Obituary of Herbert Earnest "Herb" McAllister

Herb McAllister was born to Hugh and Alice McAllister on January 12, 1928 in Hyas, Saskatchewan. Herb was the oldest son and second child of six children. When Herb was two years old the family decided to move to the Peace River area. They lived in the Landry and Central area and Dawson Creek, where he attended Landry and Central school. Herb worked at various jobs when he was a teenager; he swept floors at Becker's store and went on to do mechanics and truck driving. He really was a jack of all trades. Then in 1942, he went to work for the American Army doing various jobs. He went on to work at the Marshall Sawmill and that is where he met Eunice Marshall. In 1948, they were married and moved to Dawson Creek. In 1950 on January 14th, Edna was born to them, two years later along came Dale on January 1, 1952. Then on June 5, 1953 Gary was born. In 1954, Herb applied for a quarter of land in Bessborough where he began his homestead. Herb's uncles helped him build a house and the family moved in, in 1956. Debbie was born later that fall. Life went on and Herb cleared more land to farm. Gradually the farm expanded and a few milk cows, chickens and pigs were added. Herb was very creative and inventive. One year for Christmas, when we were little, he built Dale and Gary a bobsled and Debbie a table and chair set. He built his own kitchen cabinets and bale stacker. Herb went to work for the Department of highways in 1963. At that time he drove truck and ran various equipment. On December 11, 1965 Eunice suddenly passed away. Herb was left to raise his four children on his own. He continued to work for the Department of Highways. In 1970, the grandchildren began to arrive. In 1971 on September 3rd, he and Laura McDonald were married. They continued to live on Herb's farm where he expanded his grain farming to include cattle. Family gatherings, Easter, Christmas and birthdays became very special occasions for both Herb and Laura. He continued to work for the Department of Highways for 24 years and retired in 1987. After Herb retired, he and Laura continued to live on the farm where they enjoyed their families and raised cattle. Then on December 7, 2008 Laura suddenly passed away. Herb continued to live on the farm until September of 2013, at which time he moved to the Care Home. He resided at the Care Home until he passed away on July 4, 2016.Herb passed away peacefully with his family by his side. He leaves to mourn : his children Edna Ness (Bernie O'Reilly) , Dale (Penny) McAllister, Gary (Trudy) McAllister, and Debbie (John) Marion; step-children Arla Simon, Don (Jo-Anne) McDonald, Rena Brown (Darryl Plotsky), and Dave (Rachael) McDonald; grandchildren Rob (Trina) Ness, Lance (Tiffany) Ness, Tania (Dan) Kuechle, Taber (Cindy) McAllister, Travis (Jessica) McAllister, Tyler (Leanne) Marion, Christen (Robyn) Marion, Keygan Havener, Ann Kidston (John Geary), Karen (Randy) Jorgenson, Rae-Ann (Kevin) Hepp, Neil (Deirdre) McDonald, as well as 17 great-grandchildren; siblings Irvin McAllister and Pearl Isberg; and numerous nieces and nephews. Service 2:00 pm Saturday, July 9, 2016 South Peace United Church 1300 104 Ave DAWSON CREEK, British Columbia, Canada V1G 2J6 Interment Dawson Creek City Cemetery 1900 Alaska Avenue DAWSON CREEK, British Columbia, Canada