Obituary for
Bernard «Bernie» Chenail
Bernard “Bernie” Chenail passed away Monday, January 24, 2022 at the age of 84 in Edmonton. His battle with various medical issues in recent years showed his courage in facing life’s challenges with a smile and strong Faith in God.
Bernie was born in Spalding, SK. In addition to his love of the land, he had a keen ear and appreciation of music. Bernie often became the life of the party with his love of guitar playing and singing. He loved dancing and listening to Old Time Country, especially Elvis and Johnny Cash, and enjoyed singing in a number of Choirs. During his younger years, he enjoyed curling, golfing and spear fishing. Don’t forget about his love of cars – especially the numerous Lincolns he drove with pride.
Bernie met his Mary in 1960 while at a house party in Edmonton, where she played accordion, and he the guitar. They danced the night away and became each other’s partners for life. They were married on July 27, 1963 and went on to have three children, ShellyAnne, Curtis and Laura. Bernie and Mary travelled to many places including Canada, the US (especially Hawaii), Costa Rica, Mexico, the UK, Thailand, Laos & Cambodia, Austria & other European countries, to name a few. As well, many holiday road trips were taken to visit family throughout Western Canada.
As Bernie loved to drive, it was only natural that the RV lifestyle would be a big part of their lives for many years.
Bernie and his children loved to entertain many as the Chenail Family Fiddlers while performing in Grand Stand Shows throughout Alberta, Saskatchewan and British Columbia. He always put the needs of his family first and was a dedicated husband, father, brother and uncle. He was only a phone call away anytime family, friends or neighbors needed him. Bernie was also a Jack of All trades around his home and vehicles and could build or fix almost anything.
His favourite hobbies included making his one of a kind, works of art “Drilling Bit Bookends”, his famous «Secret recipe» BBQ sauce, and wine that so many people enjoyed. He was always ready to play a game of cards (Canasta anyone?), and beat you in a game of shuffleboard, ping- pong and Billiards (even though his sight was so poor he was still a shark!). He enjoyed lively conversations with friends and was always happy to dance the night away (Do you know how to Jive?).
Bernie had a 50-year career in Alberta’s Oil Patch (Western Rock Bit, Argus Drilling/Taro Industries, JoMax Drilling), retired for 6 months and then went back to work for a few more years for Phoenix Trucking. With his integrity of word, he became a “Legend” throughout downtown Calgary. Bernie was also an honorary team member of Christopher’s Furniture Services and was a member of the Knights of Columbus for many years, demonstrating his faith and his heart.
He was the President of the Calgary Youth Orchestra Parents‘ Association, and on the Parents’ Association of The Calgary Fiddlers – does anyone remember all the newspaper collecting, or remember him trying to sell you Records, Cheese, Nylons, Raffle tickets or Chocolates, while fundraising tirelessly, just so us kids could see the world? He was passionate about his Schaeffer products and enjoyed selling “Citrol“ which he claimed “worked for everything!”. Then, aiming to help others again , came another passion for Bernie – his pop can tab collecting for wheelchairs.
Bernie was an extremely kind and generous man that loved his family deeply. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Mary; daughter, ShellyAnne (Lorne); son, Curtis (Cheryl); daughter Laura (Chris); his sisters, Rebecca and Anne; sister-in-law, Denise; and numerous loved nieces and nephews.
He was Pre-Deceased by his parents, Edouard and Blanche Chenail; Siblings, Eva, Malvina, Marie, Virginia, Ed, George, Genevieve, Florina, and Rose; and many of their spouses; parents-in-law, Albert and Sophie Golinsky; sisters-in-law, Marjorie, Pat and Rosalyn; brother-in-law, Larry; and nephew Kyle.
We know he will be immeasurably missed by those still on this earth, but after many years, he will finally be able to see many loved ones that he’s missed for so long.
In Lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Bernie’s honour to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, www.heartandstroke.ca or the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation at cysticfibrosistribute.crowdchange.ca/2197/donate
A Private Funeral will be held on February 4, 2022 with Interment to follow. A Celebration of Life will be held during the summer months so everyone can safely gather outside
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Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Bernard Bernie
Chenail 2022..
Décès pour la Ville: Edmonton, Province: Alberta