Alvin Shirtliff

Alvin Gerard Shirtliff

Alvin Shirtliff, of Starbuck, Manitoba, passed away peacefully on February 4, 2013, two weeks short of his 81st birthday, with his family at his side, after a brief illness with cancer.

Alvin is predeceased by Pauline, his wife of 53 years, his daughter, Heather, his parents Lewis and Stella Shirtliff, brothers Harold and Wilbur, sister Rowena Lundman, brothers in law Ed Lundman, Don Sinclair, Bill Ridley, Frank Muldoon and sister in law Maisie Shirtliff.

He leaves to mourn his children Neil (Judy), Milton (Brenda), Marcella (David Lyons), Gregory (Brenda B.), and Paul; as well as his cherished grandchildren Jason, David, Ryan, Andrew, Justine (Tyler Whettell), Nicholas, Bailey, Kendal, Hayley, and Mia; his siblings Angela (George) Murphy, Lucille Muldoon, Ron Shirtliff, and Estelle Sinclair; his brothers in law Adrian (Ida) and Rene (Beverley) Lachance, his sisters in law Florence Shirtliff, Lucille Ridley, Anita (Curt) Wold, and Carol O’Malley.

Born in Winnipeg on February 17, 1932, Alvin was raised on the family farm near Elie, Manitoba, and initially attended the one room school at Elm Bank, and completed his high school at Starbuck. Upon graduation, Alvin remained on the family farm, operating initially in partnership with his brother Wilbur, and later in partnership with two of his sons, Milton and Gregory. Early in his farming career, Alvin came in possession of the homestead near Starbuck originally settled by his grandfather, and lived there until present. Alvin remained actively farming until his death.

An avid sportsman, Alvin enjoyed many hunting and fishing trips with friends and family. Although these adventures were of great enjoyment, he was a farmer first and foremost, and known as a skilled and able farmer by many. Alvin had an adept ability among things mechanical, and was known to build many of the things he needed in his pursuits. He also enjoyed keeping his equipment in top operating condition.

Through his life he cherished his family, always endeavouring to enhance their success, taking every opportunity to be with them. He was especially fond of his grandchildren. He also had many lifelong friends from Starbuck and area that were of great enjoyment. Later in life he developed a passion for golf and greatly enjoyed playing around home in summer and in winter at his vacation home in Thousand Palms, California where he cultivated many more close friendships.

Alvin will be missed by his family, many friends at home, and those made over the years at the winter retreat in Thousand Palms, California.

Special thanks to Tracy, Dr. Andrew, Dr. Botkin, the 7AWest staff, Emergency, 6E, Dr. Daeninck and the oncology staff at St. Boniface Hospital.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated in the Starbuck Trinity Lutheran Church on Friday, February 8, 2013 at 11 a.m. with the eulogy and video tribute at 10:45 a.m..  Following the lunch at the Starbuck Community Hall, a family interment will be held at the Elie Parish Cemetery.

Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to St. Boniface Patient Compassionate Fund or the St. Boniface Foundation.

Adam’s Funeral Home of Notre Dame, Manitoba in care of arrangements.  Phone 248-2201 or 1-888-400-2326.  www.afh.ca