We Remember

Baldeo, Albert Henry

April 21, 1930 — April 25, 2011

Rev. Albert Baldeo, “Tropic Al,” passed away at his home in Kelowna, BC on April 25th, 2011, lovingly surrounded by his wife of 48 years Beryl, their three daughters Ramona (Felis), Kim (Ron), and Kaylyn (Craig), and their eight grandchildren, (Keanna, Zachary, Kara, Elody, Rachel, Abby, Matthew, and Luke).  It brought to a close a remarkable life on earth, a life shared and beautifully co-created with his beloved spouse.  A life full of love and laughter.  A life given to God and others.

Born in Penal, Trinidad on April 21, 1930, Albert was one of 7 children born to Elodie and Arthur Baldeo. He was a teacher for ten years in Trinidad before studying Theology at Mount Allison University in Sackville, New Brunswick and St. Stephen’s Theological Seminary in Edmonton, Alberta.  It was at St. Stephen’s where he charmed a beautiful rural Alberta girl named Beryl Hobbs. They fell in love, married, and moved back to Trinidad, where he served as a Presbyterian Minister for 8 years.  While they were in the Caribbean, Albert and Beryl were very active in both church and community, setting the template for future places of service.  In 1971, the Baldeo family moved to Canada, where Albert served in the United Church of Canada for over thirty years.  They have lived in Kelowna since 1981, where Albert was minister of St. Paul’s United Church until his “retirement” in 1995.

Rev. Baldeo’s life and work, of course, could not be contained in a simple job description.  In his preaching, in his public prayers, in the thousands of weddings and funerals he officiated, he demonstrated his enormous gifts as an orator – part passionate prophet, part stand-up comedian.  He loved to entertain with humour, and lots of it.  He also loved to encourage others to look heavenward, to embrace life with an “attitude of gratitude.”  This was seen in his poems – over the years, he wrote thousands of positive and uplifting rhymes and gave them freely to family, friends, and strangers.   He wrote a weekly column of pastoral reflections in the Capital News.  He was Kelowna’s Chaplain, its Spiritual Concierge, and he was honoured to be part of “the hands and feet of God” in his own city.  To that end, Albert was devoted to Rotary International.  And he nurtured, advocated, and raised funds for countless organizations related to poverty and other social causes.  Aids Kelowna,  The United Way, and the Union Gospel Mission were just a few that benefitted.   In 1983, he was Kelowna’s Citizen of the year.  In 1992 and 2002, he received the Queen’s Commemorative Medal.  And in 2003, he was presented with the Governor General’s Caring Canadian Award.

An opportunity to pay your last respects and to visit with the family will be on Friday, April 29, 2011 from 7 – 9 pm at Springfield Funeral Home, 2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC.  A Funeral Service will be on Saturday, April 30, 2011 at 10:30 am from Trinity Baptist Church, 1905 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC

It not a cliché to say he was loved by all who met him, for he took great interest in the

thoughts and feelings of anyone he met.  Survived by his wife Beryl, his three daughters and families, his sister Sybil (Rani) Sankar and his brothers Alfred and Gerry Baldeo, Rev. Albert Baldeo will be deeply missed.  Minister.  Husband.  Father.  Teacher.  Mentor.  Friend.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the “Rev. Albert Baldeo Memorial Fund”.

For further information call Central Okanagan Foundation 250.861.6160, #217 – 1889 Springfield Rd. Kelowna, BC V1Y 5V5.  Please make cheques payable to the Central Okanagan Foundation and indicate “In Memory of Albert Baldeo” in the notes section.   For online donations www.centralokanaganfoundation.org.

 

Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.springfieldfuneralhome.com, 250-860-7077.

 

Service
Saturday, April 30, 2011 at 10:30 am

Location
Trinity Baptist Church

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“Rev. Albert Baldeo Memorial Fund”. Link: www.centralokanaganfoundation.org.

 


Service Information

Service Details


The service for Baldeo, Albert Henry is scheduled for Saturday, April 30, 2011 at 10:30 am. Below you will find the map for the service location and the contact information should you have any questions.

Address & Contact for Service Location:

Trinity Baptist Church

1905 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC

Phone:

Special Requests:

None.

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Everything was so organized and pertinent to what we needed. Everyone we met was kind, courteous and very helpful during our emotional and challenging time. Thank you so much.

Heather Mayne

They were so prompt on answering any questions and changing things. They were prepared and respected any religious decisions. The process was so seamless and made easy in such a high stress situation.

Tanya Kohar

In the past 2 years Springfield has helped us through the death of my Mother and my Father. Their response and help allowed us to focus on the remaining family rather than worrying about details of the funeral and all the notifications that are required upon a death.

Terry Eldridge

The atmosphere has been nothing but professional during times of grief.  After the passing of my mother, the staff coached me on the next steps and looked after filling in all the government forms that I needed to sign, which took a huge burden off my mind at the time.

Donald McClure

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Diane Greenwood

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Katherine Lewis

I have always found the team at Springfield Funeral Home to be VERY caring, kind, considerate and helpful.  I have and will continue to recommend them to anyone who asks which funeral home would I suggest they use.  No other funeral home I have dealt with even comes close to Springfield Funeral Home.

Ethna Tutt

Right at the onset, I was made very comfortable, there was no pressure.  I was made to feel as if I was the only one they had to serve.

Frances Baum

Everything that was arranged for us was perfect.  Our loved one, husband, father, brother was treated with respect.  Thank you for making this difficult time a little more acceptable via your staff’s obvious caring and respect.

Jacquelene Bluschke