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DR. SEMIH F. BERKER
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Dr. Semih F. Berker on April 10, 2022, at the age of 93.
He is survived by Gunseli, his loving wife of 65 years, and daughter Banu of New York City.
Born in Istanbul, Turkey in 1929, Semih graduated from Haydarpasha Lyceum and went on to earn a B.S. from Istanbul University and a D.D.S. from their School of Dentistry in 1952. Upon completion of his military service as a lieutenant, he spent one year providing dental services to underserved towns before setting up his practice in the Kadikoy district of Istanbul. In 1957 he married his wife Gunseli and three years later they jetted off to New York City after he was offered a one year appointment at the Guggenheim Dental Clinic. He then moved to the Rhode Island Hospital's Samuels Dental Clinic where he practiced for the next seven years.
Semih drove with his family into Winnipeg for the first time on a blustery day in December 1968, unknowingly passing on Pembina Hwy what would be his dental office a few years later. After receiving his D.M.D. from the University of Manitoba, he opened up that office where he would practice for the next 35 years, many times having up to three generations of patients from the same family. He was appointed a Life Member of the MDA in 2008 and was also a member of the Ashlar Lodge.
Semih was a friendly, sociable person, ever ready with a fascinating story or a clever turn of phrase that always had us laughing. He was active most of his life, enjoying all sorts of travel and sports. An avid tennis player and lifetime member of the Reh-Fit Centre, he also curled and was an ardent golfer who swung his clubs regularly at Glendale, then at Pine Ridge. He even took up tap dancing later in life. He was a man who never let adversity get in his way, the ultimate optimist.
Special thanks to the doctors, nurses, aides and support staff at Health Science Centre for the warm care and attention given to him and the family.
At Semih's request, there was a private service. A celebration of his life will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made in Semih's memory to Siloam Mission or the charity of your choice.
Friends are invited to share memories,
leave condolences and sign the online
guest book by visiting his memorial
page at www.chapellawn.ca
Chapel Lawn Funeral Home
204-885-9715
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 23, 2022
Condolences & Memories (10 entries)
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We are truly sad to hear of the passing of Dr. Berker. He was our family's dentist for many many years. I remember as a little girl going there and him and Jodi were so kind to me. I loved looking at all the pictures the kids drew for him and of course I added a few. Mom, Dad and I spoke and thought very highly of him. I will miss our talks while he smoked his cigar in the back office. Heehee. He was a wonderful dentist and family friend. Our condolences go out to Mrs. Berkeley and his family. RIP Dr. - Posted by: Maureen and Brenda Smith (Patients) on: Apr 27, 2022
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So sorry to hear of the loss of Sameh. Our thoughts and prayers are with Gene and Batu. He was a true gentleman. - Posted by: William and Laura Fouad (Friends ) on: Apr 26, 2022
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This is truly sad news. I was friends with Dr. Berker's daughter Banu, and I will always remember what a kind man Dr. Berker was. I was, at all times, made to feel welcome into the Berker home by both Dr. and Mrs. Berker. I do have very fond childhood memories of the time I spent with the Berkers. Banu, how blessed you were to have such a loving father . May his memory be eternal. - Posted by: TRISH HADDAD -MIKOS (former neighbour) on: Apr 25, 2022
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Many years ago in dental school Semi and I spent many an hour studying together and having some good laughs, as well. I am sure that I would not be where I am today if I had not spent that time with him. It was an honour and a privilege to have known and spent those years with such a fine gentleman. - Posted by: Robert Sorochan (friend and classmate) on: Apr 25, 2022
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I am very sorry here Dr. Berker passed today. I was his patient for 40 years. when I visited his office it was always fun to talk to him even if he pulled a tooth and when I left I enjoyed the visit. My condolences go out to the family. Frank and Debra Laxdal - Posted by: Frank and Debra Laxdal (Former Patient) on: Apr 23, 2022
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Dr. Berker was my family's dentist from the 1970s until he retired. From his walking in Crescent Drive Park, playing tennis, stories of how proud he was of his daughter in New York and his great love of orchids... he was one of the kindest people I have ever met. He was a caring dentist and an even better person. My condolences to his wife and daughter. May he rest in peace. - Posted by: Sandra Baldwin (patient) on: Apr 23, 2022
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My heart is broken upon hearing of Dr. Berker's passing. We had 36 years of working together professionally, and 36 years of friendship. He and Mrs. Berker watched our kids grow up, from birth, and I watched Banu grow up and flourish in her career. There are so many great memories of getting together for lunches with Dr. and Mrs. Berker, visits at their house on Southboine Dr., and of course, at their condo. I will truly miss this man. Dr. Berker, a piece of my heart is now with you Our deepest condolences to Mrs. Berker and Banu. All our Love Jodi, Ted, Tyler and Maeghan. - Posted by: Jodi Gauthier (Long time Dental Assistant and Friend) on: Apr 23, 2022
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I am so sorry. I will always have the fond memories of golfing with Semih and his wife on so many occasions at Pine Ridge. He was a kind and gentle man…may he Rest In Peace - Posted by: Heather Rogers (Friend) on: Apr 23, 2022
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Dr. Berker was my dentist from my pre-teens until after my retirement. He was also a close friend of my dad, Lawrence, and my childrens’ dentist as well. So he was a part of my life for many, many years. Despite his profession I always looked forward to seeing him. He was a lovely, caring and genuinely interesting man, and the world is poorer for his passing. - Posted by: Therasa Hunt (Former patient and family friend) on: Apr 23, 2022
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I was very sorry to hear of Dr Berker's passing today. I was his patient during the 1980s as a graduate student and afterwards before moving for work to Ontario. Dr. Berker was a kind person and talented dentist. I appreciate all of the care he provided. I offer his family and friends my condolences. - Posted by: Rick Wishart (Former patient ) on: Apr 23, 2022
