Obituary of Bertram Radke

RADKE - Bertram �Bert� John Radke passed away peacefully in the Lloydminster Hospital on Saturday, September 4 at the age of 79 years, as he lost his brief battle with cancer. Bert will be sadly missed by his soul mate, Joyce, his devoted wife of 57 years; their children - Jack of Red Deer, Linda Hamilton of Ft Langley, Jim (Val) of Fort McMurray, Ken (Gwen) of Lloydminster, Russ (Pam) of Grande Prairie, Dixie (Doug) Adams of Calgary, Ron (Gail) of Spiritwood, Rick (Cheryl) of Ardrossan; twenty one grandchildren, Darcy and Wesley Hamilton, Chris (Crystal), Dennis and Nathan Radke, Megan, Malcolm and Gavin Radke, Ben (Judith), Marshall (Carla) and Dan Radke, Kari and Kimberlee Adams, Chelsea, Robert, Anthony and Leslie Radke, Jordana, Travis, Troy and Janelle Radke; four great grandchildren, Micyla, Canden, Sarah and Alec Radke; his sister, Laura Bielby of Saskatoon as well as numerous other relatives. On Thursday, September 9, 2010, the mass of Christian burial was conducted at St. Anthony�s Catholic Church in Lloydminster; Bert and Joyce�s six sons carried their Dad to his final resting place at Lloydminster City Cemetery. McCaw Funeral Service Limited provided gracious and much needed service and support to the family during this time of loss. Bert and Joyce's family would like to thank all of the wonderful nurses and staff at the Lloydminster Hospital - you made his last month an enjoyable one for all; Fr. Jan Sobkowicz, Marlene Risling and the staff from St. Anthony's for the prayers, support and guidance; the staff at Wild Rose for providing lunch; all of the friends, family and neighbours who provided food, lodging, flowers, cards and kind, consoling words. Thank you to everyone who visited Bert in the hospital and who have called or visited the family since his passing, and all the wonderful friends who attended the funeral. Thank you for everyone who donated to Kidsport Lloydminster in Bert's name - he would love that a child was given the opportunity to follow their dreams like he gave to his children. Bert enjoyed working with Saskatchewan Wheat Pool and farming in the Millerdale - Dodsland area for over 40 years. He was a diligent community worker with the Lion's Club, the Rink Board and the Square Dancing Club. With eight children and a very large extended family, he lived a busy and fulfilling life. His wit and good humor will live on for many years to come. An excerpt from a beautiful poem written by a little-known Saskatchewan poet from Millerdale. RETIRED AGENT by Paul Greschner We've all got together, our homage to pay To Our Agent and friend who has called It a Day. He has laid down his dusk mask, and will now take a rest; But while he was working, he was one of the best. It is many a year since I first met friend Bert, He's an old-fashioned pal, he would give you his shirt. He believes in fair business, and got along well, With all of the farmers and this crowd as well. In looking around this room here tonight, It is easy to see we all thought he did right. If the world held all fellows like our guest here tonight, Then our road would be easy, our future so bright. He has now reached the age when he's eared a good rest, And I speak for them all when I wish him the best. Bert, I believe is elated to find, His worries and grain dust are now left behind. Now his paycheque is gone, and most of his hair; But Bert was a man who always was fair. The life of an agent is not always fun, But our man, old Bert, still smiles like the sun. His outlook on life and his humour so bright, Has made us all see things in a most pleasant light. Donations in memory of Bert may be made to KidSport.