PAUL EDOUARD BERNIER

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PAUL EDOUARD BERNIER Our beloved husband, father, grandpa and pepere passed away peacefully at home on August 21, 2004 surrounded by family and friends after a lengthy illness, at the age of 82. He is survived by Delia, his wife of 59 years; and three siblings, Roger (Eva), Alma (Maurice - deceased) Meilleur, and Simonne (Auray) Meilleur; also in-laws, Lea Raymond, Amanda and Leo Lagasse, Jeanne, Jeanne, Leontine, and Therese Meilleur; 15 children, Gerald (Sue), Andre (Lynne), Lionel (Pat), Claude (Evonne), David (Darlene), Paulette (Jack) Mann, Jocelyne (Jon) Slough, Carmelle (Clifford) Stodgell, Noella (Brian) Rudge, Marc (Joyce), Nicole (Ron) Gagaluk, Paul Jr. (Helen), Laurent (Linda), Richard (Diane) and Michelle (Terry) Truthwaite; 32 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents Joseph and Corinne,his young sister Florence and an infant daughter Marie. Paul was born in St. Jean Baptiste, MB on December 18, 1921. He began his journey to his current home in Fisher Branch at the age of 10 years driving a team of horses. From a young age he knew great responsibilities and developed a strong work ethic. He began his service in the army at the age of 21 years, until his medical discharge in 1946. He followed in his dads footsteps and took up the challenge of farming, which became his livelihood. However, to support his growing family he began work as a miner at the gold mines in Red Lake, ON for several months. To supplement his income he built several houses, including his own home. His skills as a carpenter was learned at the age of 14 as a logger with his father. He never shied away from helping others. His generosity of time and money knew no limits. Paul was involved in various committees that helped construct several local buildings; such as the Fisher Branch Elementary School, the community complex, as well as the major renovations to the Roman Catholic Church. He played an executive role in many local organizations such as the Royal Canadian Legion, Hodgson Branch #158, the Fisher Branch School Board and the Knights of Columbus. Despite his many achievements, one of his greatest gifts was his ability to create. He held two patents for farm equipment. His many hobbies included playing the violin, singing in the church choir, playing hardball and hockey. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, playing cards and curling. In later years he enjoyed trips with Delia, travelling to Australia, New Zealand, the South Pacific, Europe, Yukon and Alaska, Palm Springs for 14 winters, and his last trip was to Mazatlan, Mexico in 1999. But his greatest love was his enjoyment of family and friends. Everyone was welcome at the Bernier household. He will be dearly missed. Many thanks to all those who performed such acts of kindness with a visit, a hug or a kind word. Your donations of food, money or homes are so greatly appreciated. Thanks to all of dads support services in the community such as Percy E. Moore Hospital. Fisher Branch Clinic and Fisher Branch Personal Care Home. Many of these staff members became a part of our family. Special thanks to Adele Plishka whose endless support to Mom and Dad can never be measured. Pallbearers are his grandchildren, Christopher, Michael, Aaron and Claude Jr. Bernier, Kyle Stodgell, Steven Gagaluk. A heart of gold stopped beating Hard working hands went to rest God took you home to prove to us He only takes the best. You lived your life for those you loved Your children taught and grown He called to you to come and dwell Where no more work is done Where the Golden Sun doth never set And the skys forever blue. Prayers will be held at the Roman Catholic Church in Fisher Branch on Wednesday, August 25, 2004 at 7:30 p.m. A celebration of his life will be held at the Roman Catholic Church in Fisher Branch on Thursday, August 26 at 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Fisher Branch Handi Van or the Manitoba Heart and Stroke Foundation. Funeral arrangements in care of Fisher Funeral Home 1-204-372-6803/6271.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 25, 2004