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JERRY J. BRASKO
Date of Passing: Jan 19, 2017
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryJERRY J. BRASKO It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Jerry J. Brasko. Jerry passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on Thursday, January 19, 2017 at the Health Sciences Centre. Jerry leaves to cherish his memory, his wife of 11 years, Anne. He was predeceased by Mary T., his wife of 50 years. Jerry leaves to cherish his memory his children, Melanie (Richard), Christine, Pauline, Jerald (Cindy), Katherine (Stephen), and Cassandra; grandchildren, Matthew (Elizabeth), Mark, Derek (Shannon), Carlene, Joelle, Colt, Jace, Rylee (Daniel), Easton, Garrett, Ethan, Paige and Veronika; and great-grandchild Joshua. He is also survived by his sister Anne (Mike), sister Luda (Stano), many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents Pavlina (nee Sedlakova) and Emil Brasko; and sister Martha Kopecka. Jerry was born on April 5, 1931 in Sipkove, Slovakia. Before being forced to the communist army at 18, he left his home November 26, 1949 in search of a country where he could be free. It was within this journey, a year and half of travels across Europe, he left Germany and ended up on a ship called S.M. Nelly out of the London Port, England arriving in Halifax, NS. On May 28, 1951 he became a Canadian Landed Immigrant. He chose a train bringing him to Winnipeg to work in Arnot on a sugar beet farm until August 1951. Moving to Winnipeg, he started working with metal, working at Dominion Bronze, Western Tools and Western Iron Works. At Dominion Bronze, Jerry worked the day shift for pay and the night shift for free to learn more of the steel trade and improve his English. He met Mary through the Slovak community and married July 24, 1954. In 1956 Jerry headed north for six months to the DEW Line (Distance Early Warning) at the Arctic Circle, erecting 800' towers, learning even more of the metal trade. Jerry received his Canadian Citizenship March 1, 1957, always standing proud as a Canadian Citizen. In 1961, Jerry began small jobs in his garage, his main business was making house railings in East Kildonan. Needing to expand work space, he purchased a one and a half acre piece of property at 111 Burnett Avenue where we are still manufacturing today. Jerry and Mary founded TATRA Ornamental Iron Works Ltd. in February 1962. TATRA was chosen as the name reminding Jerry of the Tatra Mountains in the homeland that he had left, TATRA has run successfully for over 55 years, and has had an integral part in Winnipeg's Skyline. Jerry always wanted projects to remain and be built by Winnipeg manufacturers rather than looking outside the province, and never said no to a difficult or impossible idea. His innovative designs will remain as a reminder of all his hard work, determination and beliefs. In 1992 he received the Builder Of Manitoba Award in recognition of 30 years of outstanding support of Winnipeg Construction Association. Jerry supported the WCB for 55 years, noted as one of the longest standing members. On April 28, 1998, Jerry received a Certificate of Appreciation from the Citizenship Council of Manitoba Immigration for volunteer contributions to the International Centre translating Slovak for new immigrants. He received the Distinguished Service Award Co-operation Education Partnership Program from Transcona-Springfield School Division. Jerry also received an Honorary Life Member of the River East Royal Knights Hockey Club, one of only four given, and noted that he was a member of the first executive serving as Executive V.P. In 2002 he was an Honoured Recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal by the Governor General of Canada. Created to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the ascension of the Queen to the Throne, this award is given to those who have made outstanding and exemplary contributions to their communities. Driven by his love of soccer Jerry founded TATRA FC Soccer Club in 1969 and continued until 1984. Jerry and the family were active members at the Visitation of Our Lady Slovak Church till its close in 1996. As lifetime members of the Slovak World Congress, it allowed Jerry and Mary to travel and see the world abroad while having a strong involvement with the Slovak community. They were invited to the 2000 Diplomatic Forum held in Winnipeg as representatives of TATRA Ornamental Iron Works Ltd. for the Private Sector of Manitoba. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus East Kildonan "4107". On October 14, 2010, Jerry was presented with a Honorary Lifetime Membership for the Progressive Conservative Party of Manitoba for untiring efforts, personal sacrifice and dedication. In 2005 he married Anne (Cernansky) Himick, Jerry found that the human heart is large enough to love again and found a wonderful lady who matched him in his adventures and travels all over the world. She has become part of this family and is loved dearly. Jerry provided us all with the courage to be strong, to be proud of our heritage, never give up what we believe in, to work hard and accomplish our goals. He gave us the gifts of family, honour, strength, duty, love and laughter. A Funeral Service will be held on Monday, January 30, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at North Kildonan Mennonite Brethren Church, 1315 Gateway Road with Father Gerry Ward officiating. Viewing will begin at 10:00 a.m. A reception will follow. Jerry will be laid to rest in the Chapel Lawn Memorial Gardens at 4000 Portage Avenue at 3:00 p.m. Pallbearers will be sons-in-law Richard LaPage, Stephen Kuklica; grandsons, Matthew LaPage, Derek Ferreira, Colt LeBlanc, Mark LaPage. Honorary Pallbearers: grandsons Jace LeBlanc, Easton Brasko, Garrett Kuklica, Ethan Kuklica, and Daniel Martynenko. The family would like to thank the entire staff of the Health Sciences Centre for their care of Jerry. In honour of the passing of the co-founder of TATRA Ornamental Iron Works Ltd., the company will be closed Monday, January 30, 2017. Flowers gratefully accepted or donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, 200-6 Donald St., Winnipeg, MB R3L 0K6. "He never looked for praises, he was never one to boast, he just went on working, for the ones he loved the most. His dreams were seldom spoken, his wants were very few, and most of the time his worries, went unspoken too. He was there...a firm foundation, through all our storms of life, a sturdy hand to hold on to, in times of stress and strife. A father we could turn to, when times were good or bad, one of our greatest blessings, the man that we call Dad." For those who wish to sign the online Guest Book please visit our website. Chapel Lawn 204-885-9715
Publish Date: Jan 25, 2017
JERRY J. BRASKO Peacefully with family by his side, Jerry passed away on Thursday, January 19, 2017 at the age of 85. Arrangements are pending and a longer notice will follow.
