Horst Bernhardt

BERNHARDT, Horst Otto Wilhelm
Passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, February 17, 2015 at the age of 82. Beloved husband for almost 52 years to the late Irmgard Bernhardt (nee Bunk). Devoted Papa to Astrid (Bob Mitchell) and Frank (Edie George) and Opa to Michael. He is survived by his sister Helga (Dieter Stammann) and cousin Margarete Schiemann. Horst came to Canada in May 1954 from Germany to build a better life. At 13 years of age, he began work as a gardener and this became a lifelong passion. Coming to Canada required a 3-year commitment as a farm hand. Once complete he worked to help build the Trans-Canada Pipeline in northern Ontario. Thereafter as part of a construction crew he worked to help build bridges all over Ontario. He was a truck driver and loved driving all across our province to deliver materials and goods. In retirement he took great pleasure in singing, dancing, playing skat, chatting with friends, telling jokes and tending to his garden. He really personified "live love laugh". He truly enjoyed life, loved deeply and brought joy and laughter to others. Too he enjoyed the little things in life because he understood these are the big things in life. He readily helped others, treasured time with family and friends, and loved to give flowers to others. In his memory, enjoy your own garden. We thank the staff and care givers from Mountainview Residence and Home Instead Senior Care for the wonderful care he received. He enjoyed his church family and "In Memory" contributions to St. Alban the Martyr Church (537 Main Street, Glen Williams, Ontario L7G 3T1) would be appreciated. Following cremation, a service will be held for his church family. In loving memory a celebration of life reception will be held Saturday, March 21, 2015 at 1:00 pm at the North Halton Golf and Country Club, 363 Maple Avenue (off Trafalgar Road), Georgetown. Given Horst was an avid gardener, flowers are welcome. In our "kaffeeklatsch" format we'll enjoy coffee and cake, and hope that you'll also share a fond memory or funny story about Horst. Our father, grandfather, brother and friend will be truly missed.
~♥~
We thought of you with love today,
But that is nothing new.
We thought about you yesterday,
And days before that too.
We think of you in silence.
We often speak your name.
Now all we have are memories,
And your picture in a frame.
Your memory is our keepsake
With which we'll never part.
God has you in his keeping,
And we have you in our heart.