Just a few days after his last 500 game and upon his first time ever being admitted to the hospital, the family of Albert Berger are deeply saddened to announce his passing on Wednesday, May 29th, 2024, at the Dr. F.H. Wigmore Regional Hospital in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan at the age of 100 years.
Albert was the youngest son of Joseph and Katherine Berger. He was born on June 20th, 1923, in Central Butte, SK and is the last surviving member of 39 Berger first cousins. Albert was much loved and much celebrated. When Albert turned 90, he announced "I'll see you all in 10 years!" which he did when he and 150 guests celebrated his 100th birthday in June of 2023. Sadly, he won't see his 101st birthday, but as he often said, "Ya. But I'm in my 101st year!".
Albert attended the Robin Hood School west of Central Butte. He loved to play baseball and hockey. He started farming at a very young age when his older brothers left for war. In his younger years Albert worked off the farm on threshing crews and for neighbours. He continued farming with his beloved brother George until George's passing in 2017. Owning the quarter section that his grandfather homesteaded upon arrival from Hungary, Albert received the Century Farm Award in 2007. In 1957 he purchased the Joe and Eva Berger farm 'across the road' from his boyhood home where he raised purebred Herefords as well as farmed. In 2003, Albert received a pin for 40 years in the Hereford Industry at the Mankota Bull Sale. For many years he sold at bull sales and showed Herefords all over the province, winning many ribbons and trophies.
Albert had a ton of fun in his youth and at the age of 38, the sister of a hockey buddy caught his eye, and he married Sheila McKay in 1961. June 2nd of this year would have been their 63rd wedding anniversary. They were blessed with 2 children, a daughter, Glenna in 1962 and a son, Robbie in 1964. Tragically, Robbie passed away in 1971 at the age of 7.
A lifelong hockey fan, Albert’s favourite team was whatever team Wayne Gretsky was playing on! Saturday nights were spent watching Hockey Night in Canada and playing rummy with Glenna.
Albert didn't do a lot of traveling in his life, but a highlight was a trip to the Maritimes to see his niece Betty, with a bonus hockey game at the Maple Leaf Gardens on the way home. Another highlight was a trip to Texas with his grandson when Matthew attended college there. He was thrilled to have his picture taken with the Wayne Gretzky statue in Edmonton, AB. In 1990, Albert and Sheila decided to spend winters in Moose Jaw and Albert became very active in the community. Heartland Livestock on Tuesdays and Johnstone’s Auction Mart on Saturdays and playing cards in between! He made many new friends at the Timothy Eaton Senior Centre. He attended bridge tournaments all over the province and won medals at the Saskatchewan Winter Games. As time went on, Albert loved doing puzzles and could put together even the most difficult ones in a short time. His granddaughter Jillian exclaimed "I think Grandpa is a math genius". He could add up numbers in his head faster than you could find the calculator! Every piece of paper in the house was covered with math equations that he claimed to be doing just for fun!
Albert had many loves in his life: hockey, Herefords, farming, John Deere tractors, bridge, 500, a glass of whiskey, and Chev
trucks, but nothing surpassed his love for his grandchildren, Matthew and Jillian. Albert's grandchildren were very special to him, and he attended as many of their activities as he could.
His love of fun and his ever-ready smile that always lit up a room, will long be remembered.
He was predeceased by his son, Robbie in 1971 and all 12 of his brothers and sisters and their spouses. Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Sheila; daughter, Glenna (Blaine); grandson, Matthew (Danielle) and great-grandson Brandt; and granddaughter, Jillian (Ashton).
The Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, June 5th, 2024 at 11:30 a.m. in Moose Jaw Funeral Home. Father Bert Lillo will officiate, and interment will take place in Central Butte Cemetery. Those not able to attend may view the service by going to www.moosejawfuneralhome.com/webcast/. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in Albert's name be made to The Timothy Eaton Centre, 101-510 Main St N, Moose Jaw, SK S6H 3K3. Arrangements are entrusted to Moose Jaw Funeral Home, 268 Mulberry Lane. Gary McDowell, Funeral Director 306-693-4550 www.moosejawfuneralhome.com