Bertrand Shasko, age 88 years, a resident of Sister Leila Greco Apartments, passed away peacefully on December 31, 2017, at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Center. Bert was born on May 18, 1929 in Togo, Saskatchewan.
His family later settled in Wadena, Saskatchewan, where he graduated high school and attended Campion College in Regina. Bert started his working career with the CNR as a telegraph operator, covering various northern Ontario communities on the CNR line. Bert married the love of his life, Ramona Hergott, in 1953 and they lived/worked and raised a family in McIntosh, Sioux Lookout and Thunder Bay, Ontario. Bert retired in 1989 from the CNR and he and Ramona moved to Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, for most of his retirement years. They returned to live in Thunder Bay, in 2015.
Bert was dedicated to his family and active in his church and community. He was heavily involved with the former Ontario Association for Mentally Retarded and instrumental in starting a school for special needs children in Sioux Lookout. Bert was a participating member of the Knights of Columbus (fourth degree).
He enjoyed square dancing, family car and boat rides, carpentry, fishing, teasing his in-laws, collecting antique car models and bird carving. His bird carvings won him many ribbons in Saskatchewan and Winnipeg shows.
Bert is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Ramona; children Reg Shasko, Marcia (Marcel) Brunelle, Monelle (Dave) Gillis, Ruthanne Shasko and Russell Shasko; grandson Joseph Brunelle; sister Shirley Kurt of Matthews, NC, USA; numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Fred and Rose Shasko; brother Gerald Shasko; many aunts, uncles, brothers-in-law and nephew.
A sincere thank you to the nurses, doctors and staff of 2C at TBRHSC, who cared so kindly for Dad during his lengthy stay there, and to nurse Jen of 2B for her compassion and understanding during his final day. A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, January 6, 2018, at 10:00 am, at Holy Family Church, celebrated by Father Jerin Louis, for family and friends. Cremation has taken place. If friends so desire, donations to the L’Arche Canada Foundation, or charity of your choice would be greatly appreciated.
