FREDERICK BETKER

Condolences & Memories (32 entries)

• Mr. Betker made an important positive impression on me as a grade six student at William Osler school circa 1964. He was a man of honour, of high standards, of fairness. He also had a good heart. I felt both protected by him as well as challenged to be the best I could. I feel stupid I never found a way to contact him while alive to tell him thanks. My wife said I can pray for him and that’s true. Perhaps the thing which says it all is — I have used Mr. Bekter as my password any number of times! My respect to his family. What a good man! - Posted by: Maury Miloff (Former student ) on: Jul 31, 2021

• Every school had an Alpha teacher, one the entire school would respect and listen to, Mr B was the Man. I just heard of his passing today by a former classmate, and I'm very saddened he has left us. He was a no nonsense teacher who had a desire to help his student learn not only academics in his classroom, but he would prep and prepare you for junior high school. I had the Honor of meeting up with him during my employment at the Winnipeg arena in 1995 season, rehashed old times and reminisced. Mr Betker you have helped, taught, mentored and guide many young people over the years, your calling was fulfilled in this life, journey well my friend! - Posted by: Ken H (Former student 1980 Salisbury) on: Oct 15, 2016

• Fred was a beautiful soul, one of many whom I have had the privilege in meeting when I was just 9 years old at stonewall quarry park campground. First impressions mean a lot to most people, and for me, I felt as if I met a family member. His smile, his laugh, his words of wisdom all set in now as I write this with tears. Every weekend I looked forward to escaping the city for peace and fun in stonewall, as well as the good people I know out there. I would have the biggest smile on my face when passing Fred's lot as I see his famous Saskatchewan rough riders flag next to his car, and his friendly wave and smile as I walked over to greet him with a warm hug. I've known Fred for almost 17 years of my life, and most of my memories are with him. Whether it was gathering around his fire place sharing jokes and listening to some of the best music out there or heading over to the Rockwood Inn to catch a game and have a cold one, it was always a pleasure. For someone who wasn't blood, he sure was an Uncle to me. Always there for my football games, always giving great advice, as well as being there for when times were tough. The kindest man out there, the way he would dance and laugh sure got the party going every Friday & Saturday night. To this day I can still hear us singing and laughing. Fred, you were so kind to me and my friends, I wish we could have had one last fire together. You will truly be missed, I hope to see you one day again with a warm hug. I love you Fred, until we meet again. - Posted by: Daniel John Willman (friend/neighbour ) on: Mar 16, 2016

• Larry and Sheri and family.I was in Winnipeg for Betty's 90th ironically on the same day as Fred's passing and heard that he had left us. Since I spent most of my waking hours at DLCC I remember your Dad and Mr Zing and Mr Spencer and Mr Pertson and the gang as a continuous presence and the heart and soul (and most of the sweat equity)of the organization. As Clarence would say "He was one of the good guys". He made a positive difference in a lot of lives. Our condolences. The Broughton Family - Posted by: Jamie Broughton (Family Friend) on: Mar 11, 2016

• Mr. B was an amazing man, he took time for his students. He took time to tell stories even if it wasn't part of the curriculum. He also took me under his wing, when I was failing and struggling in school, he brought my grades from D's to A's... Wish there were more teachers like him. My deepest sympathy to the family, may he rest in peace. - Posted by: Reagen Hazelwood (Former student : Salisbury grade 6 ) on: Mar 09, 2016

• Your Dad was a good familiar face for the kids growing up at DLCC. He did a lot for us. He was a good man to know. My condolences to Larry and Sheri. - Posted by: Brock (from the old neighborhood) on: Mar 09, 2016

• We both had Mr. Betker as a grade 6 teacher at Salisbury School many many years ago. He was a big guy who many students were scared of. You would hear all kinds of scary stories about Mr. Betker from the other kids. But honestly, he was a great teacher and such a nice guy with a great sense of humour. If you worked hard, paid attention and put in the effort you had no issues with him. Years later we ran into him working security at the Rolling Stones concert at Winnipeg Stadium. He instantly remembered us and we talked to him for so long that we ended up missing part of the concert. It was so nice to see him again and catch up. We are so sorry to hear of his passing and would like to give our sincere condolences to his family. Rest in peace Mr. Betker. - Posted by: Sandra da Rocha Goncalves & Jose da Rocha (Former Studen) on: Mar 09, 2016

• Mr. Betker was my Grade 6 teacher at Wiiliam Osler. He was without doubt the biggest single influence in my education. I had been and would have remained a mediocre student but Mr. Betker saw more. He challenged me and taught me to love learning. He made me feel like I was capable of any intellectual challenge and taught me me that curiosity is a wonderful thing. I will remember him with fondness and great gratitude. - Posted by: Kathi Arkin (Student) on: Mar 09, 2016

