ROGER BERNIER

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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 stepgrandchildren; 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. Arrangements in care of Fisher Funeral Home, Fisher Branch, MB (204) 372-6271 or 372-6803. Gone but not forgotten.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 15, 2005