Allan BEREZOWSKI Obituary

Published by Calgary Herald from Aug. 29 to Aug. 30, 2014.


BEREZOWSKI, Allan George
January 19, 1932 – Veregin, Saskatchewan
August 21, 2014 – Calgary, Alberta
He was a husband, father, grandfather, brother, son and friend. It is with great sadness we announce the passing of our beloved father also known as Mr. B, Bear or Big Al. Born in a farm house just outside Veregin, Saskatchewan; Allan was the middle child of 5 children. He grew up in the strong farming culture of Saskatchewan where he learned to appreciate the great outdoors; farm-work, sports, fishing, hunting and horseback riding. In 1956, he found work in Kitimat, British Columbia where he met Grace Gomes and on January 25, 1958 they were married and moved to Calgary where they had three children; Suzette (Rodger), Darren (Marynna) and Brent (Pam). Allan was blessed with two grandchildren from each of his children: Evan and Ben, Dana Jane and Matthew, Chloe and Payton. They say you can take the kid out of the prairie but you can never take the prairie out of the kid; this statement was very true for Allan who always wore cowboy boots, blue jeans, plaid shirts and big belt buckles. He made it his regular routine to hang out at the "property" or make his yearly pilgrimage to Saskatchewan to visit family and friends. The Berezowski home had an "open door policy," where anyone was welcome at any time, which set the tone for many lively discussions and story-telling which often went late into the night. He had a B.A. and B.E.D. from the University of Calgary and a M.E.D. from UCLA. He was a teacher, counselor and principal within the Calgary School Board. He helped create the "Grandparents program" where kids would take food to seniors in exchange for reading assistance. This initiative also spurred the Winter Jacket Program to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Calgary. He was a President of Triwood community center and helped spearhead the movement in which Triwood would become the first community center to have an indoor hockey arena. He was a coach and mentor to all his children and their friends in: hockey, baseball and soccer. His leadership as a coach helped amass 7 city championships and 1 provincial. Allan your list of accomplishments are great; most importantly, you will be remembered for your generosity and how you took the time to encourage others to be their very best in life. You have left a positive mark on this world and because of you, many have been blessed. You will be dearly missed! There will a private ceremony for family. Allan will be laid to rest beside his wife of 52 years Grace (November 14, 2010) at the Mausoleum in Queens Park Cemetery. A Cowboy Boot and Big-Belt-Buckle memorial will be held on Saturday, September 27th location TBA. Friends and family are invited to send condolences to [email protected] or www.hffs.com. If so desired, financial tributes may be made to the Boys and Girls club of Calgary.


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17 Entries

April 11, 2015

Rachel McLean

Will miss you always, Alan

November 29, 2014

Bill and Marion & Family Rowat

So sorry we did not know Mr. B. had passed. We all have such happy and fun memories of The Bear. He made our time in Triwood memorable and always so interesting. We want to extend our heartfelt sympathy to you Suzette, Darren, Brent and the family. He made life fun. From Bingo, fund-raising, coaching and just helping out kids and parents he was one of a kind. Our love and sympathy.

September 25, 2014

I was sorry to hear about Allan's passing. It was always a pleasure to visit with the boys, Allan and Timmy. He could be counted on for his quick wit. Allan was always a great story teller; tall tales and other quick facts on a variety of topics, ancient history, ancient religion, battles and modern day politics to name a few His stories usually started with, ""did I know......" I know that he will be sadly missed from your daily lives. My thoughts are with you. Gerie Petersen

September 25, 2014

Adrian McLean

I'll admit It took longer than was needed or necessary for me to read the obituary, its like I didn't want to believe that he was gone. This man who was a terror in my life for so many years, for so many hours and so many minutes that I spent hiding out in bathrooms and hallways and corners of school attempting to avoid him; he always found me. Not only would he find me he'd return me back to French class or whatever class I was missing.Those two years I was under his supervision and discipline were the toughest two years of my educational career. I had my first older girlfriend, I broke my wrist and my parents got divorced, separated and I had to move to new neighborhood all within 24 months under his thumb. The original Mr. B has the most distinguished voice and to this day I have nightmares of him calling my name through the halls of G.W. skene school several years later!


One day, When I thought he'd been a distant memory and long gone, I was going to meet my mother for lunch on center Street and to my horror she was sitting there laughing and enjoying the company of my biggest living fear monger, Mr. B. Imagine how uncomfortable that meeting was. Me going to see my mom Rachel, which was work in itself, an seeing her with this man who terrorized me all those years ago. It was then I found out that this unholy Union was my own doing. All those times in detention and phone calls updating what troubles I'd gotten into had proved the catalyst for their now 30+year friendship. It also provided me the opportunity to get the message he was giving me for all those years, and actually let it soak in, Do good. Get it together and smarten up. Which I'm glad to say he was around long enough to watch the transformation of boy to man.


