ALFRED (ALF) HERBERT GARFIELD BARNETT

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ALFRED (ALF) HERBERT GARFIELD BARNETT Peacefully at the Selkirk & District General Hospital, on Thursday, March 30, 2000, Alf Barnett, aged 92 years, of Selkirk, Man. He was predeceased by his parents William and Rhoda Edith Barnett; sister Ivy and brother-in-law Len Swann; and brothers, Arthur and Len. Alf will be lovingly remembered by Myrtle, his wife of 60 years; sons, Arthur, Fred (Lorraine) granddaughters, Karyn and Karla, as well as many nieces, nephews and friends. Alf was born in Merthyr Tidfyl, Wales, on March 1, 1908. He first came to Canada alone, at the age of 16 in 1924, under the auspices of the Salvation Army. He worked his way across Ontario and Manitoba doing a great variety of jobs, including positions with the Merchant Marine and at Kingston Mental Hospital - an experience that would change his life forever. After his active service with the Royal Canadian Navy, he resumed his psychiatric nursing career at the Selkirk Mental Health Centre, a position he held from 1935 until his retirement in 1973. In the 14 years following his retirement, he became the first permanent superintendent of St. Clements Anglican Churchyard. Alf married Myrtle (Goldstone) on September 23, 1939, at Old St. Andrews Church, and they lived in Selkirk. He was a founding member of the Cambrian Credit Union (Selkirk), a founder, planner and director of Tudor House Personal Care Home, founding president of the Registered Psychiatric Nursing Association of Manitoba, and one of the founders of the Selkirk Row-A-Lung. He was also involved in many other community organizations including Christ Church Anglican, the Manitoba Housing and Renewal Corporation Board, the Association for Community Living, Male Voice Choir, Selkirk Glee Club and Selkirk Seniors Harmonicats Band. In his years of good health, Alf enjoyed bowling, playing the harmonica, square dancing, and was a Blue Bomber season ticket holder. Alf was a kind, hard working, dedicated and understanding man. It came naturally to Alf to anticipate whatever was needed to be done and he was never afraid of the hard work required to get it done. He did not like receiving anything unless he had worked for it. He gave of himself, and his service was always above and beyond the call of duty. He was a devoted family man, who took great pride in his family and his home. Alf always felt a sense of obligation to this country that had given him so much. "There is no other country like Canada. It is number one as far as I am concerned." A prayer service will be held on Sunday, April 2, at 7:00 p.m. in the Gilbart Funeral Chapel, Selkirk. Funeral service will be held on Monday, April 3 at 11:00 a.m. in the St. Andrews Anglican Church with Rev. Stephen Sharman and Rev. Hugh Laidlaw officiating. Interment to follow in the churchyard cemetery. His pallbearers will be Arthur Barnett, Fred Barnett, Al Bilinski, Martin Stupak, Mike Tataryn and Terry Porayko. Honorary pallbearers will be Charlie Barnard, Orville Marshall, Stan and Frieda Bilinski, Catherine Richert, Helen Thomas, Irene Tillett and Edwaena Cheales. The family wishes to extend special thanks to Dr. H. Demsas and the staff and caregivers of Tudor House Personal Care Home, where Alf had been a resident since October, Seven Oaks General Hospital and Selkirk and District General Hospital for their care, support and compassion. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to do so may make a donation to The Alf Barnett Scholarship Fund in care of The Registered Psychiatric Nurses Foundation, 1854 Portage Ave., Winnipeg, Man., R3J 0G9. Gilbart Funeral Home, Selkirk, in care of arrangements.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 02, 2000