ALBERT (BERT) COUSINEAU

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

ALBERT (BERT) COUSINEAU Albert Starmer Cousineau was born June 6, 1933 in The Pas, MB. He grew up in Churchill and The Pas, MB, and in North Bay, ON. His mother died when he was young so he was raised by his father. He went to work for Canadian National Telegraphs at age 16 on a construction gang and worked there as a lineman for many years. He married Delsie Olson in 1957 and they moved to Atikokan, ON. In 1959 they moved to The Pas and raised five children in the house he renovated. Albert enjoyed fishing, hunting, snowmobiling, curling, bowling, playing cards and being active in the Elks Lodge. He loved working in the north as a lineman, lineman cable splicer and then Outside Plant Inspector. He was happy working alone and travelling by motor car on the railway. He observed nature while he waited for trains to pass and give him the right of way at wilderness sidings. He would bring home berries, fish, and stories about his adventures. In 1972 he moved his family to Transcona and became the Outside Plant Supervisor for CNCP Telecommunications where he was responsible for the Central Region covering Manitoba, Saskatchewan and northwestern Ontario. While he was working, Albert collected obsolete telecommunications and railway equipment. He retired in 1988. He fixed antique phones and telegraph equipment and donated many items to the Winnipeg Railway Museum. He became active in the museum volunteering hundreds of hours working on the Signals and Communications Display and his insulator collection. Albert faced his health problems with dignity and a sense of humor. A friend once said he was a cat with 22 lives. Thank you to the medical staff at St. Boniface Hospital, Health Sciences Centre, Concordia Hospital and Concordia Place who provided the care that gave him a good quality of life during his bonus 13 years. He moved to Concordia Place in 2012. When he was feeling well he would arrange for Donald and Glenn to take him on trips to his favourite place: Club Regent Casino. He treasured his trips home for family gatherings. Thank you to all the friends, relatives and acquaintances that visited him and shared his stories. He was predeceased by his parents Emil and Mabel Cousineau (nee Starmer), his sister Louise, brothers Fran, John and Edgar, son-in-law Kerry and the family dog Pixie. He is survived by his wife Delsie, his children Valerie (Jim), Glenn, Gail (Cameron), Donald, and Janine (David), grandchildren Evan, Brayden, Courtney, Kendra and Kelsey and many nieces and nephews. Memorial Service will be on Friday, June 14 at 7:00 p.m. at Transcona Memorial United Church, 209 Yale Avenue West. Interment will be in Transcona Cemetery. Family and friends may sign a Book of Condolence at www.glenlawn.ca. Glen Lawn Funeral Home 204-982-7550
Publish Date: Jun 8, 2013

ALBERT (BERT) COUSINEAU On Tuesday, May 28, 2013 Bert Cousineau passed away. A longer obituary notice will follow on Saturday, June 8. A memorial service will be held on Friday, June 14, 2013. Family and friends may sign a Book of Condolence at www.glenlawn.ca. Glen Lawn Funeral Home 204-982-7550
Publish Date: Jun 1, 2013

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 08, 2013