Publish Date: Jan 21, 2017
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 25, 2017
Condolences & Memories (14 entries)
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I offer my deepest condolences to the Brasko family.I met Jerry or as I always addressed him by Mr Brasko about 45 years ago.He was a kind and fun loving gentlemen and human being.We met during soccer where I always played against Tatra.Mr. Brasko was a good friend of my dad as well.We lived across the street in the North End from the Slovak Church on Mountain Ave.and rarely did a Sunday go by where Mr.Brasko never said hi or wave at us from the church steps.He was a fair person and I very seldom heard him say anything negative to the opposition.He was a great asset to the soccer community and will never be forgotten by me and my family.God Bless your family.Tony Mazza - Posted by: Tony Mazza (Friend) on: Feb 23, 2017
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I will never forget Jerry. He gave my family a chance to make a new life for ourselves in Canada. Without him, I wouldn't have the wonderful life I have now. Jerry took a chance on us, distant relatives, and always made us feel like part of a close, loving family. We have great memories to keep him alive in our hearts forever. - Posted by: Adriana (Brasko) Suver (family) on: Jan 30, 2017
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Our sincere condolences on the passing of your Dad and Grandpa. Never easy to say goodbye to a loved one. Our thoughts are with you at this sad time. - Posted by: Leslie and Glen Hanson () on: Jan 28, 2017
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Our sympathies to your family, we met Jerry when he came to Komarno, with having the service station and also having the pasture land next his farm. We always had a nice visit. It was nice that when he would come out to his farm that he tried to stop and say hello. May he rest in peace. A life well lived. - Posted by: Joyce and Gary Michaluk (friend) on: Jan 28, 2017
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I've known Jerry since 1967 right after I came to Winnipeg. We played soccer together and had many similar interests and hobbies. I grew to know Jerry and Mary and his children who were a lovely bunch of people. They supported me when I lost my child and I will never forget the things he has done for me. We are really going to miss him and his funny jokes and miss seeing him out in the country at his cabin that is close to our place. WE will miss Jerry a lot, he was one heck of a great and kindest man. Condolences to Ann and all the family and friends. We will never forget him and hold him deep in our hearts. Rest in Peace Jerry. - Posted by: Elwyn & June Evans (Good friends) on: Jan 27, 2017
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On behalf of the River East Royal Knights Hockey Club, we offer our sincere condolences to the Brasko family. Jerry supported us from our beginning in 1981 and through the years, whether it was through advertising in our annual program book or attending our team dinners. He was our first of only four Honorary Life Members and will be missed by the entire River East community. Thanks Jerry, you'll be missed! - Posted by: Barry Bonni (Friend) on: Jan 27, 2017
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Jerry was a wonderful kind friend. We have many fond memories of him, especially on our vacations in Hawaii. He was always up to date on sports and politics. We will miss him at family gatherings. Our deepest sympathy to all the family. Vera and Fred Wilson - Posted by: Vera and Fred Wilson (Close friends) on: Jan 25, 2017
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Deepest sympathies to the Brasko family. I worked with Jerry on many projects and it was always a pleasure. I'm sure he will be missed by all. - Posted by: Richard Woroniak (Retired from Bockstael Construction) on: Jan 25, 2017
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Condolences to family and friends...may your memories be a guiding light in this time of sorrow...Mr Brasko was always very kind to me personally and I will never forget his spirit...my prayers and thoughts are with everyone in this time of sorrow...God bless you Jerry - Posted by: Tony Sousa (Former employee and friend) on: Jan 25, 2017
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So saddened to hear of the passing of my dear friend Jerry . I met Jerry in 1962 through construction and we became friends from that day on. Jerry was my best friend, brother. I often spoke of Jerry as someone I most admired. His perseverance through tough times rewarded him with great success and a wonderful family. He was always kind, understanding and generous. He never forgot were he came from and was always proud of his heritage. My sincerest condolences and love to the family. Rest in peace my friend. - Posted by: Bob Bisko (Friend) on: Jan 25, 2017
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My Deepest Sympathy to the Brasko Family. You are in my thoughts and prayers. - Posted by: Carla (Family Friend ) on: Jan 25, 2017
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From the day he hired me in high school I learned business tactics to being close friends to going hunting, fishing, playing cards or just talking almost every day on many topics. I will miss him. - Posted by: Andy Koprajda (close friend) on: Jan 23, 2017
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Mr Brasko was truly a inspiration to me. He was such a awesome mentor to look up to, successful business man, successful family man and a man that gave back to the community . He would not just help with our team but he would load everyone in the back of the station wagon and take us for slurpees making it a childhood memory that I carried on with my daughter's team that I coached. This was a hard one. All my love to the Brasko family - Posted by: Bruno Zarrillo (best friend dad) on: Jan 21, 2017
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I grew up spending many days, nights and weekends at the BRASKO household and I have nothing but the fondest memories of Mr. Brasko. I was saddened to hear the news of his passing and my deepest sympathies go out to all the family. Thinking of you all with a heavy heart. Hugs xo - Posted by: Jennifer Mucz (Yourchek) (family friend) on: Jan 21, 2017
