Albert Walter “Bert” Page passed away on Sept. 18, 2012 at the age of 94. He was born Nov. 23, 1917, the youngest of seven children born to William and Laura (Wallace) Page of Whitewood and lived his entire life here. The family purchased the former Limoge farm (Choppings Museum now) when Bert was 6. He took over the farm when he was 17 after his father’s passing. Bert married Doris Binns on Nov. 4, 1942 and they lived the majority of their lives on the farm, growing crops and raising livestock. Bert loved farming and was still helping his son and grandson on their farms into his early nineties.
Bert was a great storyteller, telling stories of pioneer days as well as personal experiences and passing them down to the next generations. He brought a smile or a laugh to everyone who heard his stories. He is well known for the comments, “Are you behaving?” and “Have one. They’re good. I made them this morning.” Everywhere a family member went they would meet someone who knew Bert.
Bert was active in his community. He was a member of the curling club and the Elks club. He delivered “Meals on Wheels.” Bert played and coached softball, enjoyed snowmobile derbies, playing horseshoes, going to dances, playing cards, especially cribbage. He took great satisfaction being a school bus driver. Bert loved hunting, fishing, drives in the country and good times with coffee buddies. Above all Bert valued family and friends.
The Pages retired in 1980 and moved into Whitewood. Bert loved to see things grow and had a beautiful garden and yard.
Bert lived the last year and a half in Broadview House where he made new friends among the residents and staff.
Bert was predeceased by Doris; his loving wife of over 69 years. She passed away on Feb. 19th of this year. He leaves to cherish his memory: daughter Gail, son Bert. Jr. (Sharon); grandchildren Candace (Jay) Varjassy and Cam (Tracy) Page. There are five precious great grandchildren: Nathan and Owen Varjassy and Carter, Kaleb, and Kelbree Page, and brother-in-law Stan Binns. There are numerous nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends considered as family.
The funeral was on September 21, 2012 at St. Mary’s Anglican Church in Whitewood, with Rev. Wilma Woods, and Rev. Brian Woods officiating. Rev. Betty Garrett read scripture. The organist Hertha Briggs and the choir led in the hymns, “Amazing Grace,” “The Little Brown Church in the Vale,” “Bringing in the Sheaves,” and “In the Garden.” The special recessional hymn was “Danny Boy.”
Internment followed in Forrest Farm Cemetery with Ray Giroux, Russ Hamilton, Garry Carson, Chuck Gibson, Boyd Metzler, and Doug Stevenson serving as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers were all those who touched Bert’s life.
Friends so wishing can make donations in memoriam to the Forrest Farm Cemetery Fund.
