ROBERT (BOB) WILLIAM BERKOWSKI

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ROBERT (BOB) WILLIAM BERKOWSKI July 23, 1931 - May 16, 2004 With great sadness and heavy hearts, we announce the peaceful passing of Bob, our beloved father, grandfather, brother, partner and friend, on Sunday, May 16, 2004, at his residence at the age of 72 years. He will be lovingly remembered by his children, Rae Anne Paxton (Blair Hamilton), Bob Jr., and Jack (Carrie) grandchildren, Julie Badger (Drew), Jackie, Ben (Sara) and Bob III; great-grandchildren, Dylan, Hayden and Grady. Bob is also survived by his loving partner, Doreen Watson and her children, Lisa Martin, Liane Schnerch, Scott Watson, Bill Watson (Jr.) and their families; his sisters, Elsie Neufeld and Clara Chambers; sister-in-law Mary Berkowski and their families. He was predeceased by his parents; brothers, Steve, Ralph, Ed and Ted; and sisters, Mary, Verna and Olean. Bob was the youngest of 10 children born in Gypsumville to Vincent and Antonina Berkowski. He was proud of his familys musical heritage, enjoying many happy hours and reunions singing and playing guitar to accompany his brothers on the fiddle. His pride and joy was his childrens musical talents, continuing on the tradition. Dad worked in the Toronto and Hamilton area until he enlisted in the Canadian Armed Forces from 1949 to 1955. He was very proud of his days as a paratrooper and continued career as a civilian with the Winnipeg Air Force Base. Dad became a skillful woodworker and was self employed for many years as a custom cabinetmaker, until his employment at the Winnipeg Art Gallery, retiring in 1990. With retirement, his new passion was golf, on the course three to four times per week, but willing to give time to share his talents, skills and expertise in woodworking and restoring antiques with family and friends. Bobs funeral service will be held on Sunday, May 23 at 1:30 p.m. in Silver Heights United Church, 199 Garrioch Ave. at Mount Royal Road. In lieu of flowers, donations in Bobs memory may be made to CancerCare Manitoba, 675 McDermot Ave., Winnipeg, MB R3E 0V9. "And theyll all come to meet me, arms reaching, smiling sweetly, As they lay me neath the green, green grass of home." WOJCIKS ALL BELIEFS & FAITHS FUNERAL CHAPEL & CREMATORIUM 897 - 4665

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 22, 2004