Obituary of Duane Benjamin Berezowski

December 10, 1933 – Veregin, Saskatchewan

October 10, 2024 – Calgary, Alberta

With sadness, we announce the passing of Duane Benjamin Berezowski, who died peacefully on Thursday, October 10, 2024, at Foothills Medical Centre in Calgary at the age of 90 years.

Duane was born on December 10, 1933, near Veregin, SK, to George and Antoinette Berezowski. Growing up with three older brothers and a younger sister on the family farm and later in the town of Sturgis, his early years were immersed in the hardships of rural life on the Canadian prairie.

Duane left home to attend the University of Saskatchewan and later the University of British Columbia, where he earned a bachelor's degree in sociology followed by a law degree. He then relocated to Calgary where he soon opened a general law practice and started a family. Duane worked hard to build his law practice and enjoyed fly fishing, hunting, bridge, and socializing at The Ranchmen's Club in his free time.

A cherished place in Duane's life was "The Property"; 160 acres of ranch land he acquired in the 1970s. For decades, it was a gathering spot for his extended family—people enjoyed horseback riding, snowshoeing, and skating on the creek. The Property reflected Duane's love for horses and nature, and he took great pleasure in sharing it with others.

In later years, Duane and his wife Frances “Fran” Medd Berezowski, whom he married in 1992, lived on a picturesque acreage overlooking the Bow River Valley near Cochrane, AB. There, they took an active role in their granddaughter Taylor’s childhood while looking after their pets and horses and taking in the beautiful views of the Rocky Mountains. Duane and Fran also explored remote mountain locales such as the Assiniboine Mountains on horseback and hosted summer family reunions with their children and grandchildren in BC, the most frequent place being an old favourite, the Fairmont Hot Springs Resort near Invermere.

Duane was predeceased by his wife Fran, and his brothers, William “Bill”, Allan, and Hector. He is survived by his sister Evangeline “Vangie” Keough (Paul) of Calgary, his children, Nan Berezowski (Leonardo Carbone) of Toronto, Jill Berezowski (Michael Hirano) of Vancouver, Michael Berezowski (Vanessa) of Victoria, and Jon Medd (Marichu) of Calgary. He will be dearly missed by his six grandchildren, Taylor Farion (Dustin), Natalie Carberi, Drew and Kai Hirano, Finlay and Jai Berezowski; as well as his great-grandson, Hudson Farion.

A Gathering will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Crowfoot, 82 Crowfoot Circle NW, Calgary, AB), on Saturday, October 19, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in the Hospitality Centre.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes can be made to the Canada-Ukraine Foundation “Are You Ready For Winter?” Campaign, 620 Spadina Ave., Suite 200 Toronto, Ontario M5S 2H4, Telephone: 416-966-9700, www.cufoundation.ca/.

Ridin’ Through the Night

The moon is full, the stars are bright

I ride through the night, with the wind in my sight

The road unwinds, a silver snakeskin trail

I’ll follow its course, without a single fail

The world is hushed, in a peaceful sleep

I’ll guide my horse, with a gentle creep

Through the darkness, where shadows play

I’ll find my destination, come dawn of day

- Anonymous

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Duane’s family here.

In living memory of Duane Berezowski, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Cochrane, 369 Railway Street, Cochrane, AB T4C 2E2, Telephone: 403-932-4740.

Click Here to View Duane's Memorial Card