John Peter Bernhardt, age 82, died on Tuesday, May 2, 2017 in Victoria. Born in Wilkie, Saskatchewan to Theresa and Joseph Bernhardt, he was the middle son of five children.
John and his two brothers began working together as young children tending the fire in their one-room schoolhouse. They later helped their parents purchase a farm outside of Prince George where the family moved in 1947.
John started out logging in his teens before he and his brothers formed Bernhardt Brothers Lumber in 1953. He enjoyed a successful logging career that spanned over four decades.
John married Ruth Toney in 1961 and in 1965, the couple had a son, Lloyd. During John’s working career, the family resided in Prince George, and after retirement, John and Ruth moved to Victoria.
He and Ruth enjoyed picnics and walks in Prince George and Victoria, driving trips around BC and the Southwestern States, across Canada, and touring Australia and England. He will be remembered for his great love of the BC logging industry in its heyday.
John is predeceased by his parents Theresa and Joseph, his sisters Erna and Lillian, and his brothers Emil and Max. He is survived by his wife Ruth, his son Lloyd, Lloyd’s wife Kim and their grandchildren Amelia and Sam Bernhardt.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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jason Rennie
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Jim and Lee Coffin Dear Ruth and family,
It was a shock to see John’s picture in the obituaries. One could never miss that great mop of white hair! We send you our warmest thoughts at this difficult time. We know your family will be a source of strength for you,and you for them.
Sincerely,
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Rita Borkowsky (Holdner) Ruth, I was saddened to read about your beloved John’s death. It was always a treat to see the two of you out and about Prince George. My sympathy to you and your son and his family. Fond memories of the two of you.
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Ken Henry My sincere condolences to you Mrs. Bernhardt, Lloyd, Kim, Amelia and Sam. John was one of the kindest people I know. Your Dad always had a smile, always asked how we were doing and always was so proud of his family. I have lost count of the amount of times and places we have bumped in to your Mom and Dad around the province over the years; whether it was at a shopping mall in Kelowna, at a ferry terminal or even a hotel in Victoria. Even after they moved from Prince George, we would often cross paths at Tim Horton’s here. My coffee breaks would turn in to another great visit catching up. I will miss those visits. We are thinking of all of you during this difficult time.
Ken and Aleta Henry
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Shirley Samuels My sympathies to you and your family Ruth. I so enjoyed working with John and you over the years at Schmitz & deGrace. John was such a bright and interesting man.
Shirley Samuels
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Kevin Munro Ruth and Lloyd, Kim, Mia, Sam, our family grieves with you, as this world says ‘so long’ to such a kind and gentle soul.
Growing up almost next door to you in PG, my favorite memories of John include time at the company shop, sharing our latest adventures with him and receiving in return a friendly re-direct when we admitted to exercising poor judgment, something we did as adventurous teens, all too often. The opportunity to learn the physical sciences through active experimentation at ‘the shop’ was encouraged and supervised from a safe distance.
His love for his family was apparent in the time he shared with you, and I am thankful for the lessons he has taught me.Kevin Munro
I always enjoyed talking to John. From when I met him 30 odd years ago and every time since, the obvious pride he showed in Lloyd’s accomplishments is something that will stick with me as I raise my own child. Deepest condolences to Ruth and Lloyd and family.