Bernard Joseph Vincent Gagné, 71, peacefully went to be with his heavenly saviour on March 19, 2022, with his children and significant other by his side in Thunder Bay, Ont.
Known by many in the community as “Bernie,” he was born on May 15, 1950, in St. Edgar, Quebec, to Vincent and Aline (Bernard) Gagné.
Bernard was predeceased by his parents Vincent Gagné and Aline (Bernard) Gagné; and his brother Jacques Gagné; and his precious grandson and his pride and joy Treydon Gagné-Thomson.
Bernie often spoke of the family farm and the beauty of it in St. Edgar, Quebec. He had such a love for the outdoors fishing, camping, hunting and teaching his grandsons how to be “bush boys.”
Bernie had many careers throughout his life including many years gold mining underground in many communities. His favourite and most valued career was as a councillor in the Rainy River district.
Bernie had an amazing heart and love for people, his vivid desire to bring hope to the hurting and broken and to share his testimony how God took him as a broken and addicted man in his younger years and forever changed his life and gave him hope.
He spent many years doing street ministry among the homeless throughout Ontario, which was his heart’s desire: to shine light in the darkness.
Bernie would often be heard talking to others about his pride in his daughter Cora and two boys Lee and Ashley and he loved to speak about his grandchildren with excitement, pride and joy (Isaiah Bryson-Gagne, Treydon Gagné-Thomson, Peter Gagné, Seth Pansien, Carter Pansien, Brynlee and Aaden Budd.) He also spent endless hours with his best friend and significant other Teresa, his faithful companion and the one he adored until the very end.
In spite of difficult health circumstances Bernie always stood firm on his Faith and Hope in God without wavering. He would often say “You need to trust God… Let Go and Let God.”
Bernie will be immensely missed and loved by his children Lee, Ash, Cora; his many grandchildren; significant other Teresa Bolen; and his many surviving siblings Jean-Louis, Louise, Lucille, Simone, Martine, Rodrigue, Marc Andre, Ghislain et Jean-Yves and families.
As per Bernard’s wishes no funeral will be held. A celebration of life was held by his family.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made by cheque to the Riverside Foundation (Dialysis Unit), c/o Northridge Funeral Home, Box 89, Emo, ON, P0W 1E0.
“God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the Courage to change the things I can and the Wisdom to know the difference.”