June 24, 2024
It is with the heaviest of hearts that we announce the passing of George Michael Berenyi Jr., at 78 years of age. After a brief battle with an aggressive form of liver cancer, George passed peacefully at his Regina home on the afternoon of June 24, 2024 with his family at his side.
Born to Katherine (Young) and George Berenyi (Sr.) in Melville, Saskatchewan, February 12, 1946, George Jr. was the youngest of five siblings: Johnny Bucholtzer (Dee), Ernie Bucholtzer, Ruth Szaros (Ron), and Shirley Burant (Ben).
Born and raised in Melville, SK, George “Sonny” Berenyi had an active youth; he was involved in baseball, hockey, and lots of shenanigans. He started delivering for Bell’s Dairy before getting hired on with CN Rail in his late teens. George married MaryAnn (Reiger) and had three wonderful decades of marriage, during which they raised four children: George-John, Delilah, Jason, and Corey. George spent many summer days shuttling cars in the CN rail yards, but his heart was always at the cabin on Crooked Lake. You could see the stress and worry melt away from his face the moment the lake came into view. Anyone who knew George understood his love of the lake, whether he was fishing, sitting by the fire with friends, or just relaxing and watching a movie with family. Crooked Lake was his happiest place.
George was predeceased by his wife MaryAnn, and he leaves to mourn a loving partner Karen McKay as well as countless friends and loved ones. George also leaves behind a large loving family that includes son George John (Cheryl) and granddaughters Rochelle, MaryAnne, and Katrina; daughter Delilah (Darrell), grandsons Brett (Bri) (great-grandson Jiraiya) and Hayden; son Jason (Deirdre) and grandsons Olen and Elek; son Corey (Nicole), granddaughter Ella and grandson Connor; as well as dozens of loved nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Although his ending was sudden, George wanted people to know that he had a good life and that nobody should cry for him. George didn’t wait for special occasions to tell his loved ones how he felt. He expressed his love for his family every day, which allowed him to spend his last moments joking around with his kids and smiling right up to the end.
In honour of dad, and in lieu of flowers or donations, his children are asking that you take a moment to call (not text) someone you love and tell them what they mean to you.
George declined a service so the family will be organizing a Celebration of Life event at a later date.
Sincerely, George’s kids
EDMONTON Alberta Canada
Such fond memories. I was always at their place. He was a joker and always kind and considerate. Sending "Hugs" to all of the family.
Regina Saskatchewan Canada
George will be truly missed. We only knew him for the last 2 years. We met him through the Curtis’s we all are camped at Cedar Cove. He was one of the funniest characters I have ever met. I miss seeing him drive by our site a few times a day always smiling and waving and he always stopped in for a quick visit and for a few laughs. He would show up with Carrot Cake or some fresh fish. His stories are the one thing we will certainly never forget. I still find myself checking out all the white trucks and it saddens me when I remember he is no longer here. My condolences to his family, kids and grandkids he loved you all so much and spoke about you often.
Regina Saskatchewan Canada
We only met your dad in the last 5 years but he sure left a mark in our hearts. What a kind, loving man who was always happy to see us. He sure will be missed 💖 our deepest condolences to George’s entire family and friends
Regina Saskatchewan Canada
George, we will forever miss you. We will treasure the memories made and laughs shared. For about the last 10 years George would, without fail, make a carrot cake for my birthday and I was lucky to get the biggest hug as well. He was the kindest, sweetest man that we had the pleasure calling our friend. We will miss George dearly. Sending deepest condolence to his family during this difficult time. Lisa and Russ Klein
Melville SK Canada
Your dad was such an amazing man-so loving and such a great sense of humour, and he gave the BEST hugs ❤️My deepest sympathies to you all, he will be truly missed 💔
Winnipeg Manitoba Canada
George, Delilah, Jason, Corey & Families So sorry to hear of the passing of your Dad. George was a fun loving guy and I always appreciated his sense of humour. Please accept my sincere condolences.
Winnipeg Manitoba Canada
Mr. Berenyi was my second dad and growing up, his and MaryAnn’s home on 4th Ave. was my second home. Not sure I ever knocked on that side door. I can still hear the sound of the steel steps bending as I walked up. If the door was locked, I knew where the key was. As you walked in, you were of course always welcome and something was usually cooking. George made some tasty treats indeed. Maybe egg rolls were being made that day or his famous carrot cake that was even sold at Slow Helen’s. Whatever it was, you were always welcome to indulge. He was generous, kind and funny, but also firm. I knew not to mess about or I’d hear it for sure. Too loud playing basketball in the driveway late in the evening, staying up too late during sleepovers, or maybe just teenage tomfoolery, we’d know soon enough of his disapproval. But looking back, I appreciated that. You knew the consequences of crossing Mr. Berenyi. I respected him. My greatest memories however were from the cottage at Crooked Lake. As a friend to Jason and Corey, it’s incredible how much time I was allowed to spend there in summer. Proof of his generosity and welcoming nature. Fish fries, campfires, movies (oh the movies!), Shania Twain playing on the stereo, boating, fishing, water sports – the memories from that special place formed my love for the “cottage” that I hold so dear with my family now. After I moved to Winnipeg, I would bring back friends to visit and they would even be welcome to the cabin to hang out with him and just enjoy the good times. I will be forever grateful for that. He was a special guy. Always asking how you were doing, and genuinely excited to hear the answer. He was a fun guy and always up for a laugh and a visit. He meant more to me than I realized for most of my life. My thoughts are with my dear friends Jason, Corey, George and Delilah. I love you and I am terribly sorry for the loss of your dad. He will be missed.
Yorkton Saskatchewan Canada
Cory, Nicole and family. Although we didn’t know your dad well, we certainly enjoyed our visits we shared next door! He said it like it is and always kept us laughing! He will be missed by many!! Celebrate a life well lived. Our deep condolences.
Melville Saskatchewan Canada
No words can ever define the kind of Love, Care, and Prayers I hold for each of you in my heart! I share in your tears and sorrow, I share in your happy memories of your wonderful, unique, loving dad; and I am right by your side! I pray God will bless you with His Peace and Grace! Tight Hugs and Love to all of you!
Victoria British Columbia Canada
Dear Berenyi family, We are thinking of all of you at this very sad time. May you have some comfort in your memories of your dearest Dad. Your Dad was a true family man, loving and always truly wanted the best for his family and friends. Your father lived a life filled with integrity, strength and character. We are with you in spirit and prayer in the days ahead. All our love, Char, J and Aline
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