Charles Iberg

Charlie was born on April 16, 1942, in Murrayville, British Columbia, the son of Swiss parents Karl “Charles” & Elisabeth Iberg. Charlie grew up on the family dairy farm. As a young man, he took his teacher training at Simon Fraser University, where he began as a charter student when it opened in September of 1965. He taught at Otter Elementary for a year and was head teacher at South Otter Elementary for two years. In 1970, he decided to farm full time, shipping milk and building a Holstein herd known as Idelle Holsteins and later Iberg Farms. Charlie came to the dairy barn faithfully up until the pandemic in 2020. He continued to feed heifers at his barn until his first stroke in November 2023.

Over the years, Charlie served on many agriculture boards and committees including Director on the BC Milk Marketing board from 1997-2003, Director at BCAI center, now Westgen, from 1981-1988 and President 1989 -1997.

In the past 20 years, Charlie’s hobbies included tending his large vegetable garden and fruit trees, the harvest of which he processed, canned or shared with others. He also enjoyed cutting lumber on his portable sawmill. He built and gave away many tables, bookcases, desks, and birdhouses made from trees he cut from the farm or donated logs.

Charlie will be greatly missed by his daughter Shelley (Bill) Yarbrough, son Karl (Marianne) Iberg, grandchildren Katie Iberg (Shawn Campbell), Tricia (Wesley) van der Sluis, Jeffrey (Jessie) Iberg and Jaylin “Jayce” Iberg-Weston (Spencer Stephenson); great-grandchildren Averie and Ethan van der Sluis, Lillian and Rowynn Iberg; sister Freda Smith; nieces Wendy Smith, Kerry (Gordon) Peturrson, nephew Gordon (Bridget) Smith, many grand and great-grandnieces and nephews, his longtime friend Doris Riedweg and friend Fonging.

Charlie was predeceased by daughter Aleta Iberg, sisters Anna and Ida Iberg, niece Nancy Smith, grandnephew Spencer Smith-Copus and longtime friend John Riedweg.

No service by request, but family is planning an on-farm gathering in honour of his memory. Details to follow.

The family would like to thank all the support staff, nurses and care aides at Langley Lodge who gave Charlie wonderful care and quality of life.

Condolences are welcome and can be sent by clicking on the link Show Your Support at the bottom of this page.