He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, son-in-law, nephew, cousin and friend.
He was predeceased by his parents, Frank and Shirley Berberick, brother-in-law, Daryl Gourlay, mother-in-law, Doris Gourlay, grandparents and his beloved “Louie”.
Survived by his wife, Sue; children, Brandon (Jenn), Stephanie (James) and Matthew; grandchildren, Lux, Jack, Willow, Ruby and Bo all of whom he was so proud of and loved fiercely. Also survived by sister, Joanne Bobiak (Tares); brother, Dennis (Isobel); father-in-law, Willis Gourlay; cousins, aunts, uncles and many nieces and nephews and their children who loved their “Uncle Mikey”.
Everyone knew Berby and he knew that he was very blessed to have so many longstanding friendships, too many to list, and he held them all close to his heart. Notably, Bob Hayes, who became his “Big Brother” at the age of 6 and they continued this wonderful friendship for 60 long years.
After attending Mohawk college, he started his first and only job at the city of Hamilton’s Public Works department until his retirement in 2012 after 39 years of loyal service. He was very active enjoying many sports during his life and everyone knew he was an unwavering Maple Leafs fan. He enjoyed his retirement playing golf, baseball and bowling but especially his warm, summer nights under the gazebo or in the hot tub watching his favourite sports teams.
Mike loved life to the fullest on his own terms with no regrets, never taking anything for granted and forever grateful for what he had; family and friends whose many lives he touched. In keeping with his wishes, cremation has taken place and a celebration of life will be held in his honour at a later date (TBA); he wanted everyone to remember him as he lived.
The family would like to thank the staff of C3 Juravinski Hospital, and the liver transplant and ICU teams at University Hospital, London for their compassionate and exemplary care during his short stay.
Please send memories and pictures to [email protected] to be shared at his celebration of life. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Big Brothers and Sisters of Hamilton, a cause he felt very strongly about.
He loved fiercely and deeply, and we take comfort knowing he is now at peace.
“He was loved by many and will be missed by all”.
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