Obituary
1927 – 2021
It is with heavy hearts that the family of Bert Barker announce his passing at the age of 94 years. Born in Stirlingshire, Scotland, Bert was predeceased by his parents, Thomas and Ann Barker. Bert was also predeceased by his loving wife, Margaret on April 21, 2021. He leaves many friends in Edmonton, and friends and relatives in Scotland.
Bert joined the British Navy when he was 18. While on leave, he had an opportunity to take a train from Montreal to Vancouver and realized that Canada was a country of opportunity. After leaving the Navy in the early 50’s as an electrician, he met Margaret and they were married in Scotland in February, 1953. Margaret and Bert went to the Canadian consulate and asked where the best opportunities existed for them. They were told Edmonton, Alberta. After a stormy ship crossing to New York and a chilly train ride across Canada, Margaret and Bert arrived in Edmonton in the spring of 1953. Bert initially took jobs in the Yukon and soon after that he started Barker Electric in Edmonton which he ran until he retired.
Bert liked the finer mechanical things in life as well as adventure and travel, and when he was young, he rode his Vincent motorbike on many trips along the winding country roads throughout Scotland. Later on in the 60’s, Bert drove a Citroen. While behind the wheel, he was able to effortlessly float over potholes and above snowdrifts on Edmonton’s rough winter roads.
Bert was a fine, gracious and witty gentleman. He liked doing nothing better than to listen to opera with great emotion – with cognac in hand. Having a passion for opera, Bert knew the entire libretto for most. His favourites were French operas including Carmen. A lifelong proud member and past President of the Edmonton Burns Club, Bert was still able to recite the address to the haggis this past January at Riverbend Revera. Being an avid reader his whole life, Bert was a scholar of Robbie Burns. In the words of the Bard, “A Man’s a Man for A’ That”.
Bert passed away two months to the day after Margaret, his loving wife of 68 years. While it feels like the end of an era for us all, we have so many fond memories of them, and like to believe that the two of them will meet again and enjoy summer breezes in their loungers surrounded by a beautiful garden.
We wish to thank the staff at Riverbend Revera for the excellent care that they provided for both Margaret and Bert for the past two years. A private family gathering for Margaret and Bert will follow.
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Thomas Robert Bert Barker 2021..
Foster & Mc Garvey funeral homes
Décès pour la Ville: Edmonton, Province: Alberta