BLANCHARD, Bernard Edouard

Dear Family and friends of Bernie,

It is with heavy hearts that we inform you of the passing of our dad, on May 21st, at la Maison St-Raphaël, in Montreal.

The six days Bernie spent in comfort in those beautiful surroundings were filled with visits from family members, caregivers and friends. When awake, he was calm, attentive, and serene. We laughed with him, played guitar and sang his favourite tunes. We surrounded him with love and affection. We will cherish those memories for the rest of our lives.

Our father will be greatly missed! He was Lorraine’s devoted husband, a loving son, brother, uncle and brother-in-law, and above all a “father” to so many more kids, young and old, than his own five children, ten grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Bernie had been part of the Demeures Sainte-Croix community in Saint-Laurent for about ten years – a second family where great friendships had been forged.

Bernie lives on through his legacy of joie de vivre and dedication to family, his generosity of spirit, his mischievous approach to life and situations and his sincere affection for all. We will remember him at the piano, in good times and difficult spells, as much for the hot debates around the dinner table as well as for the “pretend” disagreements, when he chose to play devil’s advocate. Most of all, we remember Bernie for all those times he listened, advised, preached, guided and extended both hands in friendship.

Michèle, Marie-Claude, Nicole, Dominique, and Jean-Yves