JOHN BEREZA

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JOHN BEREZA It is with love and heartfelt sadness that we announce the passing of our loving husband, father, and grandfather, John Bereza on August 2, 2004, at the age of 84 years, after a courageous battle with cancer. John died peacefully with the grace and dignity that echoed his life, with his wife and daughter at his side. Prayers will be held in the chapel of the Omega Funeral Home on Wednesday evening, August 4 at 7:00 p.m. Funeral service will be held at the Ukrainian Catholic Church of Assumption on Thursday, August 5 at 10:30 a.m. with the Rev. Fr. Ernie Hafichuk officiating, and Deacon Michael Strilec assisting. Interment will follow in the family plot at Hillside Cemetery. Left to cherish his memory, and celebrate his life is his beloved wife and best friend of 51 years, Nellie; his only daughter Carol (Ivor) Asham; his two precious grandchildren, Evan and Cara; one sister Pearl (Wasyl) Cebry; cousin Harry (Sonia) Bereza. He will also be lovingly remembered by two nephews, Peter and Michael Cebry; special niece Lasha (Ed) Thurston; and their children, Stephanie and Julie; nieces, Kelly Damenco and Luba Dirksen; and his extended family in Lviv, Ukraine and many close friends. He was predeceased by his parents, Dymtro and Anna Bereza; two brothers, Michalko and Harry. John was born in Krywycia, Rawa-Ruska, Poland. Separated from his family at the age of 18, like so many others, he went to work in Germany during the Second World War. John together with his sister and her family emigrated to Canada in 1949 obtaining work at Tully farms as a sugar beet worker. The following year John was employed as a construction worker building schools in rural Manitoba. His next employment began with Painters Shoe repair, where he remained until 1953 when he established his life long dream of owning his own business, Johns Shoe Repair until his retirement in 1989. John was a man who accomplished much in his life. He was successful in life as he was in business. His perfectionism and strong work ethic and his love for people provided him with the recipe for successful business. He endured hardship in his life that shaped his character and gave him strength, courage, and integrity. He was the Patriarch of his family possessing solid Catholic values, honour and tradition, the core values that made him the man he was. John will be remembered for his straightforward fun loving ways, his practical nature, solid judgement, wisdom and sense of humour. His caring, gentle and compassionate manner endured him to many. He was a dedicated husband and partner in life, celebrating 51 years of marriage. His partnership with Nellie was based on the deepest of love, respect and commitment a couple can share. His whole life was dedicated to the well being of his wife and daughter, and his grandchildren. Evan and Cara were his pride and joy, and he loved them deeply. His Catholic faith was the cornerstone of his life. He had a tremendous faith in God and lived his life in accordance with that faith. As a member of the Ukrainian Catholic Church of Assumption he was secretary of the Ukrainian Catholic Brotherhood, active parish member, singing in the choir and belonging to the Bingo Committee. He was proud of his Ukrainian Culture and heritage. John was an avid gardener, spent countless hours through spring and summer, tending his garden and geraniums. He loved learning about new things, enjoyed reading, travelling and discussing political issues and current affairs with his friends. He loved to play chess with Evan, was proud of Caras Ukrainian dancing, and all of their accomplishments. Special thanks to his niece, Lasha Thurston, and all those who cared for him. Should friends so desire, memorial donations may be made in Johns memory to the Central Plains Cancer Care Services, 318 Saskatchewan Ave. E., Portage la Prairie, MB R1N 0K8. Dad, we love you, forever and always. Grandpa, we love you so much, and miss you terribly. Friends may leave a message at our web site www.omegafuneralhome.com "Dedicated to Those We Serve". "Vichnaya Pamyat"

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 04, 2004