BERND (BERNIE) OTTO HANS STUTZKE

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BERND (BERNIE) OTTO HANS STUTZKE With great sadness, we announce the passing, on Saturday, May 3, 2008, of Bernd Stutzke after a short battle with cancer. Remaining to forever cherish Bernie's memory are his wife, Judy, of 37 and one-half years of marriage; children, Jason (girlfriend Holly) and Tanya (David) Bishop; grandchildren, Christine, Nicole, and Samantha Stutzke and Bradley and Emily Bishop; great-grandson, Christopher Stutzke; mother, Franziska (Bill) Shaw; father, Hans (friend Trudy); sister, Sonja Bornhold; sisters-in-law, Karen (Murray) Bounds, Wendy (Steve) Ayres, Linda (Arch) Allison, Kim (Fred) Strawson; Sadena (Marc) Morin; numerous nieces and nephews; and many great friends and co-workers. Born in Oberstdorf, Germany on June 10, 1949, Bernie came to Canada with his family in December 1959. After graduation, Bernie worked for CKY, Federal Pioneer, Schneider Canada and Pauwels Canada. Favourite pastimes were bowling, golfing and fishing. He loved to travel and meet new people, which was well suited to his type of work. Bernie loved to build and taught his children the trade and continued on to teach his grandchildren who could never get enough from Poppa . He would always be the first one to lend a hand to friends and neighbours when needed without being asked. Over the years, Bernie volunteered and held various executive positions with VCC, LR Wildlife, Archery and bowling leagues. He received many awards from the City of Winnipeg for his volunteering. While the children were growing up, Bernie was a Scout leader and coached YBC, baseball and soccer leagues. In compliance with Bernie's wishes, no formal funeral service will be held. The family wishes to thank family, friends and co-workers for all the visits at home and hospitals and for all the phone calls to Bernie. A celebration for Bernie was held on April 19 where he got to visit with close friends and family. That day was a beautiful day for him to remember. We would also like to thank all the doctors and nurses at St. Boniface Hospital, HSC, and Riverview Health Centre for the great care and compassion shown to Bernie and the whole family. A special thank you to Homecare nurse, Heather from Selkirk and Cheryl, ONC Nurse, at Health Sciences Centre. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to a charity of your choice in Bernie's memory. I'm Free Don't grieve for me, for now I'm free I'm following the path God laid for me I took His hand when I heard Him call I turned my back and left it all. I could not stay another day To laugh, to love, to work or play. Tasks left undone must stay that way. I found that place at the close of day. If my parting has left a void Then fill it with remembered joy. A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss, Ah yes, these things, I too will miss. Be not burdened with times of sorrow. I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow. My life's been full, I savored much. Good friends, good times, a loved one's touch. Perhaps my time seemed all too brief. Don't lengthen it now with undue grief. Lift up your heart and share with me God wanted me now, He set me free.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 10, 2008