ORVAL FREDERICK BARKER

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ORVAL FREDERICK BARKER Orval Frederick Barker of Dauphin, MB, passed away peacefully on August 8, 2003 in the Dauphin Regional Health Centre with his family by his side, at the age of 89 years. Orval was born in Dauphin, MB on June 19, 1914 to George and Jane Barker (nee Alguire). When Orval was two years old, the family moved and resided at various points in Manitoba and in 1926 moved to the U.S. to Chicago, IL. Orval returned to Dauphin in 1936 and was involved in farming, commercial fishing, and trucking. On November 6, 1942 at Ochre River, MB, Orval married Marie Bzawy. In July of 1945 Orval and Marie built a store at Ochre Beach which they operated for some 25 years. In November of 1968, Orval built the Super Saver convenience store at 500 River Ave. in Dauphin which he and Marie operated until their retirement in 1977. Orval always took an active interest in his community. He was a member of the B.P.O. Elks Lodge No. 57 in Dauphin, having twice served as District Deputy. He was a responding member of AA and served on the Lt. Col. W.G. Barker VC Memorial Committee. He had also served on the board of the Fort Dauphin Museum, and was a two-term president of the Dauphin Pioneers Association, and was a member of the Air Force Association of Canada Barker VC Wing Ten. Orval was predeceased by his parents, George and June Barker; his brothers, Lt. Col. William George (Jean), Perceival John (Josephine), Cecil Henry, Lloyd Arthur (Agnes), Roy Edward (Elvira), Leslie Clarence (Marion) his sisters, Ilda Anderson (Neil), Edna Buchanon (George). Surviving to mourn his passing are his loving wife of 60 years, Marie; sisters-in-law, Phyllis of Los Angeles, CA, Barbara of Dauphin; close friends George and Geri Bazey of Winnipeg; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Funeral service was held on Wednesday, August 13 in the Chapel of Riverside Evergreen Chapel and Crematorium, Rev. Ed Loucks and Rev. Paul Crossland officiating, with interment in the Riverside Cemetery. Organist Dolores Galbraith led the congregation in singing the hymns "Amazing Grace" and "Now Thank We All Our God". A solo "What A Wonderful World" was sung by Lisa Clark. John Shuttleworth, Tony Ryz and Don Gessner presented a rendition of "One Day At A Time". An Honor Guard was formed by members of the B.P.O. Elks Lodge, The Fort Dauphin Museum, The Dauphin Pioneers Association, The Lt. Col. Barker VC Memorial Committee, The Lt. Col. Barker VC Air Cadet Squadron, and the Air Force Association of Canada Barker VC Wing Ten. The B.P.O. Elks Lodge No. 57 and visiting Lodges presented a graveside Memorial Tribute. All who attended the service were to consider themselves honorary pallbearers. Expressions of sympathy may be made by contributions to a charity of ones choice or to the Lt. Col. W.G. Barker VC Memorial Committee. The Sneath-Strilchuk Funeral Service had care of the arrangements.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 14, 2003