A familiar refrain at Grace has been “ASK BERNI”. For decades he was the go-to person when  building problems inevitably arose. Berni was well tutored in the workings of our old church  building by Claus Probst and Eric Tuckey. In turn, he has mentored our current Property  Steward, MacLeod Nichols. Berni alone possessed one special gift, however: that of locating  cookies wherever they could be found in the church.

 

Berni has always been front and centre volunteering for Men’s Club and Tri-M events. We  can all picture Berni, wearing an apron, spatula in hand, organizing our Pancake Suppers. 

Born in wartime Europe, Berni moved to Canada as a young boy. His knowledge of the  Canadian north expanded when he met and married a nurse from Hearst. Sue and Berni  moved to Brampton in 1972. Berni was employed by Northern Telecom.

 

Berni and Sue raised their two children, Christine and Derek, on Parkway Avenue and  Greystone Crescent. He was the proud grandfather of four cherished Gallant and Volkmann  granddaughters. The whole family celebrated Thanksgiving together just last weekend. As  was his wish, Berni passed away at home.