Obituary of ALBERT "BERT" GILFIX

ALBERT " BERT " GILFIX Deceased November 2, 2013, at 83 years of age. Born April 29th, 1930, in Winnipeg to Joseph "Joe" and Anne Gilfix (nee: Schulman), the youngest of their four siblings. Bert had a happy childhood. He always shared many fond memories of his early years and upbringing, about his father and mother, and the happy quality of their lives together, despite the ‘hard times’ of the 30’s, and their very humble origins. Bert was the ‘baby’ of the family and was loved and cared for by his sister Fanny, and his brother’s Harry and Nate; especially so after his mother’s passing when he was just entering his youth/teens. His father’s work ethic and devotion to his family were clearly imprinted on Bert, and would be evidenced by the long hours and dedication to making a living and providing very well for his own family. He always looked up to his older brothers and sister, and he was very proud of his beginnings in the "North end". He remained close to his family and this area his whole life; and he was always grateful to his brother Nate for many teachings, but in particular for teaching him how to drive. Bert loved to drive, and he had an appreciation for automobiles, their workings, mechanics and parts; a fascination which he shared and inspired in his own children, and which formed the basis of a long success in business. He ran his own several businesses for over 56 years, and we were very thankful : he could sell anything! He derived satisfaction from having his wife and sons and daughter close to him in business at various times, and he continued to work dedicatedly up to his last day. Bert was a man of integrity and respect. He was a man whose word and or hand shake, you could take to the bank. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him. Especially his family and many close friends. Bert was a family man, and together he and Violet, happily married 53 years, raised a wonderfully close and loving family of four children : Joel, Cheryl, and " the twins" Jeffrey and Jerrold (Jeff and Jerr). No matter how much time or how busy he was with work, Bert always was there for his wife and children. Not just with material comforts, but he coached base-ball teams for each and all of his children, drove for hockey tournaments, music lessons, and numerous activities with four busy children, whom he always made time for. Including annual summer family vacations to lake resorts, with the most favoured and frequent over the years being Clear Lake. Bert also enjoyed the beauty and peacefulness of Lake of the Woods. Bert was an avid collector, and he liked objects related to history, and to read history about early Winnipeg and the founding of the nation, where he took great pleasure in spending quiet times at home in the sun room with Vi. Bert and Vi loved to share their home with family and friends, and they hosted many get-togethers, back yard family BBQ’s, and birthday parties for their children, and their grand children; where the friends of the kids were always welcome and made to feel included. Bert and Vi were especially happy to spend time together with family and friends recently in October with wedding celebrations for Cheryl and Randy’s daughter Jennifer (Hiten); and the next day at a birthday party gathering with the Cadzow crowd, with whom they always shared such good times. Bert also leaves to mourn his many poker pals and Mort Corrin (Val) and the weekly lunch guys. Bert is survived by his loving wife of 53 years "Vi" , and their children and grand-children and their families-in-law : son Joel (Janet), Noah, and Madeline; daughter Cheryl Gilfix-Bird (Randy), Jennifer (Hiten), and David; son Jeff (Annette); son Jerry (Shelly), Cherise, and Janel and Andrew; and Bert’s nephews "the twins" Murray Gilfix (Selma) and Perry Gilfix (Andrea); and Vi’s niece Maureen Cousins (Steve); nephew Ronnie Cousins, and nephew Jimmy Cousins. Our family would like to express our appreciation to the health care staff of Seven Oaks Hospital, and in particular our deep gratitude to the staff of the 5th Floor, Unit 7 whose unwavering care and obvious respect for Bert was genuine and sincere. He was an extremely fortunate man, in all whom he knew, and knew him; in all whom he loved, and loved him. We are the better for having him always in our hearts. Donations in lieu of flowers, kindly made to a charity of your choice, or to Darcy’s ARC, the Winnipeg Humane Society, or to the Heart & Stroke Foundation. Memorial Service and reception will be held on Thursday, November 7th, 1:30 p.m. at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main Street, Winnipeg, MB.