Obituary of Harvey Berner

Harvey Clifford Berner, of Assiniboia, Saskatchewan and formerly of the Verwood district, affectionately known as Harv, passed away on December 26, 2017, at the age of 73. Harvey and his twin brother Kenneth were born on October 7, 1944, Viceroy, SK to George and Pauline (nee Weiss) Berner. He attended school in Verwood. He was active in fastball and was an excellent pitcher and first baseman. Harvey worked for various local farmers, and at Inland Construction. In the fall of 1962, Harvey and Kenneth purchased their first section of land. They would farm side by side for the next 37 years and for 25 years he raised cattle with his brothers-in-law Dave and Louis Ross. Mike and Neil also enjoyed farming with their Dad. Harvey married the love of his life Peggy Ross on July 17, 1970, in Scobey, Montana, moving to the Berner Homestead south of Verwood (SE20-6-27 W2). There they raised their five children: Laura, Mike, Neil, Sandra and Susan. Harvey loved animals; He always had a dog by his side, his most recent companion was Toby. Much of his time and energy were given to raising cattle, pigs, sheep, turkeys and chickens. Harvey especially loved polka music, dancing and traveling with his "Wifey.” He enjoyed curling, bowling, playing cards, crokinole, fishing, shuffleboard at Club 55 with his brother Art, and coaching girls’ and women’s softball. He would pack the station wagon with kids and equipment, and they would be off to the next tournament or game. At the age of 65, Harvey took on managing the Viceroy and Verwood Landfill; there he enjoyed catching up with new and old friends. In 2011, Harvey and Peggy moved to Assiniboia. Their home was open to all who visited. Harvey had a heart of gold, and so much pride and love for family, he loved spending time with his grandchildren, playing games, holding them in his arms, tempting their tummies with treats or traveling many miles to watch, baseball, soccer, hockey, football, swimming, and concerts. He was their biggest fan. If they were participating, he was part of the action. Harvey is survived by his loving family, wife Peggy (nee Ross) Berner; daughter Laura (Matt Haaf) Berner, grandchildren Kingston and Grayson; son Mike (Jennifer) Berner, grandchildren Abbigail and Kallen; son Neil (Sheila) Berner, grandchildren Colton, Easton and Pierson; daughter Sandra (Wes) Watteyne, grandchildren Jerzey and Theron; Susan (Randy Hillmer) Berner, granchildren Keaton, Charlize and Houston; brothers Art (Alice) Berner, Arnold (Mary) Berner, Herb (Gayle) Berner, Ken (Sharon) Berner, sister Shirley Guidos; brothers and sisters in-laws Don (Louise) Daymond, Diane Schaffel, Carmille (Garnet) Fletcher, Louis (Rhonda) Ross, Anita (Tom) Mead, Dave (Mary) Ross, Donna (Ron) Elder, Anna Ross, Mike (Lee) Cayer and numerous nieces and nephews. Harvey is predeceased by his parents George (1984) and Pauline (1997) Berner; mother-in-law Dolly Ross (2000) and his father-in-law Joe Ross (1977); sister-in-law Valerie Cayer (2005); nephews Scott Fletcher, Calvin Short, Colin Cayer, and Michael Daymond. A Lutheran Funeral Service was held on Saturday, December 30, 2017, at 2:00 p.m., St. George Roman Catholic Church, Assiniboia, SK, with Pastor Ron Bestvater, officiating. The urn bearer was Neil Berner. Scripture readings were read by Andrea Setrum and Glenn Berner. The eulogy was given by Duane Smith. Family Tribute was shared by Laura Berner, Mike Berner and Sandra Watteyne. Photo Tribute was arranged by Sue Berner and presented by Jen Pituley. Vocalists were Lois Marit, Charlene Berner, Ken Berner and accompanied by Carol Marit. Lunch and fellowship followed in the Parish Hall. Interment Verwood Cemetery.