Mr. Bart Kesler of Lethbridge, the beloved husband of Shirley Kesler, passed away on June 15, 2016 at the age of 83 years.

Besides being survived by his wife Shirley, Bart is survived by his eldest son Barton “Trevor” Kesler and his wife Donna and their children: Lauren (James Hayduk) and Mitch (Mariah) Kesler. Bart is also survived by his youngest son, Harley “Stacey” Kesler and his spouse, Nathalie and children: Kayla, Austin, Hailey, and Lane.

Bart was born on the family farm to Harley and Lucy Kesler, and was the youngest brother to Lorence and Marion. He was raised on the family farm in Diamond City, Alberta and worked on the farm until 1957, when he married Shirley.

Bart obtained employment with the Government of Canada and worked at the Lethbridge Research Station for 34 years, specializing in Range Land Management. His work allowed him the best of both worlds; the security of a steady income as a “civil servant” and the ability to work in a ranching environment west of Stavely, Alberta. He was a skilled horseman and loved the horses that he owned. Bart had strong farrier skills and much of his time was spent caring for his horses.

His greatest passion was playing music. Bart was an accomplished bass player and loved playing his “electric bass”. The 1950’s to the 2000’s were spent travelling to various small towns in Southern Alberta, playing country music in community halls on Fridays and Saturdays nights. Bart continued playing music into his 80’s and until recent years donated much of his time to playing at jam sessions around Taber, Vauxhall, and Lethbridge.

Bart enjoyed the outdoors, and spent a great deal of his retirement at the cabin in Waterton. In the spring and summer months, he enjoyed hiking the trails in Waterton Lakes, and visiting the local coffee shops. The winter months were spent snowshoeing and cross country skiing in Indian Battle Park.

He was a proud grandfather and served as a teacher, and role model to his grandchildren: Lauren, Mitch, Kayla, Austin, Hailey, and Lane. Bart was proud of their academic, sport, and occupational accomplishments. He was a great grandfather to Harley and Reyna. Bart quietly played a grandfatherly role to others in his neighbourhood in his later years.

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects between 6:00 PM and 7:00 PM on Tuesday, June 21, 2016 at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610-4th St. S, Lethbridge, AB

A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, June 22, 2016 at the COAST HOTEL AND CONFERENCE CENTRE located at 526 Mayor Magrath Drive, South, Lethbridge, Alberta with Harley Stacey Kesler officiating. A reception will take place after the funeral, and then a private Interment will follow at the Royal View Cemetery.

Flowers are gratefully declined. Those who wish, may make a memorial donation to the Alberta Cancer Foundation (telephone: 1-800-661-2262; website: www.albertacancer.ca/memorial).