1942 - 2021
Daniel Barton (Bart) Brocklebank was born June 25, 1942, and passed away suddenly on September 15, 2021 at the place he loved most – the farm.
He is survived by his loving wife Rosemary and his cherished daughters Lee Brocklebank (Micheal Dobovich) and Andrea Brocklebank (Brad Kilpatrick). He had a quiet but intense love for his five grandchildren Ella, Graye, and Reeve Dobovich and Blake and Colin Kilpatrick. He is also survived by his brothers Larry (Pat) Brocklebank of Calgary and Mac Brocklebank of High River, Rosemary’s siblings, and numerous nieces and nephews and their families.
Bart was very happy to have spent his whole life under the wide-open skies of the High River area.When his Grade 12 marks came back, his principal came out to farm hoping to enlist Bart’s parents in his plan to convince him to attend University. Bart was firm in his conviction to farm and off he went to SAIT to take Agriculture Mechanics. At the age of 20 he came home to farm full-time.
Bart was very happy to have spent his whole life under the wide-open skies of the High River area.When his Grade 12 marks came back, his principal came out to farm hoping to enlist Bart’s parents in his plan to convince him to attend University. Bart was firm in his conviction to farm and off he went to SAIT to take Agriculture Mechanics. At the age of 20 he came home to farm full-time.
Beyond the farm that Bart and Rosemary built together with laughter and love, they proudly raised the girls and sent their amazing daughters off into the big wide world. Bart and Rosemary had a love for travel and a love for good food. In their many travels around the world they accumulated so many friends and memories.
Bart gave much of himself to the community. He had a hand in the East Longview Community Hall. He was the treasurer for years, helped with ongoing improvements to the hall, and was the grand chef of many community suppers and other functions. He was a school trustee for six years, continuing the legacy of his grandfather, Henry Brocklebank, who was one of the initial school trustees of the Windy Hill School. As a child, Andrea thought that Bart’s job was being on the school board and farming was his hobby. His daughters met teachers throughout their years of school who spoke of Bart with great respect. He managed the High River United church financial books for years and was a key volunteer at pancake suppers and the renovation of the church. He also served on the local agriculture service board for many years.
Then came Rotary. He truly loved his fellow Rotarians and the activities to which he contributed. To the day he died he took great pride in ensuring a well-stocked bar for Rotary events. Bart took on the task of designing and building flag stands for the Rotary flag program. All the flags we will see in High River on long weekends will be an everlasting reminder of him. There are still some in his shop, which he was working on.
Bart was laid to rest at the Highwood Cemetery in High River after a private service due to COVID restrictions on Wednesday September 22, 2021. The family is looking forward to hosting a larger event with friends and family to celebrate his life when permitted.
The hardest part about COVID restrictions is not being able to celebrate Bart in the way he deserves. To celebrate and honor who he was as a father, husband, and friend whose focus was always on building community and supporting family we ask that you share your stories with us. Please email us your favorite stories and memories to Andrea at [email protected].
In lieu of flowers in memory of Bart, please consider donations to the High River District Health Care Foundation or the High River Centennial Library. To email condolences please visit www.snodgrassfuneral homes.com. Arrangements in care of Snodgrass Funeral Home, High River Ph. 403-652-2222.
