Obituary for
Thomas Baerg
OBITUARY OF TOM (THOMAS) BAERG
Tom Baerg, 92, of Calgary, Alberta passed away peacefully on November 09, 2018, at Seton Agecare Seniors Community where he spent the last three years in long term care.
He was born June 27, 1926 in Acme, Alberta to John and Margaret Baerg.
Pre deceased by his wife, Eva August 04, 2007, one daughter Denise, July16, 2018, one grandson in law, Darren Jabs (Shawna). He is survived by 2 daughters, Glenda Laing (Doug), Thelma Sheffield (Garry), 2 granddaughters Shawna Jabs and Charity Swaffield (Earl), 1 grandson Steven Sheffield (Amy), 1 great granddaughter, Dannika (Steven and Amy), 2 great granddaughters Britney and Brooke (Charity and Earl), 2 great grandsons Cage and Cy (Shawna) and many nieces and nephews. Survived by 1 sister, Elsie Barkman (Allan) of Linden, Alberta. Predeceased by his parents and 4 sisters, Leah (passed away at 1yr of age), Sophia, Matilda, Doris and 3 brothers, Alphaeus, Henry and John, sister in law, Dorothy Thiessen and brother in law Tom Toews.
Dad often talked of his younger years growing up on the farm. One vivid memory of his was getting up very early in the morning and putting in a couple hours of work before heading off to school. By the time mid morning came he was so tired he would put his head down on the desk and nod off in class. In the Winter getting to school was more challenging. Dad would strap on his skates or wooden skis and head down the creek to school or walk. Dad said by the time he arrived, his feet were frozen and he could no longer feel them. When the weather was more favorable he would saddle up the horse.
Dad married the love of his life, Eva Thiessen December 06, 1949 in Mission City, BC and soon after three girls were born. Together they worked very hard on the farm to raise and provide for their children. In the early years mom and dad had a dairy farm a couple miles southwest of Linden and milked 27 cows. It was hard work but they loved the lifestyle it gave the children and took great pride in running a very clean dairy operation. In 1967 they sold the dairy farm and built a beautiful mixed farm 10 miles west of Linden. Everyone, including the girls, worked endless hours in the fields, caring for the farm animals and maintaining the farmyard. Dad made sure we got out as a family on short adventures with the truck and camper in return for the work that was done.
When Dad lost the love of his life and soul mate, Eva, this was a very difficult time for him and he quite often said,
“if I had a choice I would have gone first”. After mom passed away the family was very grateful to have Glenda, the oldest daughter and her husband Doug, live with dad for 8 months, which made the transition much easier. Glenda often said if she wasn’t there to cook for Dad, he would just eat eggs! Dad reminisced the good times, but also the many hardships endured that came with the farming lifestyle. Dad was an extremely hard worker, had a heart of gold, compassionate, a very positive attitude and was a true gentleman. He loved to visit, joke, make people laugh and always put everyone else before himself, that was just Dad. Dad was a great storyteller from the years gone by. He had a good imagination and would add more detail to his stories to make them more interesting as dementia set in. Like Mom, Dad had a love for black Angus cattle, horses, Jack Russell dogs and green John Deer farm equipment. In 2008 Dad was presented with a plaque and honoured at a dinner by the Canadian Angus Association at Spruce Meadows, in recognition of Lindenview Angus Alberta for over 50 years of commitment and dedication to the Angus Breed in Canada. He entered in many local tractor pull competitions and even the Calgary Stampede, coming home with many trophies and ribbons which he was so proud of, but didn’t show it!
We as a family were blessed and so thankful Dad received the highest level of nursing care and was truly loved by all the residents and the amazing staff at Seton Agecare. Even as Dad’s health deteriorated, he would never complain to the staff as he didn’t want to bother or inconvenience anyone. The nursing staff loved his sense of humour, kind heart and many called him their “Ingkong”, which is the Filipino term for “Grandfather or old man”. Hats off to Dr. Pho and the amazing nursing staff at Seton Agecare.
His strong faith in God allowed him to go in peace.
We have many fond memories of our loving Father, Grandpa, Great Grandpa and Great Grandpa, we will all miss him dearly, rest in peace.
As per Dad’s wishes, a private graveside service was held on Friday, November 16th, 2018 at the Linden Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to Heartland Funeral Services in Didsbury, AB.
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Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Thomas
Baerg 1926 2018..
Décès pour la Ville: Didsbury, Province: Alberta
