Obituaries

THOMAS BERRA
   With great sadness and sorrow the family announces the passing of Thomas John Berra, husband, father, brother, uncle, Gigi and friend at St. Boniface Hospital on Thursday, April 14, 2016 at the age of 74 years.   Tom is survived by his beloved wife Mary of 47 years of marriage to cherish all their wonderful memories; five daughters, Leona (Stephen), Colleen (Roger), Marcie (Leovin), Jaclyn (Tim) and Trisha (John); grandsons, Cody, Owen and Reese Kerr and Carson and Lucas Rogelio.  He also leaves behind his sister Linda; niece Tessa (Evan); sister-in-law Agnes; brother-in-law Walter as well as numerous nieces; nephews and extended family and close friends. Tom was predeceased by his parents Michael and Rose; stepsister Emily and brother-in-law Harry.   On November 9, 1941 Tom was born and raised on a farm in Pleasant Home, Manitoba. He was an extremely hard worker who was a jack of all trades.  After receiving his Welder certification in 1963, he began to work at Canadian Rogers as a professional welder for 10 years, which was then followed by P&H Foods for 24 years where he worked as a maintenance mechanic.  In 1985, while still working at P&H Foods, Tom built and operated for seven years his own business called Yogi’s Septic Service.  He diligently built and manufactured two custom holding tanks with his own two hands for hauling.  After P&H Foods closed down, he worked a few different jobs before retiring in 2000 to begin a whole new set of adventures. Tom started a business of Scrap metal collection with his good friend Brent. Their many copper finds kept them very motivated to continue to search everyday for various “treasures”.   Tom and Mary began to travel to numerous places which included Las Vegas, Cuba, Hawaii, and Florida.  He enjoyed all of Manitoba’s finest casinos where he developed many great friendships. Tom and Mary went on many day trips whether it was for weekly auction sales, rides for sightseeing, looking for tractors or combing the bush for mushrooms and berries.    Divine Liturgy will be celebrated on Thursday, April 21, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. in St. Joseph’s Ukrainian Catholic Church, 250 Jefferson Avenue with Rev. Fr. V. Bashutskyy presiding. Interment will follow in St. Georges Cemetery, Komarno, MB.  Pallbearers will be Stephen Kerr, Roger Boyer, Leovin Rogelio, Tim Blazanovic, Walter Klochko and Benny Yasenko.   The family would like to thank the staff at St. Boniface Hospital from start to finish for his care. Tom fought a very hard and quick battle with cancer. Dr. Mehta, thank you for all of the encouraging words to mom. Brittney, thank you for caring for Dad the best way we needed; you truly were his angel!!  And not to forget, Mama, you truly showed pure dedication and love spending the last four months with Dad at the hospital – we truly appreciated all that you did for him.
 “We love you so much Tom, Dad and Gigi!!”
   Wojcik’s Funeral Chapels & Crematorium, Winnipeg, 1020 Main Street, 204.586.8668 www.wojciksfuneralchapel.com