Obituary of Sylvester Martin Albers
The family of Sylvester Albers of Melville, sadly announce his passing on Monday, August 11, 2025. Sylvester was 99 years of age.
The Funeral Service will be held on Friday, August 15 at 10:00a.m. from St. Henry's Roman Catholic Church with Father Melchor Samonte celebrating.
Memorial donations in memory of Sylvester may be made to Mass Offerings, Church Memorial Fund or the Bengough Cemetery as gifts of remembrance.
On Monday, August 11, 2025 Sylvester Albers known by most as “Fess” at the age of 99 passed away at St. Peter’s Hospital in Melville. Fess was born on May 15th 1926, To William and Mary Albers on a farm south of Bengough. Fess graduated from Bengough school in 1944.
Fess’ various jobs included painting, selling farm machinery, carpentry and managing North American Lumber until retiring in 1991.
In 1952, Fess married Therese Gosselin and in 1954 welcomed their son Randall (Randy). Terry passed away in 2000. Fess and Terry enjoyed spending their time raising their family and travelling in their later years (USA, Canada and Netherlands). Fess remarried Frances Afterchuck in 2004. They spent 10 active years until her passing in 2014, at which time he moved to Cumberland Villa in Melvile to be closer to family where he remained very active till his passing.
Fess was very community minded serving as councillor and mayor of Bengough for 20+ years in which he received a public service award for his commitment. He enjoyed hockey, baseball, curling, golfing, playing cards and was recognized as Bengough’s Sportsperson & Citizen of the year. Fess also enjoyed to play many instruments as well playing in a band for many years. He was especially talented working with his hands, an accomplished carpenter. He built both of his homes, several businesses and homes in the area, a church, a curling rink, windmills, urns, furniture, grandfather clocks and planes/helicopters of Westjet, Air Canada & STARS.
Fess cherished his time with family. He loved his grandchildren and great grandchildren and his life brightened every time he saw them. He also welcomed in opened arms Frances’ family as well being involved in their lives. He was also very proud of his nieces and nephews always keeping in contact.
Everyone who met Fess would say he was an admirable man and treated everyone fair and with respect.
Fess was preceded in death by his parents William and Mary Albers, brothers Elie, Anton, Henry, Andrew, Herman, Father Leonard and Sister Catherine.
He is survived by son Randall (Donna) and children Michael (Kassie), Paul (Lori), & Scott (Pauleen). Great Grandchildren Zoey, Evie, Nolan, Oliver, Luca. Step Daughters Roberta (Greg) Weaver and Myrna (Dave) Pauls and families along with numerous nieces & nephews.
