Bernhardt, William « Bill »:
It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of William Bernhardt on March 5th, 2021 at his home at the age of 82 after succumbing to aspiration pneumonia. Husband to his beloved wife of 52 years, Jenny Bernhardt (née Morue). Cherished father to Pierre Bernhardt. Brother to Ann (late Dr. Raymond) Probst of St louis, Missouri and John and his wife Mary Beth Bernhardt of Kitchener. He is survived by his nephews Jim, John, Bill, Tom and Raymond Probst ,Brandon Bernhardt and their family. He was predeceased by his niece Sara Bernhardt.
Bill began his career when he joined his father Archie at Bernhardt Insurance in the early sixties. Following in his father’s footsteps, he guided the family business and a dozen staff for another 40 years. During that time he developed a special bond with KW’S increasingly diverse community. He loved cruising through K-town on his sales runs, calling clients on one of the cities first car phones, getting chuckles out of his customers whilst sampling increasingly exotic foods. He loved his city of Kitchener and was a great ambassador at home and abroad.
When he wasn’t working, he was living life to the fullest. His sense of adventure had him driving to Alberta for a squash tournament, or swatting flies on a canoe trip in Temagami or haggling with antique dealers when buying his beloved Moorcroft pottery. He loved travel and making new friends, driving all across North America, practicing his limited French in Europe or exploring his faith in the Middle East.
Life was good to Bill and he reciprocated in turn. He spoiled his immediate and extended family, and the community will miss him too. When he wasn’t playing the organ at St. Agnes Church, he could be found sponsoring sports tournaments for the United Way, visiting nursing homes, working hard on causes for the Church, and helping countless strangers get on their feet. At the end of the day, he was a great example of those great outgoing citizens who built the reputation of the Tri-cities, as a friendly, welcoming and safe place to live.
Bill’s family will receive relatives and friends from 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday, March 12, 2021 at the Henry Walser Funeral Home, 507 Frederick Street, Kitchener, 519-749- 8467. A mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, March 13th at 11 a.m. at St. Micheal Catholic Church, 80 University Ave. W., Waterloo, ON, N2L 3C7 at Hemlock St. Those who wish to attend the visitation and service are encouraged to RSVP through the funeral home website.
As expressions of sympathy, donations to the Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Waterloo Region waterloo.bigbrothersbigsisters.ca/donate/ , Serra Canadian Foundation serracanada.com/support-serra/donate/ or Camp Mc Govern campmcgovern.com/get-involved/ would be appreciated.
Visit www.henrywalser.com for Bill’s memorial.
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Friday March 5th 2021
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de William Bill John Bernhardt Friday March 5th 2021..
Décès pour la Ville:Kitchener, Province: Ontario