Obituaries

FREDERICK (FRED) BETKERSeptember 20, 1938 – March 4, 2016   It was time, he was ready to go, even though we weren’t ready to let him…   It is with very heavy hearts that Larry and Sheri announce the peaceful passing of our Dad, Fred, on Friday, March 4, 2016, at the age of 77 years, at the Victoria Hospital, surrounded by love.    Missing Fred terribly will be his son, Larry Betker; daughter-in-law Laurie; cherished grandchildren, James and Nicole (Brad) and their soon-to-arrive baby boy – Dad’s first great-grandson; daughter Sheri Betker; son-in-law Gene Fraser and ‘bonus’ grandchildren, Willie, Kaeleigh and Kenzie Fraser; as well as ex-spouse Joan Betker with whom he shared a unique relationship despite having separated many years ago. He will also be missed by his surviving siblings, Joyce (Ian), Earl, Leslie (Val) and Shirley (Mike); sister-in-law Olga; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, colleagues and friends. Welcoming him with open arms are his mother Elizabeth; father Fred; brothers, Harold, Gordon, Alvin, Percy, Kenneth and Morley; sisters, Bernice and Beverley; as well as his beloved dog Nipper and cat Mikey.    On September 20, 1938, Dad was born in Yorkton, Saskatchewan. The second youngest of thirteen children, it is no surprise that family was always very important to him. He was a gifted teacher, having taught for 50 years, first in Yorkton and then in Winnipeg, Manitoba where he taught grade six at William Osler and Salisbury Morse Place Schools. After his retirement at the age of 55, Dad ‘guest’ taught for another 15 years at many other schools in the River East School Division. Mr. B, as he was known to his students, lived by the words, ‘firm but fair, trust and care’. This philosophy left an indelible mark on many of his students, as evidenced by the many cards, notes and personal messages he received over the years. He loved to teach, and was always very involved in the extracurricular activities, often being the one to initiate them. Coaching was another very important and fulfilling part of Dad’s life. He coached hockey, ringette and softball for many years and was an active member of the Deer Lodge Community Club.    Dad loved his sports, especially watching the Jets, Rough Riders and Blue Bombers while sipping on a cold Budweiser. His closet is full of jerseys that he religiously wore each game day. He worked many years for Winnipeg Enterprises at the old arena and stadium for Jets and Bomber games, as well as for concerts. He got to meet some amazing people through that job and had deep respect for the Chipman Family. Dad also loved his music; his iPod was filled with an eclectic mix of music, from Pink Floyd to Andrea Bocelli, to Johnny Mathis. He also loved his trailer and the community at Stonewall Quarry Park; this was his sanctuary for many summers. Dad loved to cook (or at least cut out the recipes of things that he’d like to cook!), but most of all, he loved to find a bargain!   To describe Dad as a social butterfly would be an understatement – he loved people and people loved him. Wherever he went, there was always a smile, a nod and a ‘hi’ to total strangers. Dad was also a very generous man, giving up his last nickel if someone needed it more.    There will be no formal Funeral Service, however, we invite friends, family and colleagues to drop by Sheri and Gene’s house, 145 McDowell Drive, Winnipeg, between 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 10, 2016 to casually mix, mingle and share stories.    We would like to thank the amazing people at the Victoria Hospital, 5th floor, for the compassion and care shown to both our Dad and to us during this difficult, uncharted journey. Thanks also goes to the many homecare nurses and aids who visited him on a regular basis over the last few years and to Amanda who coordinated it all. To the residents and staff at Riverwood Square, thank you for making our Dad feel so at home, so quickly. He looked forward to having coffee in the bistro, mealtimes and all the events and excursions. He loved it there. Finally, thank you to our families and friends who have been such a wonderful support system for us.    In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, 6 Donald Street, Winnipeg, MB R3L 0K6 or to Special Olympics Manitoba, 145 Pacific Avenue #304, Winnipeg, MB, R3B 2Z6.   For those who wish to sign Wojcik’s online Guest Book please visit www.wojciksfuneralchapel.com. Wojcik’s Funeral Chapels & Crematorium, Winnipeg, 2157 Portage Avenue, 204.897.4665 “Dad, Grandpa, Great-Grandpa-to-be, Brother, Brother-In-Law, Fred, Uncle Freddie, Sir Frederick, Mr. B. – rest peacefully, you deserve it. Catcha!”