Bernard "Bernie" Henri Emond was born in St. Eustache, Quebec November 3, 1945. At the age of 21, he travelled out West with his wife Valerie. He found work with the City of Vancouver, barely able to speak English but took on the challenge with courage and a real sense of adventure. A few years later he attended mining school in Rossland and was hired by Kaiser Resources in Sparwood.
The family settled in Fernie where he built a wonderful life for them. Bernie worked for Dicken Bus Lines transporting workers to and from the mine for 15 years. He then worked at the mine driving a 250 tonne haul truck for 10 years before retiring.
Bernie was a member of the Fernie Golf and Country Club, and an avid and talented golfer who would swing a club, rain or shine, indoors or outside. In fact, a few light fixtures had to be replaced in the off season as he swung his club in the front room practicing a new swing. Bernie lived the sport and in his final stage of life, settled down in a home at Gleniffer Lake Resort backing onto the 3rd green with a view of the fairway from his front room (affectionately dubbed "Bernie's Hole")!
Bernie valiantly fought cancer and passed away with grace and courage, surrounded by his loved ones on Saturday, January 2, 2021. We celebrate and love this man and will never forget him. Bernie, you were a wonderful life partner for 53 years to Val; a loving Father to Lee (Connie), Ryan (Megan) and Renee (Gareth); a fun and affectionate Grandpa to Jade, Macey, Cole, Kaiden, Lise and Reagan; a loyal friend to all; and a kind and generous person to those in need. Bernie, Dad, Grandpa...you will be dearly missed and we will cherish our memories of you until we join you on that final bus ride (at the back of the bus)!
A Celebration of Bernie's Life will be held at a later date.
Condolences may be sent or viewed at www.parklandfuneralhome.com
Arrangements in care of Parkland Funeral Home and Crematorium, 6287 - 67 A Street (Taylor Drive), Red Deer. 403.340.4040.
Parkland Funeral Home and Crematorium