Bernie passed away in a fatal car crash 13 km south of Hixon on highway 97, at 10 am, Tuesday January 19, 2016. The Celebration of Life took place at Clayton’s Funeral Chapel, on January 28, 2016. The minister officiating the service was Ken Zacharias. Bernie was cremated and laid to rest at the Tranquility Gardens Columbarium, in the Quesnel Cemetery.
Bernie was born on April 11th, 1932 and was brought up on the farm in Blumenhof, Saskatchewan, in a family of nine. He joined the Airforce and apprenticed as an electrical technician. He later worked for Air Canada for 18 years in Aircraft Maintenance. He married, Kathleen Klohn, in 1962, and had three daughters, Kathryn, Leslie, and Diane.
In 1972, changing jobs, though still working on jet turbines, Bernie began a 31 year career with Westcoast Petroleum. He moved his family to Kamloops briefly, and then on to Willowflats, Station 2, and finally Quesnel, Station 5.
He made Quesnel his home from 1978 to present. He was an active member of the community. He was meticulous with details, an avid Curler, bowler, and golfer. He was a traveller, and an adventurer, never afraid to go off on his own to explore. He travelled to South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, and Mexico all in his 70’s. He loved driving and spent many hours on the road to visit family throughout Western Canada. He was driven, competitive, and dedicated to family. He is described by many as sweet, genuine, kind, smiling, and caring gentleman. He will be sadly missed.
Bernie leaves behind:
his daughters; Kathryn, and Diane Ens (Kyle Keays), Grandchildren; Jeryd Lestage (Megan Fifield), Myriah Keays, Madison Keays, Rayleigh Keays, Siblings; Susie Peters, Norma (Albert) Gartner, Marvin Ens, John (Kay) Ens, (Abe Klassen)
Bernie is pre-deceased by: his wife; Kathleen Ens, his daughter; Leslie Ens, his son in law; Dennis Lestage, his siblings; Frank Ens, Mary Cowie, Anne Klassen, Jake Ens, and (Pete Peters).