ALBERT JOHN GESSNER

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ALBERT JOHN GESSNER April 12, 1925 - May 18, 2006 At home and surrounded by his family, Albert peacefully joined our Lord on Thursday, May 18, 2006 at the age of 81 years. Albert was born in St. Andrews, MB, the youngest of the eight children of John and Anna Gessner. He spent 80 years of his life on the family farm where he worked closely with his brother and best friend Charlie. Albert was an avid athlete and sports fan. While playing baseball he met Audrey, his beloved wife of 54 years. Together they raised a family of three girls, to whom he passed on his enthusiasm for life and activity. Albert loved his community and church. He was a lifetime member of Old St. Andrews on the Red Anglican Church, serving on the vestry, restoration committees, and wherever he was needed most. He was an integral part of the growth and development of the St. Andrews Community Club, serving as treasurer for many years. He loved working with the children's programs, especially coaching the girls fastball team. He was employed by the Province of Manitoba, working his way up through the ranks from labourer to Chief Engineer. Albert enjoyed his job, friends and colleagues at Central Powerhouse, Selkirk Mental Health Center, Manitoba Home for Girls and Fort Osborne Complex. He retired after 32 years of service. Following his retirement, Albert and Audrey were regular bowlers at Rossmere Lanes, where he found comfort and support in the company of his many friends in the Friday Night Live League. Albert leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife Audrey (nee Jones), three daughters, Sandra (Doug Eggertson), Barbara (Sharon), and Bonnie (Robert) Hailstone, brother Arthur (Peggy), sister Caroline Larter, sisters-in-law, Joyce Gessner, Helen Jones, and Betty (Pete) Pshyshlak, and many nieces, nephews and cousins, too numerous to name but who were very special to him. He was predeceased by his parents, John and Anna Gessner, sisters Katie (John) Gessner, Emily (Albert) Cole, and Sophie Gessner, brothers Jack (Frances) Gessner and Charlie Gessner, and brother-in-law Victor Larter. The family wishes to express their sincere thanks to the nurses of the Palliative Care Program, Cancer Care Manitoba and Manitoba Home Care for their compassion and attention. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Andrews Church Tower Fund, in care of Peter Clark, 436 Liss Rd., St. Andrews, MB, R1A 3F3, or Cancer Care Manitoba, 1160-675 McDermot Ave., Winnipeg, MB, R3E 0V9. Memorial Service to be held on Tuesday, May 23 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Andrews Anglican Church, St. Andrews, MB, with interment of ashes to follow. Rev. S. Sharman officiating. REST IN PEACE Gilbart's Funeral Home, Selkirk, in care of arrangements.

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 20, 2006