Bernie passed peacefully with family by his side. He was predeceased by his wife, Anne and his sister, Gladys. Bernie was born in Sperling, B.C., a historic village in the Township of Langley. The village lacked a school, so Bernie’s father and uncle took the initiative to build the first school in the village. The family value of education was evident in Bernie’s life. As a young man he studied to be a log scaler and spent his long career quantifying multi-million-dollar booms, often flying and driving into remote areas. Bernie was a lifelong learner. When he retired at 64 years old, he took college math courses as a hobby. His favourite chair was always surrounded by books on philosophy, world religions, physics and many loose papers and notebooks penciled with math problems and solutions. He met and married the love of his life, Anne, in his 50’s and they enjoyed holidays to California, Arizona, Manitoba and Mexico. Bernie never had children, but Anne’s family embraced him and he had close relationships with Anne’s son Doug and his wife, Joanne, and Anne’s daughter, Catherine (Cathy). He also had a special fondness for Catherine’s granddaughter, Paris. Also mourning his passing is his dear sister, Dena, his niece, Monique, his nephew, Murray and his good friend, Pam Sangster.
The family would like to thank the care staff of Evergreen Heights and Evergreen Terraces for their kind and gentle attention to Bernie over the last three and half years.
Rest in peace, good man. You are loved.
October 26th, 2026
Grandpa Bernie was an incredibly kind man and a pillar in my childhood. I grew up close to Grandpa Bernie and Nana Anne in White Rock, BC. My young mom, Virginia, juggled a lot of responsibilities when I was a baby and my great grandparents happily took care of me. I remember the many visits, running down their apartment hall in anticipation of seeing my favourite people. Oh, did they spoil me.
One of Grandpa Bernie's most fondest memories, that he brought up often in his old age, was when he'd pick me up from school, first grade. I'd run out to him with arms stretched, give him a great, big hug, and say, "Okay Grandpa, let's go to the grocery store and buy ice cream!" I wasn't asking, I was telling him. And he thought that was just the most precious thing. He loved his cheeky little great granddaughter.
I'm so fortunate to have these memories, not everyone is so lucky to grow up with their great grandparents. Especially a great grandparent as smart and wonderful as my Grandpa Bernie. He loved my Nana with every fibre of his being, and he loved me.
I will never forget our favourite memories together, as he never did. I love you, Grandpa Bernie. Rest in peace.
October 25th, 2026
My Uncle Burnie was such a steady, reassuring presence throughout my life. He was always there for me, from my crazy high school antics to patiently tutoring me in math, cheering me on at graduation, and serving as a wonderful, positive male role model. He was someone I could count on, and that is a gift I will always treasure.
One of the things I admired most about Burnie was the way he cared for my mom, his beloved sister. He did so with such humility, kindness, and quiet devotion. The love and commitment he showed her spoke volumes about the man he was, and I will always hold that close to my heart.
And then there were the hours he could spend talking math with my husband! Their conversations were thoroughly entertaining, and it was a joy to watch them share that passion. Those moments, along with so many others, have become precious memories that I will carry with me always.
Burnie was more than an uncle. He was a steady presence, a source of encouragement, and a wonderful man whose kindness and quiet strength left a lasting impression on my life. I feel incredibly fortunate to have had him as part of my story.
Ninety-four years is a remarkable life, and I hope he knew just how deeply he was loved and how much he meant to those fortunate enough to know him.
Rest peacefully, Uncle Burnie. Thank you for being there for me, for the example you set, and for the memories that will forever hold a special place in my heart. You will always be remembered with love and gratitude.
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