HAROLD JAMES BURKLEY MACDONALD (BERT)

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HAROLD JAMES BURKLEY MACDONALD (BERT) It is with sadness that we announce the passing of our loving Dad, Grampa, and Great-Grampa. Dad passed away peacefully at his residence at Middlechurch Home, on November 17, 2009, with his daughters Lois and Cheryl at his side. Burke (Bert) was born on February 23, 1915 in Winnipeg on Westminster Avenue to Letitia and Daniel MacDonald. There would be numerous moves for this young family to wherever there was work, mostly Napinka, Brandon, Alexander and Regina. Regardless of all the moves they had a strong stable family life guided by love and faith. Dad was eight years old when his father died, which contributed to Dad's strong sense of responsibility, concern for others, commitment, and faith. Dad worked hard and as a young man in his twenties, saved enough money to buy a house for cash in Brandon for his mother and younger brother Bill. When the Second World War broke out Dad joined the Air Force and while stationed near Montreal he met the love of his life, his beloved Jeannie. They corresponded by mushy love letters and the occasional 48 hour leave. Mom and Dad were married on October 6, 1945 and lived in Brandon for six years. They then moved to Rivercrest, West St. Paul in 1951 and purchased their forever home to raise their three daughters. The community of Rivercrest, and the United Church which they helped build, were an important part of their lives. Dad worked for the C.P.R. as an express messenger till age 50, and then went to Red River College to pursue his second career as an electronic technician. Dad always loved tinkering in the basement and had an assortment of TV's, radios, and electrical gadgets in various stages of repair. Dad could fix anything, from washing machines to broken hearts. Mom and Dad enjoyed almost 62 years together and displayed the true definition of soul mates. They would sit in their back yard, hold hands, and listen to the birds sing. When mom died unexpectedly in September of 2007, Dad never really recovered from the grief. After a series of strokes, Dad lost the ability to speak, and much of his communication was done through his warm and loving eyes, a series of simple gestures, or a gentle kiss on the hand. Dad taught us that actions speak louder than words. A year ago Dad moved out of his beloved 64 Allenford Drive and into Middlechurch Home. He was the first resident there that needed a bigger room to accommodate his exercise equipment. Even though Dad's health continued to fail he was always cheerful and thankful. Dad was truly a remarkable man who loved life, and lived love. Dad leaves to mourn: his daughters, Carol Nuernberger (Gunter) of Victoria, Lois Glover (Bruce Greenhill), and Cheryl Matwichuk (Rich), from Winnipeg. Saddened grandchildren are Kim (Michael Bourgeois), Karen, Adam, Nathan, Melanie, Steven, and Jennifer Kocsis (Bill) and great-grandchildren Karolyn Bourgeois and Béla Kocsis. Dad also leaves to mourn his brother Bill Gibson (Del), numerous nieces and nephews, and countless friends. Dad was predeceased by his beloved wife Jean and sister Donalda McPherson. Sadness and grief are the price to pay for love, however there is comfort in knowing Mom and Dad are in each others arms forever, and dancing cheek to cheek. Rest in peace. Funeral service will be held on Monday, November 23, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. at Glen Eden Memorial Gardens, 4477 Main Street, (338-7111) with Reverend Hugo Unruh officiating. Pallbearers will be Rich and Steven Matwichuk, Adam and Nathan Glover, Bruce Greenhill and Gunter Nuernberger. Donations in Dad's memory may be made to the Middlechurch Home of Winnipeg Inc., 280 Balderstone Road, West St. Paul, MB R4A 4A6. Family and friends are invited to sign the Book of Condolences at www.gleneden-mb.ca. Glen Eden Funeral Home 338-7111

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 21, 2009