BEVERLEY KJERNISTED

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

BEVERLEY KJERNISTED

Peacefully, surrounded by family and with amazing strength, Beverley Anne Kjernisted (Murray) passed away February 6, 2024, at Victoria General Hospital.

Bev is survived by her loving and devoted husband of 65 years, Valdimar (Val), her children, Kevin (Charlotte), Bradley, Brent, Lori (Wes) and Lyle (Amber), her grandchildren, Chloe, Nicholas, Bryn, Benjamin and Kristjan. She also leaves behind her brother Brian (Virginia) of Calgary, her nieces and nephews, Dwayne, Monica, Marcie, Dwight of Melita, Jill and Paul of Calgary, Lisa and John of Winnipeg. Bev was predeceased by her brother Bernie, sister Joan and niece Susan.

Born in 1936 in Deloraine, Bev grew up in Melita with her three siblings. She is remembered as a unselfish, caring, family oriented, active, curious, and adventurous little blonde who became a capable swimmer and loved sports (primarily hockey and baseball) - until her final day. Bev trained as a Registered Nurse at the Health Sciences Centre. During those years she met Val who was working as a Veterinarian in Melita. They married in 1958, moved to Stonewall, and within five years had their five children. She and Val eventually owned the Stonewall Veterinary Clinic, where Bev worked as Val’s right hand. She was also both Mom and farmhand on their beef farm, Stone Oak Polled Shorthorns. Here she took up horseback riding which she enjoyed along with the kids. Swimming lessons for all was a must. Bev followed her passion for sports through her children, getting them everywhere in the province in the Town and Country Station wagon; there was no snowstorm too big to get her kids to their events. Summers always included a fishing trip to a lake in Manitoba where she mentored her children in her other passion, fishing. In 1984, Bev and Val purchased a cottage on Fisherman Island at Lake of the Woods. This became Bev’s favourite place, where friends and family were always welcomed, and where she acquired her apt second name, Walleye Bev. At the lake, she mentored her grandchildren, instilling a love of nature, swimming and in the art of fishing. Her grandchildren have special memories they will forever cherish: Chloe - canoe trips with Amma and Afi; Bryn - Amma’s hugs and how she smelled; Nicholas - visits to the lake and recently to BC - and the two hockey grandsons - Kristjan and Ben - Amma cheering them on from the stands. In 2006, Bev and Val moved with Lori, Wes and Kristjan to Colwood, BC, continuing to spend summers at Lake of the Woods and in later years in Gimli with Lyle, Amber and Chloe. A priority and joy for Bev was keeping in contact with family and friends she and Val had made along the way. She and Val often travelled with Wes and Lori on holiday and to all of Kristjan’s hockey events, where often Ben was also playing. Bev was a loyal Vancouver Canucks and Blue Jays fan since moving to BC. There were never enough games to watch. We take solace in knowing she now has season tickets. Bev will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Bev’s wishes were to have her ashes sprinkled at Lake of the Woods, and a Celebration of Life will be held in the future.

Donations can be made to The Canadian Lung Association (https://www.lung.ca/donate) or Canadian Glaucoma Society (https://cgs-scg.org/). Many thanks to Brian and Virginia Murray for their loving support to Bev and us, the Paramedics, Colwood Fire, VGH Staff and home care who are assisting in providing such great care to Dad.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 14, 2024, Feb 14, 2024