December 29, 1934 - June 6, 2020
Maurice Joseph Bernard passed away peacefully in his sleep sometime between June 6 and 7th, 2020 at the age of 85. It is heartbreaking that the coronavirus pandemic kept his family away in his final days and hours.
Left behind to mourn him are his children Katherine (Steve Engel), Adele (Bryan Simpson), Colleen, grandsons Nicolas (Karen) and Kyle, granddaughters Amanda and Chelsa, many grandnieces, grandnephews, extended family, and other loving relatives.
Maurice ("Frenchy") was born in Macklin, Saskatchewan on December 29, 1934 and spent his early years on the family farm in Provost, Alberta before moving to the house that his father built on 20th Avenue NW in Calgary. He was one of 8 children born to Auguste and Marie Bernard who emigrated to Canada from France.
Maurice worked at the Calgary Herald as a printer until he retired in 1995. He was a simple man, but a man with a big heart and clear values who took his responsibilities seriously. He was generous in spirit, always up for an adventure, and enjoyed travel.
Maurice developed a passion for photography and loved all sports. He was an avid curler, cycling enthusiast and major contributor to the Alberta Bicycling Association newsletter in the 80's. He was a very social person, loved a good party, music, and dancing. He enjoyed laughter and joking around and is known for a special twinkle in his eye. In 1954 he fell in love with a pretty young teller in a bank, Eleanor Askew. They married and had 4 children.
Tragically, in 1964 their son Terry died from leukemia at the age of four, something that touched them deeply and would forever change them. Eleanor predeceased him in 1996. Maurice remarried the beautiful and vivacious Magda Heredy who gave him back his happiness for many years in Kelowna. Maurice moved to Edmonton in 2012 to be closer to his grandchildren.
Maurice's family is grateful for the care provided to him by the staff during his stay at Extendicare Eau Claire in Edmonton and previously at St Albert Retirement Residence. Maurice's ashes will be interred with Eleanor and Terry in a private family service at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests donations to the Canadian Cancer Society.