Bernard Michel Merrien

It is with great sorrow that the family of Bernard Michel Merrien, age 86, announce his passing on April 20th, 2016. Bernard was born Sept. 10th, 1929 on the farm north of Willow Bunch. In 1930 the family moved to a ranch in the Harptree district (now owned by Kyreon and Joan Rood). They lived here for 13 years. Bernard and his sister Jacqueline rode horseback four miles to Muddy View School. They grew up surrounded by nature’s beauty. This had a lasting impression on him and instilled a love of nature and animals. Bernard met the love of his life Christine Wrolson and they were married 1954. They have two children Wanda and Kevin. He liked the farm lifestyle and being active in the community. He was willing to give a helping hand when needed. He enjoyed riding a good horse, working with cattle and helped at roundups on surrounding ranches for over 50 years. He was on the Rodeo Association Committee for many years. Team roping with his son and grandson Lee was a sport they all loved and could do together. Bernard was a hard-worker, a cattleman, horseman, craftsman, storyteller and most of all a respected, caring family man. He loved his family dearly. Bernard was an avid reader and loved books about the early days of ranching and pioneering. Having a remarkable memory, he remembered everything he read. Visiting with family and friends, reminiscing about the old days was another pastime that he liked. A cruise to Alaska, The National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas, Louisiana, as well as the train trips through the Canadian Rockies and to Branson, Missouri, with friends along, a good time was had but he was happy to get back home. Bernard was predeceased by his parents Jacques and Jeanne Merrien, daughter-in-law Lori Merrien, brothers-in-law John Paterson, Don Kupper and Martin Wrolson, two sisters-in-law Eleanor Kupper and Eileen Wrolson, Bernard is survived by his wife of 61 years, Christine (Wrolson) Merrien, daughter Wanda (Hewitt) Pulfer, son Kevin Merrien (Linda Bruneau), sister Jacqueline Paterson, five grandchildren, Lee (Jen) Merrien, Nicole (Dusty) Shaver, Lance Merrien, Marlon Pulfer (Sherylee), Aletta (Dean) Maier and seven great-grandchildren Houston, Ciera, Holden, Halle, Hanna, Braylan, Ethan and numerous nieces and nephews. Memorial Service for Bernard was held on April 25th, 2016 at the Bengough Community Centre, facilitated by Barry Kemp. Tribute was by Joan Rood and Thelma Giraudier, eulogy was by grandson Lee Merrien, special music was provided by Kyreon Rood and Cameron Winter. Pallbearers were: Lee Merrien, Lance Merrien, Arlon Pulfer, Dusty Shaver, Dean Maier and Ross Campbell. Interment followed at the Clearview Cemetery near Harptree. Donations in memory of Bernard may be made to Big Muddy Rodeo Association. An online book of condolences may be signed at www.rossfuneralservice.com. Arrangements entrusted to Ross Funeral Service, Assiniboia, Saskatchewan. Bernard will be sadly missed by family and friends for his stories, his knowledge and love and care for his family, we’ll miss you.