Call
Email
Facebook-square Instagram

780-532-2929 | info@oliversfuneralhome.com

Facebook-square Instagram

Obituaries

Bernard Joseph Denief

May 21, 1943 - December 21, 2024

Text:

Obituary For Bernard Joseph Denief

Bernard Joseph Denief (Bernie), recently of Grande Prairie and long time resident and pioneer of Wabush, Newfoundland and Labrador, passed away on Saturday December 21, 2024, at the age of 81.

Bernie was born and raised in St. John’s, NL on May 21, 1943. He was the middle child of seven. During his life in St.John’s, he attended school at St. Patrick’s and went on to work at McMurdo’s Pharmacy for a short time, then as a taxi driver with “OK Taxi”. In 1961 he met Marie (June) and they married in 1967. They had two children, Georgina (Gina) and Daniel (Dan). They remained together for 57 years until the very moment of his passing.

In 1975 the family moved to Labrador West where Bernie took up the duties of managing the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 57. Through his involvement with the Legion, Bernie became a true community activist and drive behind many fundraisers for the local hospital, and other community groups. His work with the Legion was unfaltering, where at the time of his passing he was an executive member of Grande Prairie Branch 54.

While living in Labrador West, Bernie was a staple of the community and could be looked at to assist in any and all worthwhile causes. There weren’t many folks in the community that didn’t know him. To quote an article written about him a number of years ago, “Bernie seems to have more energy than many people half his age. He has a constant smile on his face. He is usually on his way to or on his way back from, lending someone a helping hand”.

After 20 years with the Legion, Bernie went on to work at the Tamarack Golf Club as the Superintendent for six more years, while also holding the position of President at the Newfoundland and Labrador Golf Association. Upon completion of those positions, Bernie “Retired”. Although most people’s definitions of retirement was a lot different from his.

His biggest accomplishment though, would have to be the creation of, and continuing involvement in the Legion Telethon that was held annually in Labrador West for over thirty five years. The efforts of this venture raised in excess of 2.5 million dollars for the local Hospital, and the Janeway Children’s Hospital in St. Johns’s.

Bernie was a kind, gentle, hardworking family man. He was proud to be a husband, father, grandpa and great grandpa (gramps/grampy)

He will be sadly missed by his wife, June (nee King); children: Gina (Carl Pike) and Dan (Christina nee Whalen): brothers: Lesley, Harold and George: grandchildren: Emily, Meghan, Natasha, Ryan and Stephanie: great-grandchildren: Nova, Cruz, Krome and Audrey.

He was predeceased by his parents, Michael and Violet, his mother-in-law Myrtle (Ma), his sister Margaret, and brothers Edward and Francis.

A Memorial Service will be held Monday December 30, 2024 at 12:00 pm at Grande Prairie Legion Branch 54 9912 101 Ave, Grande Prairie, Alberta

Livestream https://www.facebook.com/rcl54/

In lieu of flowers, memorial donation can be made to local branch of the Royal Canandian Legion: http://legion.ca or to the Heart and Stroke foundation of Canada at http://heartandstroke.ca

“Say not in grief ‘he is no more’ but in thankfulness that he was” Hebrew Proverb

Condolences may be sent by visiting www.oliversfuneralhome.com.

Photos & Video

Add New Photos & Video

Condolences

  • December 31, 2024

    Ruby Lawrence

    My heartfelt sympathy to June and all his family.

  • December 30, 2024

    Jean Denief Croyle

    My deepest sympathies to June, Gina, Dan and Families. I have many great memories of times we all were together and will cherish them forever. Bernie is gone but will never be forgotten. Sending lots of love and prayers. Jean

  • December 28, 2024

    Harvey & Margaret Spurrell

    My memories of Bernie was centered around golf. We would play when he came to St. John's during the summer but I feel like we have been friends for ever. After I had to have my leg amputated, Bernie called me every week and prayed for me every night. I believe it was Bernie who played a great part in my recovery. He was truly a very special person. He will be missed. Sincere sympathy to June and family. RIP

  • December 28, 2024

    Jean Pretorius

    So very sad to hear of Bernie's passing. He was always larger than life and I have fond memories of him from our years in Wabush and being involved with the Legion. My sincere condolences to June and his family. Cherish the memories and may you find comfort in knowing that so many admired and respected Bernie.

  • December 28, 2024

    Paul Beth McLean

    June and family we are so sorry for your loss. We met Bernie in the early 70s at the Legion in Wabush while playing to dances and developed a relationship immediately. He was a pleasant accommodating person that will be sincerely missed. Thoughts and prayers go out to all❤️

  • December 27, 2024

    Gen Dillon

    Condolences to all the family Memories last forever!

  • December 27, 2024

    George Denief

    Bernie was a Kind Fun Loving Individual. He loved people & Life. A very personable & talented type of person who left a lasting impression on everyone who had the privilege of being in his company.He will be missed by all. Love George,Doreen,Darrell,Julie &Renee

  • December 27, 2024

    Guy Tobin

    Condolences to the family. Knew Bernie from his time with Legion work also he live next door to my mother in law in Wabush helping her out during his time there.RIP Bernie.💐

  • December 27, 2024

    Sue Reid

    Bernie always had a smile and 'hello' for everyone at the Legion. He insisted on climbing up a short ladder to ride on our Canada Day Parade float and waved at everyone along the route. He was truly a nice man and I will miss his smile. Deepest sympathies on your loss. Sue Reid

  • December 27, 2024

    Laud and Irene Pittman

    Our deepest condolences to June and family.RIP Bernie Laud and Irene

  • December 27, 2024

    Anne / Ed Delahunty

    June, we are devestated to hear of Bernie's passing. Condolences to you all. Xoxo

  • December 27, 2024

    Elaine Barnes

    June, Gina and Dan, Bill and I send sincere condolences to you all at this very sad time. Bernie's life sure was summed up well in his obituary. He was a man that knew everyone he met because everyone made a point of "knowing Bernie Denief". May he "Rest In Peace" ✝️🙏 Elaine and Bill Barnes

  • December 27, 2024

    Sean Ennis

    Rest well old friend!

  • December 27, 2024

    Colleen

    My uncle Bern was one of the funniest men I ever had the pleasure of knowing, my condolences to my aunt June, and cousins Gina and Dan at this incredibly hard time....Love you guys!!!

  • December 27, 2024

    Jean Thorne

    So sorry to hear of your Dads passing,sending love and prayers to your family Gary and Jean Thorne xoxo

  • December 27, 2024

    Margaret and Kenneth MacVicar

    My deepest condolences to his family. I remembered Mr. D's smile and always saying hello Margy.

  • December 27, 2024

    Patricia McGrath

    Although Bob and I left Wabush over 34 years ago, there are some people who really stand out in memory. Bernie was one of them. He was always on the go and never failed to acknowledge those he met along the way. A good man. Rest in peace, Bernie. My condolences to all who loved him. 💕

  • December 27, 2024

    Gina Pike

    The first man I ever loved and always will. I have so many memories with my dad and I'll treasure them all. I miss him so much but God received another amazing angel 😇. I love you dad 💞

We are experiencing some technical difficulties with our Obituaries.  We are working to resolve the issue as soon as possible.  Our apologies for any inconvenience.

 

To view the livestream of Sandra Van Schaick (Saturday at 11:00 am) or Glenn Kochendorfer (Monday at 2:00 pm) visit https://www.facebook.com/olivers.funeral.home/

Facebook-square Instagram
Get Directions
Street View
Scroll to Top