FERNAND (FERDIE) BEDARD

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FERNAND (FERDIE) BEDARD It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our Father and Poppa, Fernand (Ferdie) Bedard. Dad passed peacefully at Selkirk General Hospital in the early hours of March 31, 2011. Dad is survived by his large, loving family: Louise (Barrie) Russell, Lucille (Roy) Erin, Wilfred (Debbie) Bedard, Elaine Bedard, Jim (Cathy) Bedard, Christine (Bryan) McDougall; 11 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. Dad was predeceased by his sister, Fernande Hector and brother Louis Bedard. Dad was born on August 21, 1921 in Selkirk, Manitoba to Wilfred Bedard and Rosina Poirier. Dad spent his entire life in Selkirk. After leaving school, Dad began his career at the Steel Foundry (Abex) in Selkirk and soon met the love of his life and future wife, Kay Chiborak. Their future life together was put on hold during the Second World War while Dad served in the RCAF between 1939 to the end of the war in 1945. Following the war, Dad returned to work at the steel foundry. Mom and Dad were later married on April 27, 1946. Over the following 64 years, they raised their family and saw it grow to the large extended family it is today. Their lives were filled with love and devotion to each other, their family and their faith. They were a dedicated hard working team, seldom spending time apart. Following retirement in 1978, Dad spent many hours meeting the seemingly endless requests for his picnic tables, deacon benches and toy boxes for his grandchildren. Each spring, Dad enjoyed planning his garden, starting most of his plants from seed. Like so many men of Dad's generation, he was a confident handyman, always willing to lend a hand. Throughout his life, Dad enjoyed his many hunting and fishing trips and cottage getaways. In later years, Dad enjoyed relaxing with a good novel and his daily trips around town to visit with friends. The past two months were very difficult for Dad, as Mom predeceased him on January 24, 2011. Our family would like to thank the home care staff for their care and kindness to Dad throughout the past several months. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Heart Stroke Foundation, P.O. Box 2598 Stn. Main, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3C 4B3. It was Dad's belief to... Live Simply so that Others may Simply Live. Cremation has taken place and a memorial Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, April 6 in the Notre Dame Roman Catholic Church, 269 Jemima Ave., Selkirk, Manitoba. Private interment will take place at a later date. We will all miss you Dad, but know you are at peace and together again with Mom. Gilbart Funeral Home, Selkirk in care of arrangements. www.gilbartfuneralhome.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 02, 2011