CHARLES E. BERARD

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CHARLES E. BERARD After a courageous battle with cancer, Charles Berard said "goodbye" to his family and died peacefully at their side on March 8, 2000, at the Health Sciences Centre. Charlie leaves to mourn his wife of 42 years, Laurence (nee Fontaine) his son Michel (Montreal) his daughter Monique (Winnipeg) his son Claude and wife Louise, and their children, Daniel and Jean-Pierre (Winnipeg). He leaves his two sisters, Dolores Baron (William) (Dauphin) and Lorraine Chezick (Irvin) (Selkirk). He will be missed by his in-laws, Jean-Charles (Therese) Fontaine, Gabrielle (Paul) Carriere, Gerard Fontaine, Roland Fontaine, Marcelle Combot-Lavallee (Emile), Murielle (Hubert) Philippot, Henri Berard; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his son Daniel (1972) his daughter Diane (1974) his sisters, Marguerite Berard (1995) and Therese who died at an early age. Charlie was born April 17, 1937 in Aubigny, MB. The 70s led him to work for the Manitoba Flood Board where he temporarily returned in the 80s from Manitoba Housing where he worked for 25 years. Upon his retirement from the government (September 1, 1999), Charlie proudly took on a part-time position at the St. Pierre Manor where he felt accepted by the tenants as family and friends. As a member of the Knights of Columbus for nearly three decades, Chef Charlie volunteered as a cook, and organized kitchens and canteens at many community events. He enthusiastically took part in organizing an annual fishing derby for his and other families to enjoy. Charlie loved the outdoors and was an avid gardener. He had a special interest in his prize-winning flowers and loved to share the over-abundance of his fruits and vegetables with his friends. Charlie loved to play host and made everyone feel very comfortable and welcomed in his home. Above all, he loved his family and was always there for them no matter the distance in miles. Charlies smile, good humour and generosity will be missed by all who knew him. Dad, we love you. Thank you so much for your love and all the good memories. The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses and staff of GD2 and M.I.C.U. at the Health Sciences Centre for the kindness, compassion and excellent care given to Charlie. We would also like to thank our family and friends who supported us throughout this difficult time. Funeral services to be held Saturday, March 11. Viewing at 2:30 p.m. followed by mass at 3:00 p.m. at the St. Pierre-Jolys Roman Catholic Church, with Fr. Gaetan Lefebvre, C.S.V. presiding. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the De Salaberry Hospital Guild, Box 66, St. Pierre-Jolys, MB R0A 1V0. The Desjardins Funeral Chapel in care of arrangements, 233-4949 or toll free 1-888-233-4949.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 10, 2000