BERZE
Mr. Joseph Berze of the Centerview District passed away suddenly on Sunday March 8, 2015 at the age of 81 years.
Joe was born in Drumheller, Alberta on December 6, 1933 to Joseph Sr. and Helen Berze.
On August 20, 1954, Joe was united in marriage to Lois Freeman. For the first six years of their marriage, Joe and Lois travelled all around Saskatchewan as Joe was working on a seismic crew. In 1957 they purchased the farm in the Centerview District where Joe and Lois raised their three kids. It was during this same time that Joe took a job helping to construct the Rimbey Gas Plant. Joe continued working at the plant after its completion and over the next 37 years worked his way up through the ranks obtaining the position of Maintenance Foreman. In all Joe worked in the oil industry for 43 years. Joe also kept busy running the farm, first producing grain and later cattle. Eventually his son Blair took over the daily operation of the farm.
Joe's first love was his wife Lois and his family, his second love was sports. Joe played all sports, hockey, baseball, curling and he excelled at all of them. He mastered the game of golf and was well known for his long drives. Not only did Joe enjoy playing sports, but he also enjoyed coaching teams in both hockey and baseball.
Joe and Lois travelled all over North America in their motor coach and they very much enjoyed their journeys and the people they travelled with. They finally settled for spending the winter months in their park model in Blythe, California which they did for eleven years. Joe was a member of the Bentley Elks and also served as the secretary for the Forshee Hall Board for many years.
Predeceased by his parents Joseph Sr. and Helen and by one brother Zoltan. Joe is survived by his loving wife Lois of Bentley, daughters; Charlene and her partner Richard of Alhambra, JoAnne (Stan) Rumsey of Bentley and son; Blair of Bentley. Joe also leaves to mourn his loss, five grandchildren; Vicki, Tim, Chris, Megan, Jordan and his five great grandchildren; Rachel, Madison, Grace, Olivia and Hudson.
Joe was passionate about everything he did in life. He was a true leader, whether it be leading a team he played on or coached, leading a crew of men at work or leading the convoy of travellers down the highway.
A gathering of friends and family will be held from the Bentley Seniors Drop In Centre in Bentley, Alberta on Saturday March 14, 2015 from 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM.
If friends desire and in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the charity of the donor's choice.
Expressions of sympathy may be forwarded to the family by visiting
www.wilsonsfuneralchapel.ca
WILSON'S FUNERAL CHAPEL & CREMATORIUM
serving Central Alberta with locations in Rimbey and Lacombe
in charge of the arrangements. Phone: (403) 843-3388 or (403) 782-3366
"A Caring Family, Caring For Families"