• Mr. Better taught me grade 6 at Salisbury. To this day when I reminisce he is still remembered as one of my most favorite teachers. From writing the word "whisper" a 1000!times to my own special tile in the hallway cause I wouldn't stop talking in class lol. He was awesome! He was tough but fair and still 30 plus years later I think of him fondly. He touched many lives! May he rest in peace and my deepest sympathy to his family - Posted by: Shelley Fillion (Former student) on: Mar 09, 2016

• I had him for a substitute teacher many times. And he always knew how to make learning fun. I still remember clearly that little wood and plastic basket ball toy we made in shop class. Someone made him one several years ago and it was becoming aged and worn. So I actually made him a new one one year. He was so happy and thankful. Another memory I have of him, is the baseball story of Who's On First. It was very comical, and it was always the best when he told it to us. I will always be thankful for the experiences and memories he shared with us. He really showed dedication to teaching and being around students. He will be missed very much. - Posted by: Ashley Redcliffe (Former Student at Salisbury Morse Place School) on: Mar 09, 2016

• My sister, two years older, had Mr. B in Grade 6. She threatened me weekly that I would have him as my teacher when I reached that grade. I remember parading through his classroom on Halloween, in full costume, and he singled me out - "Hey Little Rhonda." I was, from that day forward know as a smaller version of my sister. Rhonda, a straight arrow with straight "As", would be a hard act to follow. But only if I got stuck with Mr. B for grade 6. Back in the day, your next year's teacher was written on your final report card. I fretted about opening that envelope. With trembling hands, my worst fears came true: 6C Mr. Betker. It was not a good summer. All I could think about was this menacing man and all the stories about him and his anger. I was terrified. That year, I got my best grades ever. I was too scared to not do my homework and too scared to do poorly on assignments or tests. I was also completely inspired to do my best. Mr. B had unconventional methods, but he got the best out of those who had yet to tap their full potential. Fast forward another year, and my mom is diagnosed with breast cancer. Knowing she couldn't possibly continue coaching my sister's softball team on her own, Mr. B stepped up to support her through that difficult time. He was a giant of a man with a giant heart. I think fondly of him often and tell my own students about my favourite teacher, who both terrified and inspired me. - Posted by: Shelley (Former 6C Student, 1980-81) on: Mar 09, 2016

• During my time as a student, I had Mr. Betker fill-in for my teachers more than a handful of times. I remember how he always hated being referred to as a 'substitute' teacher, so, out of respect, I will refrain from calling him such. Mr. Betker was one of the most incredible teachers I ever had at SMP. If there was ever someone specific you wanted to fill-in for your teacher, it was alway him. The students absolutely loved him. His teaching methods were simply phenomenal. You could tell from the way he always deviated from the course outline to tell us stories about life and teach us things outside of the normal course work that he genuinely cared for the students. He had his own teaching methods (one of which included flinging a ball attached to a string into a hoop to win a Werther's Original candy) that tough the students respect. No matter what he talked about, or reached, respect was the most important thing to him. He often preached about it, and the students would actually listen to him. He helped us to get along, to learn better. It is a travesty that we lost such a great man, and such a great teacher. I haven't had any teacher as great as Fred Betker in all my years of schooling since SMP. - Posted by: Justin Beres (Past Student) on: Mar 08, 2016

• Mr B was my grade 6 teacher at Salisbury School. Not having a dad at home I had few male role models to look up to. I posted on my Facebook today, that he was "one of the most influential men in my formative years and I never told him that in my adult life" and that I regret. So I'm atoning for my sins by telling you, his family. Mr B went out of his way to care for me in that year and ongoingly. He made sure I got to go to grade 6 camp even though we couldn't afford it and I have a picture of him and I when I caught my first "fish". He continued to sneak us backstage at any concert or WWF event and get us signatures, meet famous people and generally feel super special. He meant a lot to me and I'm sad that life gets away and we forget to tell people what a great job they did. But his job was no job at all, it was a true calling, and for that, I am forever grateful. Rest In Love, Mr B, and my most sincere condolences to the family. - Posted by: Tina Goulter (Drivas) (Student) on: Mar 08, 2016

