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ROGER BERNIER
1923 - 2005

Peacefully, after a
courageous fight following post-operative complications, Roger Bernier
passed away on February 12, at the age of 81, with his wife, children
and many grandchildren at his side.
Holding him in loving
memory are
his wife of 57 years, Eva ; his children, Raymond (Valerie), Gilbert
(Deb), Roland (Donna), Rolande (Bob) Chernichan, Laurette (Ted)
Truszynski, Rene (Janet), Leo (Susan), Suzanne (Cameron) Moore,
Jeannette (Jameel) Ali, Guy (Kathe), Alain (Lorene), Denis (Brenda),
Monique (Stuart) McCune; 36 grandchildren; five step grandchildren; and
four great-grandchildren; his sisters, Alma Meilleur (Maurice -
deceased) and Simonne (Auray) Meilleur; also in-laws, Delia Bernier
(Paul - deceased), Lea Raymond (Alder - deceased), Amanda and Leo
Lagasse, Jeanne Meilleur (Alcide - deceased), Leontine Meilleur (Emery
- deceased), Jeanne Meilleur (Albert - deceased) and Therese Meilleur
(Ernest - deceased) and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased
by his parents, Joseph and Corinne; his brother Paul; his infant sister
Florence; and his grandson Nicholas Truszynski.
Roger was born in St.
Jean Baptiste, MB on August 14, 1923. In 1932, at the age of eight, he
moved with his family to Fisher Branch. With his father and brother,
they started to clear the land on the new homestead, a prelude to his
life of farming. In June 1947, he married Eva Meilleur and together
they journeyed through a lifetime of devotion and love towards each
other and their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. His
large strong hands, which were noticed by all, paled in comparison to
the size of his loving heart! He led a faith-rooted life and accepted
God's will for his own life, even to the end.
Dad was a strong and
tireless provider who both cherished and respected nature, and reaped
his rewards just by being out on the land. He thrived on being
self-sufficient, doing mixed farming, and being his own mechanic. Dad's
faith, honesty and values were demonstrated by unlimited selfless acts
of thoughtfulness and love. Together with Mom at his side, their home
was never too small to welcome one more to their table, they were never
too busy to turn away someone in need...there was always "room at the
inn".
Although known to be
a shy man, Dad found his greatest happiness when his house was filled
with people sharing in food, laughter and love. He shared his ultimate
passion - hunting - with his children, friends, and grandchildren and
delighted in reminiscing past hunting escapades, giving pointers, and
planning the next hunting trip. Though not a man of hobbies, he enjoyed
curling in his earlier years, and more recently, card parties in winter
with family and friends.
The family wishes to
extend thanks to Fr. Michael Raj, Sister Agnes, and the many friends
and relatives who visited, offered prayers, and supported them during
these last six weeks. A special thank you to Drs. Bohm, Caners,
Olafson, Macek, the Chaplains and the ICU staff at Concordia Hospital
who went out of their way to accommodate and provide comfort and
dignity to Dad and the family. Heartfelt thanks also go to the
McGinnis, Gillingham, and DaLuz families who shared their time and
their hearts with us in the ICU family room.
Prayers will be held
on Wednesday, February 16 at 8:00 p.m. in Immaculate Conception Roman
Catholic Church, Fisher Branch, MB. Mass of the Resurrection will be
celebrated on Thursday, February 17 at 10:30 a.m., followed by
interment in the parish cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be
made to a charity of choice.
Gone but not
forgotten.
Arrangements in care
of Fisher Funeral Home,
Fisher Branch, MB
(204) 372-6271 or 372-6803.
Winnipeg Free Press
(published on February 15, 2005)
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