ERNEST BECK

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

ERNEST BECK With family at his side, Ernest Beck, a longtime resident of East Selkirk, passed away peacefully on May 13, 2016, two weeks after his 90th birthday. Ernest was predeceased by his beloved wife of 58 years, Helen and dear son Wilfred, as well as brothers, Ervin and Arthur and sister Herta Patzer (Dan). He is survived by son Alfred (Linda); daughters, Marlene Klassen (Barry) and Lorraine Beck (Craig McIntosh); grandchildren, James Beck (Susan), Tanya Beck (David Streich), Dane Klassen (fiancee Crystal Feuillatre), Ashley Cobb (Bryan), Kaitlyn and Thomas McIntosh; brother Gerry Beck (Bev) and sister Ruth Haberman (Bud); sisters-in-law, Linda Beck and Liz Patzer; five great- grandchildren, Miranda, Andrew, Sean, Logan and Georgia; and many nieces and nephews. Dad was born in Poland and at the age of two came to Canada with his parents, Otto and Martha Beck. They settled near Biggar, Saskatchewan and lived there for a decade. Dad was always a prairie boy at heart. These were his formative years, with a lifetime of memories forged while roaming the prairie with his younger brother, Gerry. In 1937, with the drought in Saskatchewan, the family moved to Manitoba and established a homestead north of East Selkirk. Over the years Ernest worked with his father and brothers, farming, making hay in the local marsh and cutting firewood to clear farmland. At the age of 20 he purchased his own property in the area. Then in 1950 he married Helen Patzer and together they made their home and raised their family. It was a priority for him that his children have the opportunity to get an education. To this end, he both farmed and held full-time jobs in the community. He was recognized for his animal husbandry skills and was justifiably proud of the outstanding, high quality beef cattle that he raised. He formed many lifelong friendships during his years of employment at the steel foundry, Selkirk Redi-Mix and the Selkirk Mental Health Centre, from which he was awarded a certificate of Meritorious Service from the Province of Manitoba. In his retirement years, Ernest took great pleasure in planting a large garden and sharing the bounty with family, friends and neighbours, who were so important to him. He enjoyed hunting and fishing and shared his passions with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Above all, Dad was a great storyteller. We will always cherish the stories he told about his parents living in Poland, the joys of growing up on the prairie and the early years in East Selkirk. He was a founding and a lifelong member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. His faith was very important to him. Ernest lived in his own home until seven months ago, when he moved into Red River Place, where he enjoyed interacting with the staff and appreciated the high quality, dedicated care they provided. A celebration of his life will be held at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Selkirk at 11:00 a.m. with viewing one hour prior to, on Thursday, May 19 with Pastor Terry Throndson officiating. Interment will follow in the parish cemetery. Ernest's six grandchildren will serve as pallbearers. Flowers gratefully declined. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Good Shepherd Memorial Fund, or to the Canadian Red Cross both of which were important to him. Gilbart Funeral Home, Selkirk in care of arrangements. www.gilbartfuneralhome.com
Publish Date: May 17, 2016

ERNEST BECK Peacefully on Friday, May 13, 2016, at the Red River Place, Selkirk, MB, Ernest Beck, aged 90 years of East Selkirk, MB, passed away. Full obituary to follow. Gilbart Funeral Home, Selkirk in care of arrangements.

Publish Date: May 16, 2016

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 17, 2016