GERALD TKATCH

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GERALD TKATCH 1939 - 2013 It is with profound sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Gerald (Gerry to all who knew him) on July 25, 2013, at the Regina General Hospital, with his wife Bernice and family at his side. Gerry was born to Stanley and Pauline (Konechny) Tkatch on November 29, 1939, on the family homestead near Jasmin, SK. Gerry married Verna Brown in 1962; the union was blessed with two children, Raymond and Brenda. The family made their home in Yorkton, SK., until Gerry decided Winnipeg was the warmer and less windy city he wanted to be in! Gerry held various jobs prior to becoming the brilliant stone mason that he was. His career took him to many locales around Saskatchewan and Manitoba. He was so proud to share those buildings with everyone when you passed by one of them. Gerry worked as a general contractor for various construction jobs in Winnipeg until the love of his life, Bernice Johnson, prompted a move to St. Laurent, MB. Gerry and Bernice were married on July 28, 2001. They made a beautiful and most welcoming home to everyone that entered. Gerry was a continual giver of his help and wealth of knowledge to anyone that ever asked. He was very proud of the life he had but was most proud of all his grandchildren and the pleasure that they brought to his life. Gerry was a very active community member. He served on numerous local clubs and organizations; was a Boy Scout Leader, a Master Kinsmen, and a Life Member of the Royal Canadian Legion, St. Laurent Branch 250. Gerry's love of dancing led him to Legion 141 in Winnipeg where he and Bernice had their first dance. They continued to enjoy dancing and socializing at old time dances until his passing. He liked camping and fishing with friends and enjoyed eating his catch. Gerry also enjoyed traveling and eagerly anticipated his winters in Mesa, Arizona. He leaves to mourn his wife Bernice, son Raymond (Diane), grandchildren Dorian and Avery; daughter Brenda (Daryl) Bode, granddaughter Joelle; stepdaughter Angie (Blair) Burdett, grandchildren Haley (Tristan) and Alex; stepson Edwin (Diane) Johnson, grandchildren Sydney and Brooke; siblings Tom (Mary) Tkatch, Julia (Jim) Yachiw and Betty Hess; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law Leon Machula, Audrey Tkatch, Jean Tkatch, Maurice Grandmont, Arla Campbell (Louie), Angus Millar, Grace Appleyard, Ray (Patsy) Millar, Alice Morrison, Bob Millar and numerous nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents Stanley and Pauline, siblings Loretta Machula, Harold Tkatch, Ron Tkatch; mother and father-in-law Jim and Aggie Millar; brothers-in-law Wilf Hess, Harvey Appleyard and Allan Morrison; sisters-in-law Olive Grandmont and Marlene Millar; nephews Barry Campbell, Brian Appleyard and Russell Millar; nieces Doreen Machula, Lisa Tkatch and Brenda Procter. Special thanks to Crestview Ambulance, Yorkton; Emergency and ICU staff, Yorkton; Saskatoon Air Ambulance; CCU staff and doctors at Regina General Hospital. Bernice and the family would like to sincerely thank the CCU nurses and doctors for the excellent care and compassion shown to Gerry and the family during his stay at Regina General Hospital. A celebration of Gerry's life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on August 17, 2013, at the St. Laurent Recreation Centre in St. Laurent, Manitoba. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or the Canadian Diabetes Association.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 03, 2013