Obituary of NORMAN BERNARD COCKERILL

NORMAN BERNARD COCKERILL

It is with heavy hearts that the family announces the passing of Norman Bernard (Bernie) Cockerill. After a lengthy battle with lung cancer, he passed peacefully in his sleep on February 14th, 2023 at 56 years of age.

He will be dearly missed by his mother; Kathleen (Kathy) Cockerill. His Children; Chelsea Mckay (Vincent), Cheyanne Cockerill (Jaryd), Trevor Cockerill, Amber Gulay. Grandchildren; Cecelia, Kailey, Savanah, Malaki, Matteo, Madison, Taylon, Thea. Siblings; Bradly Cockerill, Jonathan Cockerill (Laurie), Steven Cockerill, Linda Hunt (Tanya), Doris Patterson (Ken). Closest cousin; Gerry Cockerill (Maureen). His dear friends; Chris & Todd. As well as the numerous uncles, aunties, cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

He is predeceased by his father; Norman Bernard Cockerill (2003). Grandparents; Norman and Mary Cockerill, Jack and Marie Hunt. Infant Sister; Angela Cockerill (1965). His Aunts Sarah, Patricia, Marilyn, and Margaret.

Bernie was born December 30th, 1966 in Manitouwadge, Ontario. He moved to Lynn Lake, MB as a young child with his parents, there he spent majority of his life growing up. Bernie absolutely loved hockey as a kid and that stuck with him till his passing. His other passion in life was heavy metal and rock music. He had long hair all his life, his Kokum Marie had asked him once not to cut his beautiful red hair. He honoured her wishes and kept his hair long to keep him grounded. He did just that, until chemo therapy destroyed his promise. His early life was filled with outdoor activities with his late father Norman and family. Once he went into high school, he joined an auto body shops class. He then knew that it was his calling and proceeded it as his career. Along side his career was his cousin (more like a brother) Gerry. They worked together in Lynn Lake and Thompson. They eventually decided to move to Arborg, MB. Where him and Gerry spent the next 15+ years working together. If Bernie wasn’t at work, you could find him outside in his multiple gardens where he spent a lot of his spare time. Bernie loved his children; he moved his daughter Chelsea to Abrog with him for a better life. When she was pregnant with her first child, Bernie’s first grandchild, she let him have the privilege of naming her. Cecelia Marie Arora Cockerill, named after his beloved grandparents. In 2022 Bernie was diagnosed with stage 4 Metastatic Lung cancer. His daughter Chelsea and her husband Vince, along side with Gerry did the best thing they could do and moved Bernie to Winnipeg. He was able to spent his final days with his grandchildren and be closer to his kids. Chelsea cared for him and was along side him every step of the way through his illness. His traditional ways were respected and he did not go to a hospital towards his final days in life. He wanted everyone to remember him for who he was. A loving, kind hearted man with a beer in his hand and a smile on his face. 

There will be no wake or funeral as per his wishes. The family will be having a Celebration of Life on February 25, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main Street, Winnipeg, MB