He met My daughter and got to make an impact in her young Life already. He witnessed my mother and I finally breaking down the fourth wall of our relationship and called me to congratulate me and commend me by calling me "courageous". He took the time to explain it, because I was flabbergasted; he'd never given me one before. In fact I never thought he'd even be able to give one to anyone, especially me, but it was.Over the last few years we grew even closer, I was able to visit him at home, share a drink, a laugh and memories on different occasions.

The tragic news of his death has created a watershed moment in my life as I come to grips with the loss of one of the 3 great sculptors in my short life. This year I've already lost my father in law, my financial and business mentor and now the man who kicked my butt with his cowboy boot in grade school and Helped shape and contour this jagged edged Lil boy. Our relationship was the epitome of converting a negative into a positive, And I'll always appreciate that opportunity. He was the greatest fear and my greatest motivator to overcome these pesky mental blocks.

Mr. Allan Berezowski Thank you for taking the time and making it all worthwhile. Rest easy Big Bear.
-Adrian'Bubba B' McLean

Posted by Adrian McLean

September 14, 2014

suzette kemp

Cowboy Boot & Big-Belt-Buckle Memorial will be on September 27 from1-4pm at Allan's house. Please email me at [email protected] for exact address.

September 3, 2014

ANN BEREZOWSKI

Uncle Al was an amazing uncle to have. I remember many happy childhood memories spent at his house with Aunty Grace, Suzette, Darren and Brent. The parties that he and Aunty Grace held were epic and always looked forward to with excitement. I remember him in so many ways, wrestling with children on the carpet, playing table hockey, letting me drive his car on a camping trip, volleyball tournaments, or running for alderman. He was a man for all seasons. When he decided he wanted to do something, there wasn't much that could or would stand in his way. I will miss him and his special way with the world.

September 2, 2014

Glenn Labelle

So sorry to hear about the passing of 'Big Al'. Al was always very generous with his time and volunteer efforts over the years. He was a great man and will be missed. His wonderful image is 'clear' in all of ours memories. Deepest condolences... 'The Labelle family'. Glenn

September 2, 2014

Donna McLaren

Forever in my memories

September 2, 2014

Donna McLaren

I loved this man, he taught me so much about coaching, and kindness. Very sad to hear of his passing. All the best to his family.

September 1, 2014

Gordon Franson

To the Berezowski Family

My sincerest condolences to you all. I first met Al many years ago when I answered an ad looking for Coaches with the Calgary Blizzards Soccer Club. At the time, Al was one of a group of three outstanding individuals who were in charge of the Club and one who was setting the Club on a path from which they have never looked back. This chance meeting has led to a 40+ year involvement in coaching soccer. As one looks back on one's life there are always key individuals who make differences in our lives and Al certainly did that with me. With his confidence and love of soccer he truthfully changed my life. I still live in Triwood and daily pass the Triwood Arena which was another milestone that he could be proud of. Al touched so many lives in so many ways and I am proud to have met him in my life. You truthfully can be most proud of the life he lived.

Gordon Franson

August 30, 2014

So sorry to hear this news Suzette. His life had meaning.

Debbie Rosine

August 29, 2014

Lois Hayes

The years I worked with "The Bear" at G.W.Skene are memorable. Al was truly a most unique individual. No other like him. With him, one learned to 'think outside the box'! He was a very generous person. Al was at his best when working with kids. Every day at school was 'an experience'! Mr. B was the sort of person that people write books about!

August 29, 2014

Kevin & Patti Brown

Suzette,
We are so sorry to learn of your dad's passing. He made such a difference to so many kids over the course of his career. Biggest heart, ever!
May the happy memories of good times give you comfort now and in the future. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

August 29, 2014

Ron & Anne Allbright

Our deepest sympathy for your loss. Ron & I thoroughly enjoyed being in the company of your parents. Your dad was a kind and generous person who I'm sure will be sorely missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Sincerely, Ron & Anne

August 29, 2014

As a police officer I had the distinct pleasure of visiting and working with Al when he was at William Roper Hull Home. He made a huge difference in many young people's lives as did his brother Bill. I am deeply saddened to hear of his passing. What an incredible guy!
Verne Fielder, Retired Inspector, Calgary Police Service

August 29, 2014

Marlene Saunders

Fondly remember the many years Bear and I worked together in Triwood...he gave so much time and effort to such a good cause. He will be remembered and missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

August 29, 2014

David Evans

I remember Mr Berezowski, from Vincent Massey Jr High. He was always fair and considerate. RIP

Showing 1 - 17 of 17 results

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