Obituary of BERESFORD (BERT) WHITE

BERESFORD (BERT) WHITE It is with sadness that we announce the death of Beresford (Bert) White, who passed away in his sleep at the Riverview Health Centre Palliative Care Unit (3 East) the morning of Tuesday, March 27th, 2012. The loss of Bert will be deeply felt by his family, relatives and close friends. Bert is survived by his children and immediate family: Jennifer, Neville (Lynne), Paul, Clinton (Marcia). Also mourning the loss of Bert are his three grandchildren: Treyson, Nicholas and Calia. Bert is also survived by his brother Edward (Cindy) and sisters Una Mae Jarret (White), Bunty, Inez, and sister-in-law Lena. In addition, Bert will be missed by his many nieces and nephews from around the world. Bert White was born in Springfield, Jamaica on April 15, 1935. Bert, along with the other family members helped on the family farm. In 1957, Bert immigrated to England to pursue career opportunities. While in England he met Charen Lawrence-White (Inez), who would become his wife and mother to their four children. In England Bert would complete his training as a welder, an occupation that he would pursue with enthusiasm for the rest of his life. In 1968, Bert and his family immigrated to Canada, eventually deciding to call Winnipeg his home. Over the ensuing decades Bert balanced the demands of family and a very busy career as a welder where he displayed his talents in a diverse range of locations including: Alaska, the Arctic Ocean and Beaufort Sea, the Yukon, the Northwest Territories and throughout Manitoba at Churchill, Lynn Lake and Selkirk. Although Bert worked very hard and was well respected by his employers and colleagues, enjoying life was a priority, especially when it came to sports, following the progress of the Blue Bombers and the Winnipeg Jets with their return to the city. Bert also loved music, especially Reggae. When Bert was first diagnosed with prostrate cancer, he refused to let it slow down his life. As the disease progressed, he became a model of courage to his family and his friends. Throughout the later and more difficult stages, Bert was able to depend on the close support of Neville and Lynne. Bert also received tremendous care from the doctors, nurses and health care professionals from Cancer Care Manitoba, Manitoba Regional Health Authority (Home Care Program) and the wonderful staff at the Riverview Health Centre Palliative Care Unit (3 East). The funeral will be held at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main St. on Saturday, April 7th, at 1:00 pm. There will be a visitation prior to the service from 11:00 to 1:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made on behalf of Bert White to Cancer Care Manitoba, CancerCare Foundation.