Obituary of Albert Karlonas

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of our husband, father and grandfather, Albert, on Monday, April 4, 2011 at the age of 79. Albert was born in Edenwold, Saskatchewan on November 1, 1931 to immigrant parents from Lithuania, Kliff and Francis who had arrived in Canada a couple of years before. Raised on the farm, he helped work the land with his family until he met the love of his life, Elaine Burton. They were married in 1955 and made their home in Regina. Albert trained and apprenticed as a mechanic and welder with Transport Equipment. They built their first and only home in Douglas Park in 1959. Together they raised 2 daughters who were the apple of his eye. Albert then decided to pursue his dream of owning his own business and in 1968 bought Shell Central moving up from there to Albert Park Shell. He finished off his career managing several service stations with the Sherwood Coop. Ill health forced him to retire in 1988. During his retirement he and Elaine were still able to get away for warm winter vacations and Christmas in Calgary with their grandchildren while staying close to home during the summers to tend the cottage and garden. He will be deeply missed by his wife of 55 years, Elaine (nee Burton); daughter Heidi of Regina; daughter and son-in-law Stacey and Greg Bobyn of Calgary and three beautiful grandchildren, Laura, Amy and David. He is also survived by his brother John of Calgary; brother and sister-in-law Vince and Ida Mae of Balgonie and sister Mary Barabash of Pelly plus numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his father KIiff in 1970; mother Francis in 1976; nephew Brian; brother-in-law John Barabash and sister-in-law Chris. Visitation for Family and Friends will be held at Speers Funeral Chapel, 2136 College Avenue, Regina on Friday, April 8, 2011 from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. Funeral Service will take place at Speers Funeral Chapel on Saturday, April 9, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. followed by a reception in Speers Family Centre and interment in Regina Memorial Gardens. Special thanks for the wonderful care Albert received at the SICU General Hospital and Palliative Care at the Pasqua Hospital. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Hospitals of Regina Foundation (SICU, Regina General Hospital), Box 1697 Station Main, Regina, SK, S4P 9Z9 or the Regina Palliative Care Inc., 4F-4101 Dewdney Avenue, Regina, SK, S4T 1A5. To leave an online message of condolence please visit www.speersfuneralchapel.com