(October 24, 1937 – March 17, 2022)
Bernard F. (Bernie) Markle fittingly left the world on a day when the Irish gather with friends and family to celebrate and raise a glass of cheer to honour those who lift our spirits.
Bernie had a special quality: With his striking Irish smiling eyes and unique ability to crack jokes at warp speed, he could help you forget your worries and make your troubles fade away. When he turned on the charm and you were under his spell, a feeling of lightness and joy might slip into your soul.
While Bernie's journey was often tumultuous, battling mental health and addiction issues, his life story is ultimately one of resilience. He was determined to never give up and to “keep on keeping on” despite life’s challenges.
Bernie's life could be a beacon to those facing their own demons. His story reminds us of the adage: “When you're flat down on your back there's no way but up.”
If you were fortunate, you were invited to sit for a while as Bernie cracked jokes in an impressive stream of consciousness. “May your day be touched by a bit of Irish luck, brightened by a song in your heart and warmed by the smiles of the people you love.”
This was very much how Bernie lived out his last years with his Forest Heights family at the LTC home in Kitchener. Famous at the home, he was often the “life of the party;” the one who would smile and break into song no matter who you were - unless of course - you came without a Mars bar, a Coke, or his favourite: ketchup chips.
Bernie is survived by his children Karen, Ted, and Laura; his grandchildren, Leigh, Danielle, Katy, Carrie, Simon, Louis, Erin, and Ben; and his great grandchildren, Océanne, Kessey, and Claire. Bernie also loved his grand dogs, Ruby, Yankee Doodle, and Ivy. Dogs for Bernie were the perfect friends: No judgement, unconditional love, and living for the moment. Bernie is predeceased by his son Jeff and granddaughter Christal.
The family is looking to plan an outdoor gathering in the late spring/early summer for a celebration of Bernie’s life - hopefully on the kind of sunshiny day that we would have appreciated.
To honour Bernie’s love of our furry wise souls, donations will be gratefully accepted to the KW Humane Society.
Messages and condolences may be left for the family at www.tricitycremations.com or 519.772.1237. Please visit Bernie's obituary on Facebook.
Bernard F. (Bernie) Markle fittingly left the world on a day when the Irish gather with friends and family to celebrate and raise a glass of cheer to honour those who lift our spirits.
Bernie had a special quality: With his striking Irish smiling eyes and unique ability to crack jokes at warp speed, he could help you forget your worries and make your troubles fade away. When he turned on the charm and you were under his spell, a feeling of lightness and joy might slip into your soul.
While Bernie's journey was often tumultuous, battling mental health and addiction issues, his life story is ultimately one of resilience. He was determined to never give up and to “keep on keeping on” despite life’s challenges.
Bernie's life could be a beacon to those facing their own demons. His story reminds us of the adage: “When you're flat down on your back there's no way but up.”
If you were fortunate, you were invited to sit for a while as Bernie cracked jokes in an impressive stream of consciousness. “May your day be touched by a bit of Irish luck, brightened by a song in your heart and warmed by the smiles of the people you love.”
This was very much how Bernie lived out his last years with his Forest Heights family at the LTC home in Kitchener. Famous at the home, he was often the “life of the party;” the one who would smile and break into song no matter who you were - unless of course - you came without a Mars bar, a Coke, or his favourite: ketchup chips.
Bernie is survived by his children Karen, Ted, and Laura; his grandchildren, Leigh, Danielle, Katy, Carrie, Simon, Louis, Erin, and Ben; and his great grandchildren, Océanne, Kessey, and Claire. Bernie also loved his grand dogs, Ruby, Yankee Doodle, and Ivy. Dogs for Bernie were the perfect friends: No judgement, unconditional love, and living for the moment. Bernie is predeceased by his son Jeff and granddaughter Christal.
The family is looking to plan an outdoor gathering in the late spring/early summer for a celebration of Bernie’s life - hopefully on the kind of sunshiny day that we would have appreciated.
To honour Bernie’s love of our furry wise souls, donations will be gratefully accepted to the KW Humane Society.
Messages and condolences may be left for the family at www.tricitycremations.com or 519.772.1237. Please visit Bernie's obituary on Facebook.
