Marc and family. I just heard of your dads passing. My wife and wish to offer our deepest condolences to you and your family. I really liked your dad. He was a good bus driver always telling us tales of Matachewan from days gone by. Many good memories . Sorry for your loss. Kevin & Sara Taman

Marc Mercier posted a condolence Friday, May 13, 2016 Bonjour Yvette, Nicole, Marc et Denise, Je m’adonnais à parler à un collègue qui vient e Matheson et j’ai pensé à vous. J’ai fait une petite recherche sur “Google” et je suis tombé sur cet avis de décès. Même si c’est un peu tard, six mois après le départ de Gerry, je vous offre tous mes condoléances et je vous invite à communiquer avec moi par courriel, j’aimerais bien prendre de vos nouvelles.

Mr.B to me is one of the greatest nicest man I had the pleasure of meeting and growing up around, from being on the school bus to helping him with firewood a couple times and a few odd jobs, but my greatest memory is the day of my confirmation my own god parents didn’t show up, so Mr.B ask me if he could fill in. I remeber at that moment all the feelings of sadness went away and a very proud good feeling came over me then as I remeber that we’ll still to this day. So in my life when I was asked who my godfather is , I graciously said Mr.Bernatchez is my godfather, and when I found out about his passing I told this same scripture I just wrote to a few people and after some painful events in my life I can’t bring myself to go a hospital or funeral of a person I’m proud as a man to say I love. I’ll hold my memory’s for my life and remeber that great one day he made me feel like I was a special lil boy , ( that confirmation) thank you Mr.B your godson J.p George , my thoughts and prayers and condolences go out to his special wife Yvette my feelings and strength to you.

My dear Yvette, How sad to hear of Gerry’s death. He was a great friend and loved his home town. I am now residing in Parry Sound. My best to you, June Rumney

May Gerard’s family and friends be comforted by God’s promise to “swallow up death forever, and wipe away every tear from all faces.” (Isaiah 25:8) Remembering too the promise of the resurrection hope for both the Righteous and Unrighteous. (Acts 24:15)

growing up in Matachewan I have fond memories of mister Bernatchz, he was my friend my bus driver & good friends with my aunt & uncle Sharon & Leo Richard. on Halloween mister Bernatchez gave out the best candy. He would make us hot cocoa when we would go sliding behind his house. he was a loving kind funny man who will be missed. my deepest condolence to the family..

Yvette and family I was saddened by the news of Gerry’s passing . I have known mister B for along time and he was a great man .Remember him from way back at River Canard Grade school.had the pleasure of staying at your cottage a couple of times.Gerry was always a true northern friend who loved MATACHEWAN and the great outdoors.He will truly be missed by all who knew him. My sincere sympathy to you and your family at this sad time.

I went prospecting in Northern Ontario. The precious treasure I found was the Bernatchez Family.

Condolences to you Yvette and your Family at this very sad and difficult time on the loss of Gerry. Gerry made bowling and Tim Hortons afterwards an enjoyable Wednesday.

So was it the Vikings or the Natives that wrote the Petroglyphs on that slanted rock face on the east shore of The Montreal River on the way up to Lake Matachewan? Well if youre werent sure of something, or especially from the area…..Gerry was you man. Gerry was that special kind of guy that you always wanted to run into….just to hear his stories. I just wish I had done more of exactly that ….. Every year we would anticipate the arrival into the camp , excited to get unpacked, boats launched, beers cracked and The Chat with Gerry to make it ALL official. Yes aside from all his achievements and accolades, he was a guy who also wanted to talk to you, usually starting with a joke or a story he had almost handpicked for you cause of his sincere curiosity…..How is your mom? How was the drive? Is your son doing well….is he coming? He was so happy of his recovery from Cancer and love to tell you how healthy he was….so proud….I was certain he would live longer than me….25 yrs my senior…..Gerry was that special character that you thought would never be gone…..form the camp…..from his family……from us…. So well will be remembered…..the name Bernachez….cause it was the calling card for many years of good fishing, great times with buddies, and the first glimps of nature after a long winter, on that same weekend in the spring up on The Mont. This means The Hairy Shiner Award (a kitchy wooden fish with hair glued to it, given out to the person with the biggest fish of the wknd) is retired! It belongs at The Camp…..simply at Gerrys…. So it is with heavy hearts, from all of us from our trips to your cabin, and im sure i can speak all all the groups over the yrs…..we will certainly miss you…..you were a wonderful constant and welcoming friendly soul who beckoned us each spring to the best wknd of the year…..thanks for everything…..!! And some tight hugs and condolences to the family and loved ones….. Guess we will see you on the other side old buddy

