ImageALVIN MERVIN BRACKEN

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of our husband, father and grandfather, Alvin Mervin Bracken, at Selkirk and District General Hospital on March 6, 2013. Alvin is survived by his wife, Mabel of 54 years; daughters, Linda (Harry) and Wendy (Garry); grandchildren, Pamela (Adam), Blair (Bonnie), Rosalyn (Patrick), and Gordon; brothers, Ted, Edwin, Gerald, Allan, Ken; and sisters, Florence, Leora, Mayme and Mabel. He was predeceased by his son, Blair, granddaughter, Catherine, brothers, Howard, John and Earle, and sister Viola. Alvin was born to Manford and Violet Bracken on April 17, 1935 along with his twin brother, Allan, in Tessier, SK.

His family moved to Marchand, MB in 1935 to a dairy farm and later moved to the farm in Clandeboye, MB in 1944. Alvin attended the University of Manitoba and obtained his diploma course in Agriculture. In 1957 Alvin met Mabel Speer and they were married in 1958. They raised their family on Brackendale Farm, along with his brother, Gerald and sister-in-law, Evelyn and their children Cheryl, Marilyn, Gordon and Brenda, sharing the farmhouse until 1966 when Alvin and Mabel built their home north of the farm yard.

Alvin was actively involved in the work and life of the Clandeboye 4-H Club, the Clandeboye United Church, the Clandeboye Community Club, the Clandeboye Skating Club, the Clandeboye Fire Department, International Agricultural Exchange Program, and was a life member of the Selkirk Rotary Club. He believed that giving back to the community was important and encouraged his family to do so also.

Alvin's love and dedication to Mabel truly warmed hearts of those around them. His love for his girls and his grandchildren was also evident. Although a man of few words, his actions always told us that he loved us very much. Losing Blair was truly a difficult time for him but Alvin's strong determination and faith enabled him to carry on. Alvin was diagnosed with Parkinson's in 1997. He was able to continue living a full life until the last few years as the disease progressed, slowly taking from him small bits of his mobility and independence. He never once complained. He was strong in his fight and accepted each setback as the disease progressed.

Alvin and Mabel moved from Clandeboye into Mapleton Lane in St. Andrews and enjoyed making new friends and settling into town living. Funeral services were held on Monday, March 11, 2013 at at Selkirk United Church, 202 McLean Avenue, Selkirk, MB. Pallbearers were Garry Church, Gordon Church, Harry Hawes, Blair Hawes, Gordon Bracken and Ian Grieve. Honorary pallbearers were Cheryl Bracken, Marilyn Wilkinson and Brenda Harris.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Alvin's memory to the Palliative Care at Selkirk and District General Hospital, Clandeboye United Church or Selkirk United Church. 

 
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