Obituary of Stuart James "Stu" Berg

Stu was born on January 11, 1928 in Sexsmith, Alberta to Olaf and Mary Berg. He was the seventh child of a family of nine and was the sixth son. When he was four years old, the family moved from Sexsmith to Groundbirch where his parents homesteaded. Stu attended the Groundbirch school until he finished grade eight. Times were hard in those days but with a big garden, berry picking and lots of hard work everyone managed to get by. Stu remembered the good times too in his younger days, riding horses, playing ball, skating, swimming, and tobogganing. When he was fourteen years old, Stu worked for two weeks driving a team of four horses road building, which is now the Hart Highway. He went from there to work for the local sawmill. Later he would go to work for various mills around the area. He was also a truck driver, and a machine operator and for a time, he worked for Mannic Construction in the Yukon and Vanderhoof, B.C. Eventually, Stu went to work at the Department of Highways until his retirement. Stu farmed his own land and raised cattle in Groundbirch. He was always a hard worker and there wasn't much that he couldn't repair if needed. Stu married the love of his life Blondie Madden on February 4, 1956 they raised four children; Debbie, Diane, Kevin and Bev. These were happy years and many happy memories were made. All through the years Stu has been involved with community organizations, beginning with the building of the Groundbirch Hall. Stu enjoyed life and was always up for a good discussion on world affairs, politics or life in general, or just visiting over coffee with friends. His family was first and foremost to him and was always there to love and support them. He taught them the importance of honesty and hard work and "don't count on the lottery". Stu enjoyed music, dancing, playing cards, horseshoes, camping and traveling with friends and family. His most special times were spent when all the family would be home for a get-together. We will miss him so much, always. Stu is survived by his best friend, partner and wife of 60 years, Blondie, children; Debbie (Doug), Diane (Richard), Kevin (Emily) and Bev (Rob), eight grandchildren; Jessica (Chance), Courtney (Jesse), Brandon, Amy (Mike), Boe (Anika), Megan (Stephen), Stephanie (Aaron) and Heidi (Vince), ten great-grandchildren, sister; Joyce Young and many nieces and nephews. Stu was predeceased by his parents; Olaf and Mary, brothers; Stan, Jesse, Ollie, Doug and Rob, and sisters; Florence and Inis. A Celebration of Stu's life was held on January 23, 2016 at 2:00 pm in the Groundbirch Community Hall. Special memories of Stu was presented by Carl Crantz. Interment will be held at a later date. For friends so wishing, donations may be made in memory of Stu to the Groundbirch Historical Society, Box 193, Groundbirch, B.C. V0C 1T0. Celebration Of Life 2:00 pm Saturday, January 23, 2016 Groundbirch Community Hall 8649 271 Road Groundbirch, British Columbia, Canada V0C 1T0