GERALD (NICK) BANERA

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GERALD (NICK) BANERA It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Gerald Nick Banera, The Candy Man , our beloved husband, father, son, brother and uncle, on Sunday, May 1, 2005 at Health Sciences Centre with his family by his side. He was predeceased by his father Nicholas in 1978 and a very special friend and uncle Fr. Ihor Shpytkovsky in 2003. Nick will be lovingly remembered by his wife Anna of 34 years; sons, Tim (Sheri-Lynn), Matthew (Karen); mother Elizabeth; brothers, Neil (Livia, Jeff, Kevin), Terry (Pat, Kristina); in-laws, John and Martha Baluta, George and Halia Kotovych, Ihor and Chrystia Kotowycz, Nestor and Aka Papish and their families. Dad was born in Vancouver, October 31, 1944. He came to Winnipeg as an infant with his parents where he spent the remainder of his life. In 1970 he was married to his darling wife Anna at Holy Eucharist Church. In 1974 his first son Tim was born and in 1978 his second son Matthew was born. Nick spent his entire career as a sales rep for Globlite Batteries and Perco Sales. Nick's passions included gardening, cooking, dancing to jazz and Latin music, following local sports teams and a fine wine and cigar. His true loves were his family, antiques and baseball. Dad loved the weekend barbecues in the backyard and made sure that your glass was always full. Dad collected all sorts of things and truly enjoyed the history of Manitoba. He was a member of Heritage Manitoba and could answer any question about Manitoba's history. He loved sharing all his stories. Dad was a heck of a ball player, playing hardball and softball his entire life and holds many records to this date. His fondest memories were with the Giroux Athletics where he was MVP. Thank you to everyone for taking time to brighten Dad's last days. He was a strong, brave and caring man who fought with everything he had. A special thank you to all the doctors and nurses who helped Dad, especially WRHA visiting nurse Lyn Shupeniuk. Dad was always confident all of you did your best. He thanks you and we are truly grateful. Dad was a good man, simple yet full of life like an ever changing kaleidoscope, his sense of humour would brighten the darkest room. He will be sadly missed and remembered by many. Dad, we know you're in centre field with your bag of spitz watching over us. Remember, keep your arms up, eyes on the ball and drive right through. We love you. Prayers will be sung 7:00 p.m., Thursday, May 5 at Korban Funeral Chapel, 907 Main St. Divine Liturgy will be celebrated 10:00 a.m., Friday, May 6 at St. Joseph's Ukrainian Catholic Church, 250 Jefferson Ave. with Fr. Boris Kyba C.Ss.R. officiating. Interment to follow at All Saints Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Wade Christensen, Henry Kojima, Chris Kowal, Arnold Miller, Andy Sirski and Bryan Stastook. Flowers gratefully declined. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Bishop Velychkovsky Martyr's Shrine at 250 Jefferson Ave. CHRYSTOS VOSKRES VICHNAYA PAMYAT Rest in Peace KORBAN FUNERAL CHAPEL 956-2193

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 04, 2005