Bernardo Bautista, a resident of Grande Prairie, AB passed away on Tuesday, April 23, 2024 at Grande Prairie Regional Hospital at the age of 50 years.

Bernard was born on August 20, 1973 to Elizabeth and Ignacio in Quezon City, Philippines. He was the eldest of four children and also of the grandchildren on both sides of the family. He grew up tagging along with his dad visiting family and friends. His mom described him as a good kid growing up. He was not fond of school work, but he listened and didn’t give his parents a hard time.

As a young adult, Bernard was fond of hanging out with his friends, playing basketball, cards, socializing, and for a brief time, enjoyed horse racing. He was elected a youth leader in the Baranggay council, strengthening his social and interpersonal skills.

Bernard met his wife Glorizita and his first child was born in the Philippines. He graduated with a BS in Commerce from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines. He started working in a car company, then a battery company and also started a taxi business. He moved to Canada in August 1999 to marry his loving wife and be with his son.

Canada became Bernard’s home. He went through the hustle and bustle of an immigrant, working at different places before landing a job in Grande Prairie Public School District. He was employed there for more than two decades. Paving the way for friends, companions, newcomers and strangers needing a job or wanting to work at the School Board. He had an innate ability to build relationships with the people around him. He was genuine in his interaction with people, approachable and very accommodating. These traits contributed to him becoming an officer in the Filipino Community. Even after his term, he stayed the same.

At this time Bernard was able to start his cleaning business and have two more children. He chose to enjoy his time with his kids and was a hands-on Dad. He was very supportive of his wife raising their children, being patient and not getting angry easily, or as his kids say “not showing he is angry.”

While being the best dad he could be, Bernard enjoyed hanging out with the boys (his friends) on some weekends, relaxing watching movies and looking at his beloved fish. He would also go for his daily walk/jog/bike to keep himself fit. However, he did have a special relationship with food and enjoyed eating. Later in his life he developed a love of nature and would go camping during summertime. He could also be found playing Candy Crush, watching YouTube videos and Philippine shows or playing with his dog Hershey

Bernard was always a very positive person, even until his last days. He was social, kind, approachable, accommodating, loving and patient. There was no quick grocery run for Bernard. He would see someone he knew and have a quick catch-up in the middle of the grocery aisle.

Bernard will be sadly missed by his wife Glorizita Bautista; sons Nico Bautista and Gabriel Bautista; as well as daughter Cristen Bautista

He was predeceased by his father Ignacio S. Bautista Jr, grandfather Petronio Onod, grandfather Ignacio Bautista Sr, grandmother Purificacion Onod and grandmother Gregoria Bautista.

A Viewing will be held on Wednesday, May 1, 2024 at 6:30pm at Oliver’s Funeral Home (10005 107 Ave.) Grande Prairie, AB.

A Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, May 2, 2024 at 10:30am at St. Joseph Catholic Church (10404 102 St.) Grande Prairie, AB. Interment will be after the service at the Grande Prairie Cemetery (84 Ave. and 112 St.) with a Luncheon to follow at St. Joseph Catholic Church.