Coldwell Berford Galbraith

On May 29, 2008, Col (C.B.) Galbraith of Oakville, MB passed away at the Portage District Hospital at the age of 92.

Eldest son of Fred Galbraith and Mary Jane Piper, Dad was predeceased by his parents, wife Evelyn, brother Jim, sisters-in-law, Millie Galbraith and Dawn Alayne Galbraith. He is survived by his six children, sister Jean (Gord) Stevenson of Nanaimo B.C. and several nieces and nephews. Fondly remembered by special friend Vera Campbell and long time Mill Creek friend, Val Grant.

Dad was born in Winnipeg on March 11, 1916. The following spring he moved with his parents to the Mill Creek district. He received his education at Mill Creek and Oakville Schools, completing high school in Poplar Point. In 1935, he began farming with his father. While working in Winnipeg during the winters of the war years, he met Evelyn Elizabeth Lewis. They were married November 3, 1944 and settled in the Mill Creek area the following spring. On the family farm, 4-12-4, they raised four sons and two daughters. Colleen (Don) Wilkinson, children Brent (Tracey) and Deanne; Lew (Marlene), children Leah (Jim) Reichenberg, (daughter Morgan) and Marcia (daughters Tannis and Tori); Bob (Jo-Anne), children Cheryl (Mike), Greg and Jeff; Pat (Rick) Galbraith-Taraschuk, children Dustin, Kristine, Rebecca; Dennis (Barb), children Erin, Megan, Katlyn and Sarah; Neil (Roberta), children Lauren, Ryan, Tizita, Fikira and Jason.

Dad was committed to his family and community and spent many years contributing to both. He served as a trustee on the Mill Creek school board for several years, as a councilor with the RM of Portage La Prairie and as a member of Oakville UGG. He was a leader with the Oakville 4-H Beef Club and a director with MAHA. In 1991, he co-chaired the Oakville and district school cairn committee. Then in 1998, he helped organize a celebration to mark the Mill Creek School centennial. Most recently he was a member of the Mill Creek history book committee. Dad joined the Masons at an early age and received his 60 year pin in 2003. In 2006, at the age of 90, he was awarded the Oakville Community Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his community involvement. His roots were in agriculture and he never wavered from doing what he loved most – farming. He was an avid reader and kept current with the latest advances in farming. Dad and Mom traveled extensively after their children had left home and made many new friends.

We would like to thank Dr. Khalil, the staff of the P.D.G.H. Extended Care Unit and the Lions Prairie Manor for their care and concern the past few months. Also, Rev. Chuck Ross, Vi Siemens and the Oakville UCW for their assistance.

A service of remembrance will be held Tuesday, June 3, 2008 at 1:30 P.M. in the Knox United Church in Oakville with Rev. Chuck Ross officiating. Private family interment to follow at the Oakville Cemetery. Viewing to be held at Omega Funeral Home on Monday, June 2, 2008 from 8:00 – 9:00 P.M.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the MB chapter of Heart & Stroke Foundation or Knox United Church, Oakville MB.

Condolences may be sent to the family c/o Omega Funeral Home, 83 Royal Road South, Portage la Prairie, Manitoba, R1N 1T8 or friends may leave a message of sympathy on our web site www.omegafuneralhome.com “Dedicated to those we serve”.