. She had a life-long teaching career which began in Rossdale, Manitoba in 1929, and her passion for teaching continued until her retirement. She continued to privately tutor many students for 19 years beyond her retirement. She also privately taught piano. Myrtle married Alfred Barnett on September 23, 1939 at old St. Andrews Church, and lived all her life in the Selkirk area. She was a founding member of the Selkirk Credit Union, now known as the Cambrian Credit Union; a founder, planner and Director of Tudor House Personal Care Home and Assisted Living Residence. She was also a devoted member of Christ Church Anglican, a life long charter member of Selkirk St. John's Ambulance, and a member of Business and Professional Women's Association, Manitoba Teacher's Association, St. Andrews Heritage Advisory Committee, to name a few. In her many years of good health, Myrtle enjoyed swimming, bowling, floor curling, square dancing, photography, gardening, cooking, baking, letter writing and cribbage. Myrtle won many ribbons with her baking and flower entries in the Selkirk Fair. She competed at both the MSOS-55 Plus Games, as well as the Canada Senior Games, travelling from Prince Edward Island to Whitehorse, winning several medals in swimming and meeting many new friends. She prided herself in leading an active lifestyle, while encouraging others to do the same. Myrtle was a kind hearted, good natured, and loving woman with a unique sense of humour. It came naturally to Myrtle to always be the first to welcome a new family to the community, to donate baking and home cooking to those in need, and to help out whenever help was needed. She gave of herself, and her service was always above and beyond the call of duty. She was always ready and willing to support and promote causes for others. She was an honoured recipient of the Caring Canadian Award presented by Gov. Gen. Adrienne Clarkson in 2000. She was devoted to her family and took great pride in proudly showing off her pictures at every opportunity. The family wishes to extend special thanks to the doctors and nurses of the Selkirk and District General Hospital for their care, compassion and support. A prayer service will be said on Wednesday (tonight) at 7:00 p.m. in the Gilbart Funeral Chapel, Selkirk. Funeral service will be held on Thursday, January 12 at 2:00 p.m. in the Old St. Andrews on the Red Anglican Church, St. Andrews, MB, with Rev. Stephen Sharman and Rev. Brad Elliott officiating. Interment to follow in the Churchyard Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to do so may make a donation to: The Alf Barnett Scholarship Fund c/o The College of Registered Psychiatric Nurses of Manitoba, 1854 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg, MB, R3J 0G9. Gilbart Funeral Home, Selkirk, in care of arrangements.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 11, 2006