REV. ALEX H. E. BARBER

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REV. ALEX H. E. BARBER On Saturday, November 3, 2001, Rev. Alex Barber passed away peacefully at the Palliative Care Unit of the St. Boniface Hospital in his 82nd year. Alex is survived by his loving wife Joyce of 53 years; son John (Collette) Barber of Winnipeg; daughter Nancy (Wayne) Simpson of Prince Albert, SK; grandchildren, Kera and Sondra Barber and Adrienne, Scott and Kate Simpson; brother Rev. Garfield Barber; and numerous nieces and nephews. Alex was predeceased by his parents and his brother, D. Stuart Barber. Alex was born on November 2, 1919 in Lavallee, ON. He was the eldest child of three children (Alex, Garfield, Stuart) born to John Franklin Herbert and Elizabeth Barber. Alex graduated in Arts and Theology from United College in Winnipeg in 1946. While attending United College he was president of his class and served on the College Student Council. After graduation Alex commenced his ministry in the United Church of Canada at Lyleton, MB. While there, he met Joyce Powne from Melita and they were married in 1948. After their marriage they moved to Hamiota, MB where he served that pastoral charge for seven years. Thereafter he served at Knox Metropolitan United Church in Regina, SK (1955-1958), Harstone Memorial United Church in Winnipeg, MB (1958-1967) and Wesley United Church in Prince Albert, SK (1967-1979). During his active ministry he served on numerous committees in various Presbyteries and as a representative to the General Council of the United Church of Canada. Alex was always interested in community service work and was an active member of several Rotary Clubs throughout his career. He served on the Board of Regents of United College, was Chaplain of the Royal Winnipeg Rifles and the Prince Albert North-South Regiment, President of the Canadian Club, and served on the Board of the Institute for the Blind in Prince Albert. Alex took early retirement from ministry in 1979 due to ill health. In his earlier years he was an avid sportsman, participating in golf, curling, fishing and hunting. After retirement Alex and Joyce returned to Manitoba where Alex pursued his love of grain farming by managing the family farm at Hamiota until the time of his death. In the winter months he and Joyce were able to enjoy time together and establish new friendships in Mesa, AZ. Since 1992 they have cherished the friendship of the residents of Fred Douglas Place where they have made their home. Family was extremely important to Alex. He always tried to encourage the endeavors of his family members and all those whom he encountered. Alex possessed a wonderful sense of humor and always maintained a repertoire of jokes that he would recall and share at the most opportune moments. He was an eternal optimist who maintained a positive outlook in the face of great obstacles and was always thankful for the gift of life. Many thanks to the medical and nursing staff at the Misericordia Hospital, Health Sciences Centre and the St. Boniface Palliative Care Unit for their assistance and compassion. A memorial service will be held Wednesday, November 7 at 7:30 p.m. in St. Andrews River Heights United Church (Oak and Kingsway). In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Alexs memory to the Arthritis Society 105-386 Broadway, Winnipeg, MB, R3C 3R6 or to the Palliative Care Unit at the St. Boniface Hospital 409 Tache Ave. Winnipeg, MB, R2H 2A6. THOMSON FUNERAL CHAPELS 783-7211

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 06, 2001