ALBERT S. BABAIAN

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ALBERT S. BABAIAN After nearly 20 years of dealing with Parkinsons Disease and its inexorable theft of his physical and mental faculties, Albert Babaian died on April 18, 2001 at the age of 74. He is survived by his beloved wife of 50 years, Mildred; seven children, Arpena (Stewart Shinnan), Elizabeth (Chris Isaacs), Sharon (Bob Caldwell), Sheila, Aram (Karen), Zabel, and John (Jane Clark) his grandchildren, Anoosh, Alexandra, Raffi, Anahid, Anthony and Miranda; his very special sister Nellie; his brother-in-law Douglas Maddox; and his extended family in Milwaukee and Texas. He was predeceased by his son Alec; his brothers, Edward, Garry, and Hairapet; and his parents, Beatrice and Alexander. Albert was born to immigrant parents in Fort William, ON in 1926; the family moved to Winnipeg when he was young and his father established Babaian Rug Company. He attended Mulvey and Gordon Bell schools and learned the family business. When his father passed away he took over Babaian Rug Company, which he proudly passed on to Aram, Zabel, and John. In 1951 Albert married Mildred Maddox; they settled in St. Vital and raised eight "brilliant, beautiful and boisterous children". Albert and Millie shared a busy social and community life while somehow juggling their childrens multitude of activities and instilling in them the value of education. The Babaian family remains close - famous for travelling in a pack and standing room only Sunday dinners. Alberts idea of a perfect vacation was to pack up all ten family members (and guests) for a road trip. Alberts major interests, besides his family and his business, were the Lions Club, the Liberal Party and the Royal Canadian Legion. He was a past District Governor of the Lions Club and was honoured with a Life Membership; he continued to be an active participant in the Riverside Lions Club until his death, in spite of his debilitating illness. Albert was the definitive Liberal. He worked tirelessly (as did his children/"volunteer helpers") for Liberal candidates at election time and took delight whenever the "Natural Ruling Party" won. In 1992, the Honourable Lloyd Axworthy presented Albert with the Canada 125 medal for his years of community service. Albert was also a longstanding member of The Royal Canadian Legion, Duke of Kent Branch No. 119. To say that Albert was outgoing and gregarious would be an understatement. He thrived on being with other people, preferably as the centre of attention. His passions were many: politics, the Montreal Canadiens, Armenia, CBC Radio, and he brooked no criticism of them. Yet he liked everyone, even those with whom he disagreed. He is remembered as a man who lived his life based on the simple rule that everyone was worthy of respect. In the last years of his life, despite the ravages of Parkinsons Disease, Albert was able to remain at home and enjoy life because of the devoted care and encouragement of Millie and Zabel. He was greatly loved and he will be greatly missed. The family wishes to thank Dr. Salem for the many years of personal attention and expert care. The kindness and compassion of the nurses of the Fifth Floor, Victoria Hospital were also greatly appreciated. There will be a memorial service at Green Acres Funeral Chapel, Highway No. 1 East at Navin Road, on Monday, April 23 at 4:00 p.m., followed by a reception in the Heritage Room. The family invites everyone to a party (of which Albert would approve) at the Duke of Kent Legion, 171 Bannatyne Ave., beginning at 6:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make a donation in Alberts name to The Lions Foundation, Room 441W - 99 Cornish Ave., Winnipeg, MB R3C 1A2. Grave men, near death, who see with blinding sight Blind eyes could blaze like meteors and be gay, Rage, rage against the dying of the light. GREEN ACRES FUNERAL CHAPEL 222-3241

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 20, 2001