Mr. Arthur ‘Art’ Leslie McAllister, beloved husband and soul partner of the late Marge McAllister and only son of the late Ed and Phyllis McAllister of the Antler Hill District, passed away peacefully during the early hours of October 21, 2022 at the Rosefield Care Center, Innisfail, Alberta at the age of 90 years. Arthur was born on July 3, 1932 at Innisfail, Alberta, and received his elementary schooling at the one room school house of Antler Hill, just minutes away from his home. Upon completion of ninth grade, he attended Red Deer Composite High School. It was during this time that he met many lifelong friends.
Art met the love of his life, Margery Kaye Johannson at a New Year’s Eve dance in Markerville. Inseparable from day one, the pair were married on April 10, 1954 in the Markerville Church. For two years they resided on the original McAllister homestead. Art then acquired a quarter of land just to the south and this became their permanent home for fifty-two years. Art was very active in his community. For over 40 years he was an active member of the Innisfail Rotary Club. Curling, and The Barley Growers Association, were other passions that he pursued. His greatest pride was his farming which nurtured the close family ties that made his life rich in ways that money cannot buy. Watching his crops ripen, his children grow, his whole family felt pride that springs from their shared experiences.
Art loved being in the west country hunting, trail riding, and snowmobiling. In later years, he and Marge traveled extensively to visit the numerous exchange students that had become part of the McAllister family at Antler Acres. Art always had a twinkle in his eye and the ability to make every task, trip or gathering exciting and fun. Art was deeply devoted to his family. He was loving, intelligent and just simply, the best father and friend one could ever hope to have. Art will be lovingly missed by his daughter, Terri (Brian) McAllister of Somers, Montana, his son, Wayne (Sherri) McAllister of Innisfail, Alberta, and his daughter Donna Lynn (Ken) Anderson of Bowden, Alberta. His memory will be cherished by his seven grandchildren: Alana Strangward of Calgary, Colleen Bench of Kalispell, Siobhan (Tyler) Symington of Kalispell, Wade (Sabrina) McAllister of Innisfail, Scott (Brittany) McAllister of Innisfail, April (Derek) Gerrard of Innisfail, and Melissa (Skye) Anderson of Bowden. He also has ten great grandchildren. Art is survived by his sister, Marydell Bergen of Calgary, his sister-in-law, Marie Svienson of Markerville, and his good friend Audrey Tedrick, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He will be forever missed. A Celebration of the Life of Arthur McAllister will be held at the Antler Hill District Community Center on Thursday, October 27, 2022 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. If desired, Memorial Donations in Art’s honor may be made directly to Innisfail Rotary Club, Box 6040, Innisfail, Alberta T4G 1S7 or at innisfailrotary.president@mail.com. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed at www.heartlandfuneralservices.com Arrangements in care of: Heartland Funeral Services Ltd., 4415 – 49 Street, Innisfail, Alberta. Phone: 403.227.0006