Georges Bernard

Georges Bernard

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our dear husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather, Mr. Georges Bernard of Haywood on Wednesday, August 24, 2011 at the St. Claude Pavillon at the age of 92 years.

He leaves to mourn his beloved wife of 68 years, Marie (née de Rocquigny), his children: Francine (Joe), Michel (Evelyne), Gilbert (Penny), Colette (Adrien), Huguette (Al), Claude (Brenda), Edith (Reynold) and daughter-in-law Annette Bernard; nineteen grandchildren: Lorraine, Louis (Nicole), Evelyne (Alex), Joëlyne (Paul), Roger (Angie), Lynn (Michael), Christian (Stephanie), Daniel (Nicole), Brittany, Sylvie, Léanne (Daryl), Estelle (David), Renée, Chantal, Patrick (Carla), Angela (Blake), Cayla, Chris, Corey, Patrick (Lindsay), Janelle (Matt), Danica; twenty-three great grandchildren: Jérémie, Denis, Chantal, Danica, Kailey, Nicholas, Noah, Natasha, Samantha, Corinne, Regan, Natasha, Rylynn, Brendan, Breyelle, Eva, Maëlle, Claude, Dani, Kaylee, Jamie, Paige and Zev. He also leaves to mourn one brother, Clément; three sisters-in-law: Catherine de Rocquigny, Marie-Rose de Rocquigny and Laurianne de Rocquigny as well as numerous nieces and nephews, relatives and friends.

He was predeceased by his parents, Gaston and Lucie (Gougeon), his parents-in-law Philippe de Rocquigny and Marie (de Moissac), his son Henri and daughter Lynne, his grandson Christopher, his great grandson Jarret, his granddaughter’s husband Norbert, his brothers and sisters: Henri, Alice (Louis), Maurice (Philomène), Marcel (Yvonne) and sister-in-law Cécile. He was also predeceased by his sisters and brothers-in-law: Arthur de Rocquigny, Hilaire (Nathalie) de Rocquigny, Père Joseph de Rocquigny, Louis de Rocquigny, Adèle (Ludovic Philippot) and François de Rocquigny.

Georges was born on December 26, 1918 in St. Claude. He went to St. Jean School and helped his parents on the farm. In 1940 he joined the military. He married the love of his life on October 7, 1942. In 1944 he left for England and Holland. It was very difficult for him to leave his family. He returned from the military in 1946 and settled on the farm in Haywood where they raised their eight children. Life was not always easy on the farm. Mom and Dad worked very hard to ensure that his family was comfortable.

Georges was active in many committees such as trustee of the Mountain School Division, Caisse populaire, Haywood Co-op, St. Claude Hospital, Haywood Parish and Club d’âge d’or. In 1974, they moved to town and were able to take life a little easier, taking many well-deserved trips. In 2004, they made the painful decision to move to Winnipeg from the community they loved and lived in most of their lives. After a few years, they returned to their roots in St. Claude and Haywood.

Prayers and viewing will be held on Sunday at 7:00 p.m. at Adam’s Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held on Monday, August 29, 2011. Prayers and a video tribute at 1:30 p.m. at the St. Denis Parish in Haywood followed by Funeral Mass at 2:00 p.m.

The family would like to express their immense gratitude to the staff of the Transitional Care and Pavillon in St. Claude. You are such wonderful people. We are so very thankful that Dad was in such great care. Your kindness and compassion were very much appreciated and will never be forgotten.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the St. Claude/Haywood HandiVan, Box 400, St. Claude, MB  R0G 1Z0.

Adam’s Funeral Home of Notre Dame de Lourdes, Manitoba in care of arrangements.  Phone 248-2201 or 1-888-400-2326.  www.afh.ca

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