So was it the Vikings or the Native Indians that wrote those well known petroglyphs on that rock on the east shore of The Montreal River on the way up to Lake Matachewan? Well if you werent sure about anything, especially in that area, Gerry would have the answer. He was one of those guys that you dont run into very often…..friendly, engaging, sincerely curious and kind. I just wish I could have been sitting with him talking about stuff more often…..we were always excited to get to the camp and get packing or fishing but always knew to have a cold one ready for when Gerry would show up to great us…..you just hoped the mosquitos werent bad, cause you knew your visit with Gerry wasnt going to be quick……he really cared about the friendships he made and would talk to us as long as we wanted. Yes, aside from all of Gerrys accoloades and acheivements….to me he was always the guy who wanted to talk to you….usually starting with a joke or a story of his….but always came around to his sincere curiosity in others…..how is your mom? How were the fish? How is your son? Is he coming up? His bellowing voice ensuring your attention and interest. He was so happy of his recovery from cancer and loved to speak of how healthy he was…..I was certain he would live longer than me….im 53. Gerry was a certain special guy and a character youde think would never be gone…from his camp….from his family…..from us …. So it will always be remembered the name Bernachez…….cause it was the calling card for the best fishing and good times for all us buddies who would gather there on the weekend after the May 24 weekend. This means the Hairy Shiner ( a kitcshy little wooden fish with hair on glued to it, rewarded to the guy with the biggest fish that wknd) is retired boys! It belongs with the camp , with Gerry…. Gerry…..on behalf of the guys in our group and im sure the many many more groups of yrs gone by and present…….You were a sweet and fun and welcoming friend who will sincerely be missed. Sorry…..it just wont be the same without you. Seeya on the other side

I am so sorry of hear of Gerry’s passing. I have many fond memories of him coming to visit my parents, Roma and Euclide, in Kirkland Lake. Gerry would fascinate me by wiggling his ears! He, dad, and Rheal Lavois spent many enjoyable hours together in the outdoors, and Gerry was instrumental in helping dad build a log cabin near Matachewan. He was a great friend to dad, and I’m honored to have known him. My sympathies.

Yvette and family, I was so very sorry to hear of Gerry’s passing. It was always a pleasure meeting him for his smile, his optimism and always with a story. He will be missed. My condolences to you and the family. Nancy Morris

We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts are with you all!

Dear Yvette, Nicole, Marc and Denyse, I am so sorry that Ron & I aren’t able to be with you. Gerry was always in good spirits, joking or telling stories. Thankfully, our granddaughters got to meet him in October. They liked him and thought he was funny. R.I.P. dear brother-in-law.

Our sincere condolences Nicole Millions and family … Our thoughts are with you … Todd & Lynn Kampman

Nos pensées sont avec vous. La distance nous sépare. Bon courage Yvette, á toi et toute at famille. Nous axons tellement de bons souvenirs des soirées de nos plus June’s années. Margo et Normand

Que votre coeur et âme trouvent paix et réconfort. Nos pensées et prières sont avec vous tous.

We were brought to tears when we heard the news of Gerry’s passing. The times we spent with him and with him and Yvette were always special, and, as expected filled with much laughter. While distance was a factor in our relationship- emails, and phone calls helped to fill in some gaps. We know he will be missed by many- as he gave so much to everyone with his great attitude towards life. We extend our condolences to the whole family- the family that made him proud. We feel your pain and hope that great memories will help to ease the loss as you back on all the good times.

My deepest condolences, Prayers and thoughts to all of you. Gerry will be missed by all. I’ll never forget the way he made me laugh even though I wanted to cry. R.I.P. my Friend.

Dear Yvette Please accept our deepest condolences to you and your family. It was such a special priveledge in knowing Gerry. Our thoughts are with you. Bruno and Helen

Yvette, Nicole,Marc and Denise….. I am so sorry for your loss..Uncle Gerry will never be forgotten .I only have the fondest memories of him. Always smililing, teasing and joking… You are all in my thoughts and prayers….Yvette

J’ai beaucoup de peine vous formiez tellement un beau couple. Je suis de tout cur avec toute la famille dans ces moments aussi difficiles. Vos amis de VTown René et Ginette

Yvette and family…our deepest sympathies..on the loss of Gerard. You will be in our thoughts and prayers. Stories and memories help.

we would like to add our condolences at this time

Dear Yvette and Family: We cannot even begin to tell you how saddened we are at the passing of someone as special as Gerry. We have felt honored to call the two of you our friends. And this past year made it even more so. We were so pleased to have been invited to your anniversary party. And we spent many evenings visiting with the two of you. Gerry was larger then life and made anyone he was around feel special. He was a good man and a good and special friend. We want you to know that you and your family are in our thoughts and our prayers. You are like family to Jim and I and we love you all very much. God bless you. Bobbi & Jim

I was very sorry to hear of the passing of Gerald,I have many memories of him.He was a close friend of my brother Willie Ruttan.He will be missed. My prayers are with you and the family.

