Bernard Joseph Ludger MONTPETIT
August 31st, 1928 ~ January 7th, 2021
On January 7th, 2021 Bernie left us to be with his wife Fern.
Bernie is survived by his daughter Marie Antoinette, son in law Dan, grandson Serge & his fiancee Evie, his brother Roger (Germaine), brothers in law Louis (Sherry) & Tony, sisters in law Marie Antoinette, Alice, Madeleine, Lucienne & Agnes as well as numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces & great nephews.
Bernie was born in 1928 in Diligence, Alberta, the eldest of 5 children. He lost his father during his adolescence, a tragedy that rocked the community of Legal & forced him into early adulthood. His 2 cousins became siblings & he always took his responsibilities as a big brother very seriously. This however never prevented him from being a “glass half full” kind of guy, always ready with a joke & laughter.
He married Fernande Martineau in 1950,they moved around Alberta many times & in 2001 followed their daughter to Victoria.
Bernie had many careers: TV repair man, grain buyer, electrician, insurance salesman. He started Bermont Realty in St.Albert & it exists to this day. His business success allowed him to retire at the age of 45 but he never stopped being busy; raising Charolais cattle, exotic birds, was a master woodworker, boat builder, home builder (2 houses in St.Albert, a cottage & home at Moose Lake, a house in Legal & a waterfront home in Victoria). During his 70s he built beautiful birdhouses & sold them at craft shows in Alberta & BC. He was a hockey & baseball fan, staying faithful to the Edmonton Oilers despite his migration to BC. After retiring to Victoria, he joined the horseshoe club, winning championships in his age group & enjoying the camaraderie of his fellow horseshoe players. His horseshoe comrades loved to mention that when he first joined the club he pretended to not know the game very well giving him the nickname “sandbagger”. Bernie had a beautiful singing voice. His wife Fern accompanied him on the piano. We enjoyed his “chansons a repondre”. He sang in church choirs & was honored to be chosen to sing Minuit Chretien at Midnight Mass. The last time he sang in public was at his daughter’s 50th birthday celebration where he sang “Daddy’s Little Girl” in a voice that wavered with age. As a young adult he played saxophone in a band. His favorite place on earth was Moose Lake & many an evening was spent in his boat fishing for pickerel & perch. Hunting expeditions with his brothers sparked a multitude of funny stories at our family gatherings.
Bernie lived his life out loud. He was always grateful, playful, with a keen sense of humor & a pleasure to be around. Dad just loved people.
Many thanks to the staff at the Priory who took such kind & considerate care of Dad during the last 10 months of his life.
Bernie you will be greatly missed.
Toni, Dan, Serge & Evie
Messages:
Our sincere condolences to you and your family, so sorry to hear of uncles passing. Rick and Yvette Provencal
Our deepest sympathy to the family.
We were so sorry to hear about uncle Bernie's passing. You are in our thoughts and prayers during this sad and difficult time. Sincerely, Tony, Leo and Marlene Pelletier
It is a pleasure to reminisce tonight about Bernie. He and Fern were a true love match. I found spending time with them to be inspirational. Bernie was devoted to his family. He had a lovely sense of humour and a true twinkle in his eye. He will be missed and cherished always. My stepdaughter Gail who has passed away loved him so. I know Toni and Dan feel her love. My sincere condolences to you both and to Serge and Evie. Bless his memory. Anne and Gail Jennings.
Pam and I were sad to hear about uncle Bernie's passing. I remember him being full of life and quite a kidder. He loved to laugh and get others laughing too. When mom and dad would mention him he was always busy with another enterprise. He lived a full life. Our sincere sympathies.