January 8, 1964 – October 2, 2025
It is with great sadness that the family of Albert Raymond Bazinet announce his passing on October 2, 2025, at the age of 61.
Albert will be lovingly missed by his wife of 37 years, Shirley Swan, and their children: Dale Swan, Gene (Janice) Swan, and Rachelle (Paul) Stephenson. He will also be deeply missed by their beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren, his mother Helen Bazinet, and his siblings: Douglas (Grace) Bazinet, Diane Stevenson (Terry Lee), Garry (Tara) Bazinet, Denise Bazinet (Taras Konyk), Raymond Bazinet, and Suzanne (Alex) Kluke, along with many nieces and nephews. Albert was predeceased by his father, Victor Bazinet.
Albert was born and raised in Eriksdale, Manitoba, where he lived and worked on the family farm alongside his parents and siblings. Growing up in a close-knit rural community shaped his lifelong values of hard work, kindness, and friendship.
Albert met Shirley in the spring of 1988, and together they built a life filled with love, laughter, and adventure. They especially cherished camping, spending countless weekends exploring the outdoors and sharing quiet moments by the fire.
Albert was known for his friendly nature and love of conversation. He enjoyed talking with people wherever he went—whether he knew them or not—and could always find common ground and good humour in every exchange.
He had many interests, including farming, camping, and fishing, but his greatest passion was curling. From a young age, Albert was drawn to the sport, becoming a devoted competitor in bonspiels and league nights alike. Whether he was on the ice or watching from the sidelines, he was never shy about sharing his thoughts on the game, often offering friendly coaching and encouragement to players on both teams.
Albert made a lasting impact on junior curling in Manitoba. His experience and love for the sport were evident in his coaching and in the many relationships he built within his broad curling family. He cared deeply for all curlers, offering guidance, advice, and support to anyone who shared his enthusiasm for the game.
Outside the rink, Albert was a dedicated and hardworking member of Manitoba’s agricultural community. Over the years, he worked on numerous dairy farms and with both Alta Genetics and the Dairy Herd Improvement Association. His career took him travelling across the province, where he became well recognised and highly respected within Manitoba’s dairy and beef industries.
Albert and Shirley were deeply grateful to the many friends and family members who offered their support in countless ways, whether through rides to appointments, acts of kindness, or simply spending time with them. Their generosity and companionship meant the world to them. The family would also like to extend heartfelt thanks to the Cancer Centre team at the Victoria Hospital for their exceptional care, compassion, and support throughout Albert’s journey.
A Celebration of Life in honour of Albert will be held on Tuesday, October 21, 2025 at 1:30 p.m. at Heather Curling Club, 120 Rue Youville, Winnipeg, Manitoba.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Albert’s name can be made to the Manitoba Junior Curling Tour (MJCT) in support of the young athletes and community he cared so deeply about. Donations may be made by e-transfer to: samantha.gevers@gmail.com (please include “Albert Bazinet Donation” in the subject line), or by cheque made payable to Manitoba Junior Curling Tour and mailed to c/o Pierre Alan, 27 Jupiter Bay, Winnipeg, MB., R3T 0W5.
We encourage friends and family to share a memory of Albert below, so that his warmth, humour, and spirit can continue to bring smiles to all who knew him.
Albert was a staple in any curling club that was hosting a junior event. While I was never coached by him, I admired his love for the game, and always enjoyed our conversations about life, and of course strategizing a curling game that was being played on the ice.
Year after year after year I always seemed to end up with the draw that put us against Albert’s team that he curled with, in the Last Chance bonspiel in Manitou, MB . And every single year we always ended up literally an “inch” on the losing side but he always had a positive word and strategy to chat about at the end of each game. He was a great curler with endless amounts of knowledge. I am honoured to say that I have met and curled against him. 🥌 Rest Easy. Curl on.
I would always look for Albert when ever I walked into a curling rink, we would often joke that I talked to much and that he was always at the curling rinks. He never was one of my coaches, but I can say he definitely helped guide me to the curler and person I am today. I am so very thankful I was able to meet him and get to know him, I have the upmost respect for Albert and I know the world is unfortunate to not have such a great man in it anymore.
Bob an I were lucky to get to know Albert much better in the last 4 to 5 years. He thoroughly loved playing crib and he and Raymond would come over every time Albert was at the farm in Eriksdale. He was a very good player and we had lots of laughs!
We will always think about him every time that crib board comes out.
Hugs to all his family, he is and will always be missed.
I offer my sincere condolences to Albert’s family and friends. Albert was a gentleman who gave his time and knowledge to the game of curling. He was an integral part of the junior curling program in Manitoba and was respected by the players he coached and by fellow coaches.
Albert and Shirley were our neighbours in St.Norbert for 23 years. In that time I got to know him well through our many conversations even just in the back lane. He was always quick to lend a hand when needed and kept a close eye on our little community to try and keep it safe. Our prayers are with Shirley and the rest of his extended family during this difficult time.
Albert was always a welcome visitor to the Dairy Farmers of Manitoba office, I always enjoyed chatting with him. He was a very dedicated member of the Manitoba dairy farming community, and served his dairy farmer clients with integrity, honesty, and a wealth of knowledge. He has left us far too soon.
Albert was one of those people who you would never forget, once you got to know him.
He came to the farm taking milk samples, for many years. Never a mistake, knew how to fix things in the computer when I had messed something up, or got on the phone and got it done. He was a tremendous help in the dairy community. And by the sound of other comments he did even more for the curling youth.
My condololences go to his family, he will be missed.
I am sorry to hear of Albert’s passing. Albert was a good friend and coworker. I appreciated that Albert always kept in touch. I will miss our chats at the Stonewall Curling Club. We had a lot in common especially the love of sports and dairy. Please take care and cherish all special memories.
The Bazinet family were strong contributors to rural community and friendship. They were such wonderful friends and neighbours. I am so sad to hear of your dear brother, husband and dad’s passing. His kind of a person shall be missed. Ingrid
Albert was good friend. We coached against
each other many times and unfortunately I only curled against him once. He was devoted to curling and the sport will surely miss him. Whenever we ran into each over the past few years he always had time for a discussion about the sport and especially juniors. We shared this love and I will miss him.
Condolences to his family as he was a special man. RIP Albert
My husband Michel has known Albert for many years through the farming community.
I met Albert and Shirley when we ended up camping at the same campground. From there, many camping trips were spent together around the Whiteshell and Stephenfield. When it was too cold to camp, we would meet for a coffee at Tim’s. More recently, Albert and Shirley visited us at our seasonal site and we are so happy that he wanted to visit, as difficult as it may have been for him.
Albert was quite the camper. No matter what you needed, he had it. I was always impressed with how organized he was. He was an amazing camp cook and made the best pancakes. He was always so patient and kind with the kids.
One particular camping trip in Nutimik, we were out fishing in the boat. While heading back to the dock, I saw an otter in the water and simultaneously noticed that our chihuahua was missing from the boat. Turns out the “otter” was our Penny. Once we pulled the boat around to her, Albert didn’t hesitate to scoop her up and rescue her, soaking himself in the process. Even during his last visit, we remembered that day.
We are so happy to have known Albert. For me he was like an uncle. Kind, helpful, funny, patient. He will truly be missed.
Sending our condolences and hugs to Shirley and all of Albert’s family. May you all take comfort in your memories 🤍