Chere Yvette….Solange et moi avons ete bien peines d’apprendre la mort de Gerry. Nos sympathies a toute ta famille. Malheureusement nous ne pourrons pas nous render aux funerailles car je ne suis pas tres bien: je dois subir une operation a Coeur ouvert [valve aortique calcifiee] dans qq jours. On pensera a vous tous vendredi. Jean-Marc et Solange

Condolences to you Yvette and your Family at this very sad and difficult time on the loss of Gerry. I only knew Gerry thru Robin, he was a great friend of his, and am so grateful Robin had a good chat with him a couple of weeks ago, Robin sends his sympathy to you as well.

My condolences to all of the family and nearest and dearest friends.

Mes sympaties à la famille Bernatchez! Un homme gentil et exceptionel!

Our condolences to Yvette and the family… may the Lord comfort each of you and may you each find comfort in the love you share of each other. God bless each of you. Our hearts are with you. Love from Pat & Brenda Hopkins

My deepest sympathies on your loss. Mr. Bernatchez was always smiling, always so very kind to everyone. He was a great role model to those of us who were priveledged enough to have him as a teacher. Rest in peace.

We are so sorry to hear of Gerry’s passing Yvette please know that our hearts and prayers are with you and your family. Sorry we can not be there for you at the funeral but we will always remember the good times we had at Zone 41 and at Crime Stoppers. RIP Gerry and God Bless You All

My deepest sympathy to the Bernatchez family. I had the pleasure of providing the music for the anniversary party earlier this year. Although I did not know the family personally, my father (Rick Charette), did know the family and accompanied me for the party. My father told me all about the family and how great they all are. The amount of love in that room that evening was evident as I listened to the speeches being made throughout the night. Unfortunately, I too lost my father about 4 weeks ago and know just how tremendously difficult it is to go on without your loved one. I hope you can find peace and strength during this time.

Our thoughts and deepest sympathies go out to Yvette and family. Gerry always had a smile on his face and a hearty laugh. We will miss him.

Mes sincères condoléances à la famille.

My condolences.

My deepest sympathy for your lost. Mr. Bernatchez (Gerry ) will be remembered by me as. Always smiling with a story to share . His encouragement has left me with memories I am proud to own. Helene

Très triste d’apprendre cette nouvelle. Ton rire et ta joie de vivre ainsi que nos jasettes seront pour moi toujours de très bons souvenirs. Je pense à toi Yvette et à ta famille

Toute mes condoléances de ma part et de la famille.

my sympathy to the family he was a good man and father he will be missed

So sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you and the family Mrs Bernatchez. Take care love Jenny9

Chère Yvette & membres de famille: C’est avec une immense tristesste que nous venons d’apprendre le décès de Gerry. Nous savons tous que la vie s’arrête un jour et pour toi le chemin seule sera difficile. Laisse le temps au temps, qui apaisera ton chagrin petit à petit. Et dis-toi que Gerry restera à jamais vivant dans ton coeur. Sois sûre aussi que ta présence près de lui, lui a été précieuse. On ne peut pas être parmi vous pour les funérailles mais on sera là en pensée, pour vous accompagner, toi et tes enfants. Bon courage et on t’embrasse. Joe & Madeleine

So very very sorry for your loss Yvette. Gerry was such a wonderful wonderful man. Loved his sense of humour & many stories he has told of his life. He will indeed be missed by his many many friends & family. Thoughts & prayers are with you in this most difficult time. Sincerest Sympathy’s sent with love from Sonia, Fred & Kristopher.

We are so deeply sorry to hear of Gerard’s passing. We will always remember his joyful demeanour, his laughter, and his joking manner. His was one of the best examples of a life well lived.

