In Memory of Bernard Thibodeau
It is with saddened hearts that we announce the death of Bernard Thibodeau Friday, February 15th 2019. He passed away after a short but courageous battle with Pulmonary Fibrosis.
Born in Espanola Ontario, son of the late Yvette and Lorenzo, Bernard chose teaching as a career. He arrived in Kapuskasing in 1972 where he met ‘sa belle Rachelle’ (Leblanc) while teaching at Cité des Jeunes secondary school. They married in 1974. After 17 years as an educator, he became the Director of Communications at the Caisse Populaire where he retired after 25 years.
Bernard greatly influenced his community and volunteered in various organizations. He was very active in his parish and diocese. For over 25 years, he played an important role as one of the leaders (along with a group of adult volunteers) in the Youth Encounter. During that time, he inspired more than 6 000 teenagers between the ages of 17-23. After 40 years in Kapuskasing, they moved to Ottawa in October 2012.
He leaves in mourning his devoted wife Rachelle, his two children Sylvie (Nicolas Germain), Gilles (Katarina Kin) and two lovely granddaughters, Danika and Amelija. His brothers, Maurice (Karen), Ronald (Barbara) and Denis (Kim) are grieving his loss. Bernard also maintained very strong family ties with his sisters and brothers in law: Pierrette (Jacques), Pauline, Gérard (Sherry), Normand, Murielle, Gisèle and Régis as well as numerous nieces and nephews. It is with great pride and happiness that Bernard was grand-py/pepère/grand-papa of Jeff, Annabelle, Nick, Patrick, Abbigail, Jennifer, Thoma, Lucas, Jasper, Normand (Bud), Bryan, Éric, Anic, Mikka, Anna, Benjamin, Carson, Coulton, Norman, Clara and Elliott and the late Éric, Autumn, Joey, Robbie, Bryan, Murielle Anne and Noah.
In lieu of flowers a donation to the Orléans-Cumberland Community Resource Centre or charity of your choice would be appreciated.
The interment will take place in Espanola at a future date.
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