Obituaries

KERRY VERNON BITTNER

June 18, 1945 – March 13, 2020

It is with profound sorrow that the family of Kerry Vernon Bittner announces his peaceful passing in the early morning hours of March 13, 2020 at the Riverview Health Centre in Winnipeg after a courageous battle with cancer.

Kerry was born in Winnipeg, the son of immigrants Vernon and Katharine Bittner.  He lived almost his entire life here, and always expressed a deep love of this city with its distinct seasons and easy pace of life.  At the same time, he was happiest when he could escape the urban landscape and enjoy the natural hinterlands of Manitoba and NW Ontario, and in his later years his favourite place to be was the family cottage on War Eagle Lake near Kenora. Kerry also had an adventurous spirit and traveled widely throughout the world, first as part of his job and then out of a passion for exploring varied sights and experiences in remote and exotic places.

Kerry had a highly successful and lauded career. After graduating from the Business program at the Manitoba Institute of Technology in 1966, he spent several years in a marketing role at Air Canada in Montreal before returning to Winnipeg to take a position with Manitoba Blue Cross. After a period as Vice President of Sales & Marketing, he became President in 1984 and over the next couple of decades set a prosperous direction for the non-profit insurer. He was well-loved by his employees and well-regarded in the business community, serving on the boards of a number of local organizations.   Although officially retiring in 2004, Kerry remained busy working in a consultant role into his final years, representing Blue Cross on the important Teamsters Canada account.

A man of faith, Kerry could be found in church every Sunday morning at St. Charles Parish (or at St. Louis in Kenora, Ontario, during the summers) where he was a steady financial supporter and active congregant.  He was a charitable man, giving generously of his time and wealth to causes he believed in like the Villa Rosa residence supporting pregnant women and young mothers in need. But above all, Kerry was at heart a family man whose most special moments were passed with those closest to him, above all his wife of over 51 years, Sandy.

Kerry was predeceased by his parents Vern and Katharine and his only sibling, his sister Joni. He leaves behind his devoted wife Sandy, sons Kurt (Aida) and Clayton (Stacey), daughter Krista Schaan (Craig), and grandchildren Cameron and Megan Bittner and Brayden and Eric Schaan, along with extensive friends and relations.

We would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the caring staff at Cancer Care Manitoba, Palliative Manitoba and Riverview Health Centre for their assistance in caring for our father in his final months and days.

In light of current limitations imposed by the Coronavirus pandemic, the funeral service will be restricted to immediate family.  It is our intention to plan a public celebration of Kerry’s life at a later date when more favourable conditions present.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honour Kerry’s legacy are asked to donate to Cancer Care Manitoba or the Alzheimer’s Society of Manitoba.

Condolences may be sent to www.wojciksfuneralchapel.com