Sorry to hear of your loss, thinking of you at this time. Clara Hanson

Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Gaetane , Pierre and Christine, Claude, Andre and Odette Larouche

À toute la famille, Veuillez accepter mes plus sincères condoléances. Je garde de bons souvenirs lorsque nous uvrions ensemble. Mes pensées vous accompagnent et tout spécialement vendredi. Michèle Chrétien Guidolin

It was so sad to hear of the passing of a great man today. I always referred to Gerry as “My Father of The North”. I will always cherish the many time I visited him at home for his strong instant coffee. The last time I visited Gerry was when my kids were small, I decided one day to load up the kids and make the trip to Matachewan for the day from Rama. That visit I will cherish in my heart forever… From the Snake Family Johnny, Danielle Paris Lily and Lil Johnny Jr.

Didn’t know Gerry &yvette for very long but they became good friend .Bowling with him was so much fun He was a good man .Alway happy go lucky ..never a bad word to say about anybody ..R.I.P Gerry you were very special to both of us .

Mes plus sinceres condoléances a la famille Bernatchez. Nous gardons de beaux souvenirs. Bon courage. Diane et Yvon Delay

So sorry to hear of this news Marc and Lise and family, thoughts and prayers are with you and yours.

Mes sympathies a la famille Bernatchez,,,Yvette , je t’envoi une grosse caresse… Gerry était toujours de bonne humeur, souriant. Heaven has a new Angel….. Hugs xo

My deepest condolences. Mr Bernatchez always had a smile for everyone he met. He will be missed

My deepest condolences to the family…Uncle Gerry was a great mentor and uncle! I will cherish the fond memories that I spent with him, camping, taking me outdoors and our times bowling on Wednesday afternoons at Uptown Bowl in Kirkland Lake. I will miss him and his stories and chats and his adventures growing up in Matachewan.

Chère Yvette, C’est avec grande tristesse que j’apprend son décès, j’ai toujours aimé vos visites et amitiés, sois assuré que je garde le meilleure des souvenirs. Mes prières , Denise Laurin

My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.Gerry will be sadly missed by many. Gene&Dorothy Kelley

“Il y a longtemps que je t’aime, jamais je ne t’oublierai” Monique

To the Bernatchez family, We give our condolences for your loss of Gerry he will be sadly missed. We have known him all of our lives and he was one of my mothers best friend, they also grew up together. He was a very nice person that tried to help anyone in trouble no matter whom they may be. He was an excellent teacher and was the head of MATACHEWAN council which he loved dearly. He is now in the arms of God and having a visit with pre deseased family and friends, he is looking down on all with his warm smile and waiting for all to visit him. Again our condolences. Raymond Marg and family

On behalf of the Belford family Id like to express our deep sympathy. We have many fond memories, including Gerry’s role as Master of Ceremonies at our wedding back in ’78. I know he has done many more since then and always added a humorous note! Gerry was a great friend to my brother Stan, who passed a few short years ago. Having Gerry with us then was a great comfort. Maybe now they can rekindle the camaraderie. God Bless. Im sure your family is proud.

He was a wonderful teacher. I have very wonderful memories of my time at St Joseph school. So sorry to hear of his passing.

To the Bernatchez family, We have known Gerry all of our lives and we will miss him very much. He was a very nice person . He grew up with my mother and her siblings and had good times with all he knew. He lived his life to the fullest and was always ready to help in any way possible. He is now in the arms of God and will reside in heaven with all his pre deseased family and friends, and will look down on all and give his smile he always had for anyone that he spoke to. Our deepest sympathy to all the family. Raymond and Margaret Letellier and family.

Bernice and I express our deepest sympathy to the family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you . Many memories were founded with this gentleman during my elementary years. Definitely will be missed in this community.

CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY….GERRY WAS A GREAT MAN……HE WILL BE MISSED BY ALL …PRAYING FOR THE FAMILY…

Uncle Gerry will be dearly missed by everyone. Not only was he my godfather but also a huge part of his nieces’ & nephews’ lives as we grew up. I’ll miss his laughter, his endless stories, his teasing and his optimism. For uncle Gerry, no problem seemed too big to take on. Rest in piece mon’oncle! You will be missed but not forgotten.

My deepest condolences to the family…I was very fond of Uncle Gerry, he has been a great mentor, father figure in my life. I will remember and cherish his stories and memories about the past and my time bowling with him in the senior bowling league on Wednesday afternoons for the past 4 yrs. Will greatly miss him…I will cherish my fond memories of a great uncle! Love and support to the Bernatchez family in this difficult time… xoxo

Garry and I were deeply saddened by Gerry’s passing he will be truly missed in matachewan .Our hearts goes out to the family in this difficult time.RIP Gerry ….

Steve and I send our deepest condolences to your family. We hope that in time only happy memories will remain.