• I was saddened to hear of Mr. B's passing. It wasn't only a few weeks ago that I was wondering where he was these days, since I hadn't seen him for many years now. Mr. B was one of my favourite teachers at Salisbury School back in the day, where I will never forget the infamous "petrified banana peel" that sat on his desk...oh, boy, those were the days. Later in life, I always ran into Fred at the old Winnipeg Arena and Stadium, where he always loved catching up and talking sports. What a wonderful man...always pleasant and welcoming. The impact that he must have had on so many students over years would be overwhelming, I'm sure. My thoughts and condolences go out to his entire family at this difficult time. Cherish all the wonderful memories and be sure to embrace all the wonderful stories that I'm sure you'll hear over the next little while. Rest well, Mr. B. - Posted by: Cam Moskal (Former student and later on, a friend.) on: Mar 08, 2016

• I am so saddened to hear the news of Mr. Betker/Fred's passing. He was not only my grade 6 teacher he was also my good friend of close to 40 years. Mr. Betker was a great teacher that always went the extra mile for his students, this didn't just include inside the classroom but also during lunch hours and after School running extra curricular activities such as baseball, floor hockey and sponge hockey to name a few. Over the years I was lucky enough to enjoy Fred's company during road trips to Brandon to watch the wheat kings play, ice fishing excursions out on the Red River, visits out to Fred's trailer at Stonewall quarry park, and visits occasionally over to the big A for a refreshment or two. Fred was a great guy, always supportive and caring to his friends and family. Sincere sympathy Larry, Sherry & Families, your father was a special person and I know he was very proud of you both, he told me that many times. Rest in peace my friend Fred, I will miss you Kelly Young (former student/friend) - Posted by: Kelly Young (Former student/friend) on: Mar 08, 2016

• Dear family, As you know, your father was an amazing man. He changed my entire life when I was in Gr. 6 at William Osler. He taught me to be proud of my work and do my best not to please him but to please me. My father was so impressed by the change in my marks and attitude that he lured him to Salsbury School. When my dad passed, Fred came to the funeral, held me tight and said, "Oh sweetheart". It meant the world to me. My hearfelt sympathies to all of you. Karen - Posted by: Karen Klassen Bender (former student, and daughter of Peter Klassen, principal of SMP school) on: Mar 08, 2016

• RIP Mr. B You touched so many children's lives with your teaching (good and bad kids..teehee)! You will always be remembered. I made my mom tell the school in advance that I wanted to be in grade 6 class. You played marbles at recess, you loved science, you had various items on your desk, from cars, to the strap, to a jar with a baby shark in it. You believed in literacy - as we had 20 books reports due that year. You drove a gold Cadillac. You made us memorize the 50 lakes, rivers and straights in North America. If we got one wrong, we had to do it over. You were tough, kind, and all your previous students came back to visit you. When you semi-retired you came back to SMP and substitute taught, and played Santa Claus to the Kindergarten kids. Also 4 square is gone...sucks, no class kept it up. Mr. B's class was the one that repainted the squares every year. My children may not ever know the game. - Posted by: Robin Ledarney (Student) on: Mar 08, 2016

• Mr. Betker was the most influential teacher of my youth. He always treated his students with respect and only asked for that same respect to be reciprocated. Everyone loved when he came to teach for a day or two, and you always knew he was in the building. He would hand out posters that he collected from the bombers over the years. I remember him always saying that he had a closet full of them. Stacks upon stacks of them. Mr. B would always read us stories that were close to his heart. One in particular - I think it was called Ziggy or something - was always a class favourite, along with the many stories from "Chicken Soup for the Soul". He coached me in softball. He always had me on the "good" list when it came time for his famous Betker Burgers. This is a man I will not forget for the entirety of my life and I'm sure there are many others who feel the same way. I regret being in Australia and not being able to make it to any services, but I'm sure they will be more than overcrowded with people paying their respects. "How do you spell my name?" "b-e-t..." "No!" "b-e..." "Wrong again! It's CAPITAL B-e-t-k-e-r!" - Posted by: Adam Berry (Former Student) on: Mar 08, 2016

• MrB was my grade 6 teacher at Salisbury Elementary in 1986 and I could never forget a teacher like him. 1 in a million! I took a few punishments with his "Petrified banana peel" as well as standing on a chair facing the chalkboard with a big ole X on it for me to look at for 10 mins or so lol He was the best and I laugh at those memories today. He was a teacher that TAUGHT and taught in a way where I understood. He was an unforgettable man....extraordinary! My condolences to his family. Xoxo RIP MrB - Posted by: Julie Martens (Former student) on: Mar 08, 2016

