BERNIE LERNER

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BERNIE LERNER Peacefully, on December 11, 2012, at the Victoria General Hospital, Bernie Lerner passed away at the age of 87. Bernie is survived by his beloved wife, Sybil, his sons Brian (Hilary Kaufman Lerner) and Stephen (Catrin Thomas), his daughter Ellen (David Kroft), and his grandchildren, Rebecca and Jonathan Lerner, Julia, Samuel and Adam Kroft, and Joshua and Amelie Lerner. He was predeceased by his parents, Solomon and Rose Lerner, and his siblings, Hy, Ross, Deborah and Joseph. Born in Winnipeg on November 18, 1925, Bernie grew up on Machray Avenue, attending Luxton, St. John's and the University of Manitoba. Bernie embarked on several careers before finding his niche in the marketing and development of new home subdivisions in Winnipeg, ultimately rising to be Vice-President of Sales and Marketing for companies in Winnipeg and then Calgary. He was part of the founding committee and was the first Chairman of the Manitoba New Home Builders Warranty Program in the mid-1970s. Bernie had a boundless curiosity about the world generally, and about people specifically. He was always up for a good discussion and never accepted someone's position when they asserted that that's just the way things are and have always been. However, always in those discussions, there was an underlying respect for the opposing view. Bernie was very athletic and a strong competitor on the badminton and tennis courts. In later years, he channelled his competitive spirit in to maintaining his fitness at the Reh-Fit Centre, where he was a member for over 25 years. He also had a life-long love and comprehensive knowledge of classical music and was a regular attendee at symphony concerts. Bernie and Sybil were married on June 24, 1962, and celebrated their 50th anniversary earlier this year. Together, they laid an incredibly strong foundation and platform from which their children could leap into the world. Bernie took enormous pride in all of their accomplishments. In more recent years, he often expressed his surprise at becoming a grandfather of seven. He revelled in being a grandpa and appreciated all of the time spent with his grandchildren. He treasured the unconditional love he received from them, often reflected in the hugs so freely given to him. He will be greatly missed and forever remembered. The family wishes to acknowledge Bernie's caregivers over the past number of months, Gary, Clayton and Steven, who showed great kindness and loyalty to him, and who added immensely to his quality of life during that time. Funeral services were held on December 13, 2012, at Shaarey Zedek Synagogue, officiated by Rabbi Alan Green. Pallbearers were David Kroft, Mark Lander, Mathew Lander, Jeff Morry, Jonathan Kroft and Gary Thiessen. If so desired, donations may be made to the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba, the Canadian Human Rights Museum or to a charity of your choice.
Publish Date: Dec 29, 2012

BERNIE LERNER With sadness we announce the passing of Bernie Lerner, husband to Sybil Lerner on December 11, 2012. Services will be held on Thursday, December 13, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. at the Shaarey Zedek Synagogue, 561 Wellington Crescent. Longer obituary to follow.
Publish Date: Dec 13, 2012

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 29, 2012