Albert Joseph Ephrem Cantin

Born March 8, 1924 in McCreary, Manitoba, Albert was the last surviving member of the Julienne and Amadee Cantin family, including his sisters Marie and Elaine, and his brothers, Wilfred, Clement, Maurice, Lionel, Joseph, C.P., Amadee and Noel.

The best words to describe Albert would be loyal and devoted. He was devoted to his country, his church, his job, his political ideals and last, but certainly not least, his family.

Albert and the rest of his siblings, as well as his sister-in-law, joined the Canadian Armed Forces during the Second World War. Three of his brothers were killed during this war and his mother Julienne was the 1960 National Memorial Silver Cross Mother, where she laid a wreath at the base of the National War Memorial on behalf of all of the mothers who have lost a child in military service to Canada. The town of McCreary, Manitoba, was incredibly patriotic with scores of its inhabitants enlisting to join the war effort.

Albert was also a devout Catholic throughout his life.

After returning from the war, Albert worked at the Royal Bank and then became a farmer, but it was when he joined United Grain Growers where he really found his calling. Initially an Elevator Manager, Albert eventually became the Head of Country Operations for UGG where he oversaw the operations of all elevators throughout Western Canada.

Albert was also very loyal to the Liberal Party. The tenants of that party definitely hit home with him and he did everything he could throughout his life to support that party in any election that they were participating in.

As mentioned earlier, Albert’s biggest devotion was to his family. What Albert strived to do was make the lives of his family as rewarding and interesting as possible. Whether this meant bringing them out to the cabin at Clear Lake, bringing them on ski trips to the Rockies or helping them with their careers, he was always there to support.

Albert is survived by his loving wife, Marjorie, his children, Donna (Stephen), Ariel, Gerry (Donalyn) and Richard (Lesley), along with his grandchildren, Kristina (Caleb), Alec, Alanna, Shea, Jackson, Wyatt and Max.

Flowers are gratefully declined, but if you wish a donation to a charity of your choice in the name of Albert Cantin, that would be appreciated by the family.

A Memorial Service will be held at the Gardens of Gethsemani, 15694 32nd Avenue Surrey, BC on October 11, 2019 at 12pm. Inurnment to follow.