Obituary - Albert Joseph 'Bert' Anctil

Albert Joseph (Bert) Anctil passed away in the comfort of his home, while in the loving arms of his wife and soulmate, Yvonne, surrounded by his loving family on Wednesday, March 30, 2011, at the age of 74 years. Albert was born on January 18, 1937, in New Westminster, BC., the seventh child of Hubert and Marie (Boisvert) Anctil. Bert is survived by his best friend and loving wife of 54 years, Yvonne (Bergevin) as well as four children, six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren: daughter, Marie-Jeanne (MJ) and husband Henry Zandbeek and their three children, Kristopher and wife Rana (Keen) and their two children Kara and Kyden from Stony Plain; Chantelle and husband Chris Brillon from Brisbane, Australia and Daniel and wife Amber (Larsen) from Stony Plain, AB. son, Michael and wife Wanda (Codd) of Medicine Hat, AB. and their three daughters, Laura (Mike Duddy) of Nanaimo, Lisa and Ashley from Medicine Hat, AB.; daughter, Denise and husband Wayne Reinheller from Medicine Hat, AB.; daughter, Carmen Anctil (Brian Wattie) from Vancouver, BC. Bert is also survived by his older sister, Theresa Grover and her family as well as his Aunt Denise Boisvert all from Edmonton and the families of his deceased brother, Paul and deceased sister, Germaine Chipchura.; chosen brother, Lionel Theberge and his wife Gail and their two children from Leduc, AB., and Yvonne’s nine brothers and sisters, Paul and Suzanne, Real and Cheryle, Phil and Loretta, Arthur and Carol, Laurette, Roger, Therese, Agnes and Wes, Yvette and Kelly and their families located across Canada. Bert was predeceased by his parents, Hubert & Marie; four brothers, Delphis(1923), Henri (1925), Armand (1928) (who died as babies) and older brother, Paul (1993); Paul’s wife, Irene (2007) and sister, Germaine (1955) and brother-in-law, Robert Grover (2009). Bert was also predeceased by his in-laws, Raoul (2004) and Louise (Demers-1988) Bergevin, who accepted him as one of their own. After Bert lost his Dad in 1944 and his Mom in 1946, he was raised by friends of the family, Henry and Jeanne (Schayes) Theberge in Morinville, AB. Bert met the love of his life, Yvonne, and they were married on July 3, 1957, in Legal, AB. They lived throughout Alberta in Legal, Edmonton, Lethbridge and Grimshaw before settling down in Medicine Hat in 1970. Bert and Yvonne opened and operated Medicine Hat Monumental from 1970 until 1996, at which time Bert had to retire, due to ill health and son Michael and his wife Wanda took over the business and have been operating it since. Bert had other business ventures including: Calgary Monumental Ltd., Moby Dick’s Fish & Chips, Captain’s Cabin Pub, Pepper Pot, and the Gas Lamp Pub. He started off as a young nine year old boy in a service garage in Morinville with his chosen Dad and then became a mechanic and a Grand-Master car salesman in Grimshaw. When Bert and family arrived in Medicine Hat, they became involved in the community in many ways including St. Patrick’s Church Council and Restoration Committee as well as helping coach Little League. He later became a sponsor of his own slo-pitch team which involved many years of fun, enjoyment and travel with the team, family and friends. Bert was also a member of the Lions and Moose Clubs. He was an active member of the Knights of Columbus 3rd and 4th Degree, joining in Legal in 1957 and was a charter member of the K of C in Grimshaw, AB. During Bert’s lifetime, from a young age, he sang in numerous choirs, including St. Patrick’s since 1970, and was asked to sing at many weddings and funerals in English and French. He taught himself to play the violin and the accordion and had a beautiful high tenor voice. Bert’s greatest joy was spending time with his family, whether it was at the cabin in Ross Haven, boating, camping with a tent or trailer or at one of the many family gatherings. Bert and Yvonne enjoyed traveling to Hawaii, Philippines, Mexico, Barbados and other locations before his illness worsened. Their last trip together was to Niagara Falls to celebrate their 50th Anniversary in 2007, a trip he was thrilled about. For over 40 years, Bert fought courageously through multiple health issues, some which are documented in a book called: “A Hat Full of Miracles” (Miracle #22). Bert was a great man of strong faith and values and instilled in us these values and integrity. He was the kindest and most gentle soul. We were most honored to have him as our husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. We will honor him by trying to follow in his footsteps. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him. Bert fought a long and courageous fight! He now joins his Lord & Savior to rest in His heavenly home. Those wishing to pay their respects may do so starting one hour prior to Vigil Prayers as well as one hour prior to the Funeral Mass. Vigil Prayers will be recited at St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church, 238 - 2 Avenue N.E. on Tuesday, April 5, 2011, at 7:00 P.M. Concelebrated Funeral Mass will be held at St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church on Wednesday, April 6, 2011, at 10:30 A.M. with the Very Reverend Father Long Vu and Reverend Father John Maes celebrant. Interment will follow in the Roman Catholic Section at Hillside Cemetery. Special thanks to all the medical personnel who provided him with many extra years, and who cared for him during his final days. Also, for all the prayers, best wishes and support that he and his family received during those tough times. If friends so desire, donations may be made to the Canadian Diabetes Association, 102, 73 - 7 Street S.E., Medicine Hat, AB., T1A 1J2; Heart and Stroke Foundation of Alberta, 124, 430 - 6 Avenue S.E., Medicine Hat, AB., T1A 2S8; Medicine Hat Cancer Clinic, 666 - 5 Street S.W., Medicine Hat, AB., T1A 4H6; Palliative Care Society, #640 Professional Building, 640 - 3 Street S.E., Medicine Hat, AB., T1A 0H5 OR especially Medicine Hat Home Care, 3330 - 13 Avenue S.E., Medicine Hat, AB., T1B 1H8.