Delmar Edward Bamford

Delmar Bamford, age 94, passed at his home surrounded by his family on October 24, 2023.  He was the eldest son of Robert Campbell Bamford and Ella Gunn.  Delmar, two sisters, and one brother were raised on the family farm near Foxwarren.

When he graduated from school at age 17, he was too young to apply to his first choice of occupations, so he decided to join his father farming.  He was a mixed farmer – grain and livestock, particularly enjoying the Hereford/Simmental cattle. 

In 1952 Delmar married Iris Jean Tibbatts and they raised five children.  Delmar supported Iris in all her community activities.  He was active in the children’s lives – managing/coaching hockey and baseball teams; leading Scout troops; instructing 4-H woodworking groups and travelling many miles taking the kids to lessons, camps and sports.

Delmar was always very active in the community.  He took a turn at various boards and organizations.  He was part of boards for the Pool Elevator, Birtle Hospital, the Co-op, the Birtle Museum as well as a councillor for Birtle Municipality.  He dedicated many hours to The Manitoba Big Game Trophy association, Wildlife Habitat Conservation group and other conservation groups.  Delmar was awarded the Habitat Stewardship Award in 1999.  He taught Hunter Safety to many of the area’s population, as well as scoring deer heads for local and provincial competitions.

Baseball was his favorite sport.  He played, coached and watched (the Blue Jays). Hunting was his other outdoor hobby providing friendship and travel.  He and Iris curled for many years and he always enjoyed a game of pool or a hand of cards.

Over the years he used his carpentry skills to build cupboards, sewing cabinets, grandfather clocks and other assorted items for family and friends.  He spent time doing leather tooling, using deer/moose horn for cribbage boards, earrings, belt buckles etc.  In retirement he took up wood carving (mainly birds) and later hooked rugs.

In 1993 Delmar and Iris sold the farm, moved to Birtle where he became involved with the Lions Club, the Drop-in Centre and the Golf Course.  He enjoyed playing pool and never loosing too many quarters at a time playing cards.  Iris and Delmar visited many golf courses around the world and he was able to make 3 holes in one in the sport he took up at age 65.

In all the activities that Delmar was involved with, he prided himself in getting to know the people he met as they shared activities.  He would often meet these people years later and talk like they were old friends.

Delmar is survived by his wife Iris and his five children and their families:  Jean Ashcroft (Peter), Christine Ashcroft (Dave), Oscar, Rylee, Alice Olson, Megan Ashcroft; Donna Bamford (Rick); Keith Bamford (Joy), Brad Bamford (Kelly), Evan Bamford, Curtis Bamford (Janine), Drew Bremault; Lorraine Davidson (Emery), Amanda Backman (Brice), Sabrina Labossiere, Benjamin Labossiere; Terry Bamford(Teri), Quinn Bamford (Tendayi), Quayi Jossy.  Delmar is also survived by sister Velma Clayton, brother-in-law Glen Tibbatts, sister-in-law Beverley McGee as well as numerous nieces and nephews