Albert (Bert) Heward Gurr peacefully passed away Thursday, February 8, 2001 at the Brandon Regional Health Centre at the age of 85 years. Bert was born December 12, 1915 at Arrow River, Manitoba to Albert and Bertha Gurr. Bert attended school at Arrow River, Crandall and Lenore. November 2, 1943 Bert married Vera Marguerite Hazlewood. The wedding took place on the Hazlewood homestead and the young couple set up their farming operation in the Hamiota area. Beginning in 1961, Bert spent 12 years dairying with a herd of registered Guernsey cattle. Bert served as the treasurer for the Hamiota Progressive Conservative Association during the years that Barry Strickland was the MLA. Bert was very active in the Hamiota Pentecostal Church as a Board Member, church secretary-treasurer, sunday school superintendent, and as teacher of the young people's class inspired several young people to go on to Bible School. Bert was president of the Hamiota Branch of the Canadian Bible Society. Even after moving to Brandon, Bert continued going out to Hamiota each year for the annual canvass. In 1973 Bert and Vera moved to Brandon. They purchased the King Koin Laundry and operated the business until June 2000. During his 27 years of running the laundry, Bert also worked next door at Keystone Glass for 12 years. Bert's church home in Brandon was Calvary Temple. Many Sunday's Bert was away preaching in other churches. He conducted services for about 35 different churches: Pentecostal, Baptist, United and Presbyterian. Wherever there was the opportunity to preach the gospel, Bert would go. He was manager of the Billy Graham films at the Town Cinema in Brandon. Bert and Vera conducted services at Central Park Lodge, the Assiniboine Centre and the Brandon Mental Health Centre, for which they received formal recognition in the form of a plaque from Calvary Temple for "16 years of devoted service". For 12 years, every Tuesday night, Bert taught a Bible Study at the Brandon Correctional Institution and saw many give their lives to Christ. In 1998 BCI presented Bert with an award expressing their appreciation for his Bible Studies. In 2000 Bert was presented with the Salvason Memorial Award by the John Howard Society of Brandon as "an outstanding volunteer working with adolescent and adult offenders". For relaxation, he enjoyed fishing, music, reading and visiting with his family. He especially loved to drive back to the farm. In June Bert and Vera sold their laundry business and in November they celebrated their 57th wedding anniversary. Bert lived with the solid belief that God was always in control. He believed that God's timing was perfect. After being hospitalized little more than a day, filled with times of joyful visiting with his family, the Lord called Bert home. Left to cherish many happy memores are his loving wife Vera; their three children, Everett (Audrey) Gurr; Bernice (Alan) King; and Ivan Gurr. Bert also leaves behind six grandchildren, Sheldon (Loren) Gurr; Sharla (Mike) Kanski; Rita (Aurel) Voden; Debbie (Dale) Bochek; Wendy King, Wonda King and four great grandchildren, Trevor and Terrance Vodon; Noah Kanski and Mason Gurr; sister, Emily Gurr and brother, Russell Gurr. Bert was predeceased by his parents, Albert and Bertha Gurr; sister, Mabel and brothers, Sam, Robert and Cecil Gurr. The Funeral Service was held at Memories Chapel, Brandon, on Monday, February 12, 2001. Rev. Ron Pierce officiated. Interment was at Rosewood Memorial Gardens. Donations in memory of Bert may be made to the Canadian Bible Society, 952 St. Mary's Road, Winnipeg, Manitoba R2M 3R8. Arrangements were with Memories Chapel & Pre-Planning Centre, 727-0330. Memorials
Canadian Bible Society