• Mr. B was often a guest teacher at SMP (not substitute- as he taught us from a young age that wasn't the proper respectful term to use) and we always knew we were in for a great day when we walked in and saw him. I will never forget so many things about him. He would always read us "A Sandpiper to bring you joy", tell us fantastic stories, engage us in fun activities. I remember he had a game where we had to try to take a $20 bill from him (but no one ever succeeded) and he always brought his little Ziggy figurine with him in his suitcase. He left a lasting impression on all of his students. Over 15 years later I still have very fond memories of him. He was a character and just a very genuine person. It was an honour to have been taught by him! - Posted by: Kaylee (Former student at SMP) on: Mar 08, 2016

• Mr. Betker you will truly be missed. You are the man that all the students at Salisbury Morse Place looked forward to having in our classrooms. You taught me my syllables, my provinces and territories and you always had a smile on your face. We loved when you would dress up as Santa at school for the holiday season and being the cups of ice cream with the little wooden spoons. You always carried your baseball friend Ziggy in your briefcase and brought him out for each class to tell a story. You will be missed always, you were and will always be an amazing teacher. Rest in Paradise Mr. B, heaven just obtained an angel, although many hearts here are breaking. Lots of love-- - Posted by: Krystyn Imlah (Student) on: Mar 08, 2016

• Mr B was a substitute teachers of mine many years ago he was one of my favourite teachers. Rest in peace Mr B - Posted by: Kaitlin Bialek (McLaren (Former Student) on: Mar 08, 2016

• Mr.B was easily my favorite teacher even though I had him for half a year. He made the best impression on an 11 year old and let me tell you that is not an easy thing to do. If I recall correctly tile #19 was renamed for my gf michelle and tile #21 was renamed for myself, yes in half a year. All that said, he remains an amazing memory in my childhood, and those can be tough. Salisbury was my favorite place back then and Mr.B was/ and always will be forever in my heart and thoughts. Rest well -Kelly - Posted by: Kelly Anderson (Former student) on: Mar 08, 2016

• Fred was a really great teacher. He pushed us to learn and was fully committed when it came to the kids. Thanks for the great start in life buddy. I hope your family gets to read what a fantastic person you truly were. They really did break the mold after you. Mike Class of 84. - Posted by: Mike Seepish () on: Mar 08, 2016

• I had Mr. B for many years at Salisbury as our "guest" teacher. I will never forget the man that taught me what a syllable was, he was a fantastic teacher. Rest in peace Mr. B - Posted by: Chelsea Millen (Former student at SMO) on: Mar 08, 2016

• Mr B. Many of us, whose lives you truly changed, will never forget you. You're never gone, but always and forever in our memories, stories and even in our daily lives, you were and are one of the most amazing people that truly made a difference. Ps. I want my marbles back!! Lol. Kirk z. Grade 6 1979/1980. - Posted by: Kirk (Student. Friend) on: Mar 08, 2016

• Our family first met Fred at Deer Lodge C.C. He coached one of our sons in hockey but most of getting to know Fred was from the many socials we attended at D.L.C.C. lots of great memories ....Our prayers go out to his family. Grace Taylor and family - Posted by: grace taylor (friend) on: Mar 08, 2016

• I had Mr B on numerous occasions as a substitute. He was an amazing teacher who I will always remember. - Posted by: lara holmes (former student at Salisbury) on: Mar 08, 2016

• Mr. B. was my Grade 6 teacher - he was a large man with a giant presence. The stories of throwing desks in the hallway "the petrified banana peel" and standing on tile 19 for long periods of time were all true and not just urban legends. He was an amazing teacher who brought out the best in all his students. When I started teaching, I had the opportunity to work with him on several occasions and he hadn't mellowed a bit. Even though he told me to call him Fred, I always called him Mr. Betker. The world has lost an amazing educator and an even more amazing human being. RIP Mr. Betker. - Posted by: Janet Miller (Skabar) (Former Student) on: Mar 08, 2016

• I met Fred when he was teaching at Salisbury Morse Place School. What a lovely personality!!! My sincere condolences to Fred's family. I know that you will have fond memories of your loved one and it is my hope that those memories will sustain you during these most difficult times. - Posted by: Vicki Lazaruk (Former School Trustee River East Transona School Division) on: Mar 08, 2016

• Sincere Sympathy to Larry & his family. - Posted by: Audrey Hanna () on: Mar 08, 2016

• I met Fred through my Brother Jack some 30 years ago. We used to always meet at the Assiniboine hotel on Saturdays around noon and he would always bring the rye bread and kubasa. He even came to a Grey Cup in Regina with us once and ended up on the field with the teams. He enjoyed working in security at the old arena and stadium as well. RIP Fast Freddie - Posted by: Glenn Morrison (Friend) on: Mar 08, 2016