Obituary for Norman Becker
With deep sadness we announce the sudden passing of Elmer Becker. Elmer leaves to cherish his memory his wife of 68 years, Jean; his sons, Gary (Kim), and Bruce (Alicia); daughter Heather (Bob); seven grandchildren, Cheryl, Angela, Erica, Matt, Justin, Kyle and Jeff; and one great-grandson, Loic.
Dad was born on the family homestead near MacNutt, Saskatchewan on December 2nd, 1926. He was the oldest of six siblings. Dad went as far as Grade 8 at Clova School, and had to quit to help his Dad on the farm as he was the only son at that time. Dad liked to kid his children that he was always “at the top of his class” – we were very impressed until we realized that in a one-room schoolhouse, there might only be three or four kids in that grade. Nevertheless, Dad went far in life in spite of his lack of education.
In Dad’s early life he liked to “tinker” and make things. His love was carpentry. Dad played baseball in his youth and enjoyed watching it on TV as an adult. In his middle age, Dad joined a 5-pin bowling league and his 410 points was 40 shy of a perfect game on one occasion.
Elmer met Jean Mack in the mid 1940s and they married in November 1949. Shortly after, they relocated to Winnipeg, where Elmer started his career at Eaton’s. He remained there until 1964. In 1965, Elmer pursued his true dream of becoming a carpenter.
Dad was a great father. He was a chauffeur at all hours of the day or night, and a handyman who could fix any problem. He was always there for us. In the last few months of his life, Dad was lucky enough to live with his son and daughter-in-law, Bruce and Alicia. Dad cherished this special time he spent with them.
Dad was a true jack of all trades. He built his dream home on Weaver Bay in 1961, and later took great pride in building (with Bruce) his son’s home in Fort Garry. He was forever bringing guests over there to show off his work. His fingerprints are all over the houses of his children, and many others in the city of Winnipeg. He was actively involved in his Church, Faith Lutheran, and was often consulted for his expertise. He also owned an apartment block and a couple of other rental properties for a time. Dad even built a miniature model of the house he grew up in, and the house on Weaver Bay, accurate right to the very last detail.
Elmer and Jean raised their family in their home on Weaver Bay and were lucky enough to reside there until 2015. This home was the scene of many a wild New Years party, with the evening often ending with Dad having a lampshade or similar object on his head. In their tamer golden years, the alcohol grew more and more stale in the bar but nevertheless, good times continued to be had with friends and family often stopping over to visit, or stay for a short period of time. Christmas dinners, New Years dinners, birthdays, and other special get togethers were all very memorable. In 1981, Elmer built a sun room onto the back of his house, and he and Jean entertained family and friends there over 34 years. That was Dad’s cottage!
Family was very important to Dad. At one point, long before the internet made genealogy simple, Dad had traced his family tree back to Galicia, Austria-Hungary. Mom and Dad loved the fact that their children and grandchildren lived close by (with Heather and Bob even living on the same street), and they were the masters of the unexpected “drop-in” visit. When the Dynasty pulled into the driveway, you knew that your plans for the evening had suddenly changed.
Dad’s seven grandchildren brought him lots of joy. No band concert, Christmas concert, or school play was ever missed. “He took great pride in building beds, desks, bookshelves, and numerous toys (doll houses, garages, “stores,” tin men) for them over the years.
Dad was very proud to be able to live to see the marriages of three of his grandchildren, and even danced a polka at one of their weddings. He also took great joy in his new great-grandson, Loic. He beamed with pride when he met and held him for the first time.
Dad had many friends and would help anyone who asked him. He was a jack of all trades and master of them all. He was never too busy to help anyone who asked.
Elmer was recently predeceased by his sister Cynthia and is survived by two sisters, June and Rosalind, and his brothers Frank (Judy) and Don (Susan). He also leaves his lifelong friends, sister-in-law and brother-in-law Ruth and Herb Wagner, to mourn his passing.
We will miss many things about Elmer, but the ever-present mischievous twinkle in his eye and his great laugh will be missed the most.
A celebration of Elmer’s life will be held on Thursday, January 11th at 2:00 pm at Faith Lutheran Church, 1311 Dakota Street in St. Vital. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Faith Lutheran Church.
To all my family and friends, shed a tear or two of sadness on my passing
but remember fondly the tears of joy and laughter that
I shed with you on so many happy occasions.
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Norman Becker 1926 2018.source
Death notice for the town of: Winnipeg, Province: Manitoba