Thomas Allen Barr, of Arrowwood passed away suddenly at his home on February 28, 2004 at the age of 52 years.
Beloved husband of Chriss of Arrowwood, loving father of son Wade and daughter-in-law Tracy and his grandchildren Jayde and Ryder all of Vulcan, his grandchildren Levi and Tyler and his daughter-in-law Dannee-lee and Rylee all of High River , his mother Louise of Arrowwood, a brother Bob (Bev) Barr of Pincher Creek, mother and father In- Law Marg and Roy McLennan of Vulcan, two sisters-in-law Laurie (Don) Gottenberg of Vulcan and Gail (Pete) McNiven of Cessford, brother-in-law Allen (Sheryl) McLennan of Mayerthorpe, numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.
Allen was predeceased by his son James Barr in 1998, his father Tom Barr in 1967 and a infant brother Richard in 1944.
Allen was born May 26, 1951 in Calgary, Alberta to Tom and Louise Barr. He received his education at Mossleigh, Arrowwood and Vulcan, graduating from County Central High School in 1970. During his school years Allen took part in gymkhanas, played hockey, baseball and football. Allen was goaltender for the Gleichen Gunners from 1963 to 1969 and Played for the Vulcan Wheat Kings for many years as goal tender and later at right wing, winning the Ranchland M.V.P. at both positions.
Allen married Chriss McLennan on May 9, 1970. After their marriage, he worked for the P.F.R.A. in Arrowwood and continued to play junior football for the Calgary Mohawks. They moved to Calgary for a short time but missed the farm and moved back to Arrowwood in 1971. Allen took over the farming and raised pigs to the rune of 100 sow operation at one time and ran a few commercial cows. Starting with two Charolais Cows in 1975, Allen increased his herd over the last 29 years to what it is today known as “Spring Coulee Charolais”.
With the two boys, James and Wade at hockey age, Allen took and active part in coaching and working with Vulcan Minor Hockey from 1976 to 1990 then curling and “Old Timer” hockey filled his winter leisure time. During the summer from 1978 to 1986, Allen was a well known figure around the “B” Circuit of the race track, running Thoroughbreds and raising running Quarter horses.
Around 1986 Allen discovered the game of golf and chasing a little white ball around the course replaced horse racing as a summer pastime. Winning the Men’s Club Champion and the Cattlemen’s at Wolf Creek both in 1996 was a highlight. Allen served on the executive of the Vulcan Golf and Country Club for fourteen years in varius positions, three as President. While serving his last term as President, Allen had been actively involved with the new nine hole expansion and looked forward to what he felt would be an enhancement to the future of the whole community.
Allen Loved His Family. “Gramps” enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and his nieces and nephews will always remember being teased by their “Uncle Barr”. He lived and enjoyed life to the fullest, whether working with his livestock, on the golf course or socializing. Allen didn’t have to be the life of the party but he liked to be a part of party, he will be sadly missed by all who knew him.
Funeral Service were held Friday March 5, 2004 at 2:00 P.m. At Cultural Recreational Centre Vulcan, with Lee Spice Officiating.
Honorary Bearers were Ken and Marion Mix, Garry and Linda Tharle, Pete and Virginia Beckner and Dave and Sandy Stoddard.
Casket were Bearers Randy Bertschy, Tim Healy, Barry Wheeler, Bob Tharle, Brian Ully and Richard Stokes.
Interment Vulcan Cemetery
If Friends So Desire Tributes in Allen’s Memory Could Be Made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation 1825 Park Road Se Calgary T2g 3y6.
Arrangements in Care of Vulcan Funeral Home. Directors. Telephone 1-403-485-2633. E-mail Condolences to vulcanfuneralhome@hotmail.com.