Wilfred Bernardin

Wilfred (Wilf) François Bernardin

Wilf passed away peacefully at age 97 on Tuesday, March 27, 2012 at the Seven Oaks Hospital.

Wilf was the eldest of 5 children born to Honoré and Henrietta Bernardin on October 25, 1914 in Elie, Manitoba.  On September 25, 1946, he married Henriette Ida Lachance, and they began farming potatoes and vegetables in St. Eustache.

Wilf served his community with integrity, as school trustee for the White Horse Plains School Division, and also as Councillor for the RM of Cartier.  For Wilf, his proudest accomplishment was his family, and he took every opportunity to tell anyone and everyone that he was the father of 11 beautiful children who gave him many joyous moments with his grand and great grandchildren.

Wilf is survived by his wife of 65 years, Henriette and their 11 children; Norman, Lorne (Gisèle-deceased), Alfred (Gisele), Rosemarie (Robert) Schmidt, Walter, Gisèle (David) Klaassen, Lucille (Clarence) Ross, Harry (Angela), Simone (Gerry) Syrenne, Marilyn (Alan) Hadley, Maurice (Margaret); his 30 grandchildren along with their spouses; and 35 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.  He is also survived by one brother, Adelard (Eveline) of BC and sister-in-law Jeannette (Napoleon-deceased); brothers-in-law; Roland (Alfreda-deceased) Beaudin, Raymond (Evelyn) Lachance, and sisters-in-law; Laurette (Adrien-deceased) Martin, Clémence (Gilbert-deceased) Précourt, Estelle (Harold Houde-deceased/Olivier-deceased) Beaudette,  Rollande (Léo) Leclerc, Marielle (Gilbert) Levesque, Beatrice (Jack-deceased) Stark and Anna (Benoit-deceased) Lachance.

Besides his parents and the many named above, he was also predeceased by Henriette’s parents, Henri and Albina Lachance; his brother Léo and wife Yvette, his brother Napoléon, his sister Ethel and husband Moïse Beaudin, and daughter-in-law Gisèle.

Besides his family, there is little Wilf loved more than hunting and fishing and throughout his life, he made many friends who will also miss him.

Goodbye my family, my life has passed,

I loved you all to the very last.

Weep not for me but courage take;

Always continue to love each other for my sake.

For those you love don’t go away,

They walk beside you every day.

Funeral Services will be held in the St. Eustache Roman Catholic Church on Saturday, March 31, 2012.  Recitation of the Rosary, Eulogy and Video at 1:30, Funeral Mass at 2 p.m. followed by Interment in the Parish Cemetery with Father Isaïe Blanchette officiating.

We extend our thanks to the staff of the Seven Oaks hospital, the wonderful staff at Sturgeon Creek II, and all of the wonderful homecare attendants.  If so desired, donations can be made to a charity of your choice in Wilfred’s name.

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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