Marco Barbarich, resident of Grande Prairie, AB, passed away peacefully on Friday, August 6, 2021, at the QEII Hospital at the age of 87 years.

Marco was born on April 12, 1934, in Spirit River, AB. He grew up on a farm in Silverwood, AB. Marco farmed with his parents. In order to supplement the farm income, he went to work at Central Peace Dairy.

Marco married Margaret Christenson on June 22, 1970. They lived in Rycroft, AB, where they farmed for several years. Eventually, Marco sold his land and obtained full-time employment with the Dept. of Highways where he worked until he retired. In 1997, they sold their trailer in Rycroft and bought a house in Grande Prairie. In June 2018, Marco moved into the Pioneer Lodge where he resided until his passing.

Marco was a loving husband and a great neighbour. He had a wonderful sense of humour and loved to laugh and tease people. He was a kind-hearted, generous person, as well as an avid storyteller. Marco liked to chat back and forth across the fence with his neighbors. He was also a strong, serious person when need be. When Marco voiced his opinion, he had everyone’s attention.

Marco spent a lot of his time tinkering in his shed in the backyard. He spent hours there constructing, building, fixing, and taking things apart. Neighbors referred to his shed as Walmart as he had every nut, bolt, screw, nail, or whatever tool you needed. Marco loved to read and watch TV. History was his favorite. He also enjoyed sports, especially hockey. He never missed a game when his favorite team, the Toronto Maple Leafs were playing. Hunting season was Marco’s favorite time of the year. Each year he would look forward to hunting trips with his nephew, Neil Galus and his good buddy, John Hemmingway.

Marco will be sadly missed by his sister Ann Sekulic of Edmonton, AB; brother John (Kathy) of Rycroft; numerous nieces and nephews; as well as neighbours and friends.

Marco was predeceased by his wife Margaret; parents Nick and Barbara Barbarich; brothers John and Mathew; as well as sisters Mary Sekulic of Rycroft, Pauline Shmyr of Rycroft, and Jean Galus of Athabasca, AB.

A Memorial Service will be held on Monday, August 16, 2021, at 11:00am, at Oliver’s Funeral Home in Grande Prairie (10005 107 Ave).

Memorial Donations may be made to the Grande Spirit Foundation – for the Pioneer Lodge (9505 102 Ave., Grande Prairie, AB, T8V 7G9).