Bernard Ward

Ward, Bernard born in Belfast, Ireland on January 22, 1943, passed away peacefully at North Shore Hospice with family by his side on May 26, 2022. He was preceded in death by his parents Bernard and Rose, siblings Maureen, Jimmy, Bridget, Pearse, Philomena, Elizabeth, and his beloved wife Margaret. He is survived by his siblings Eamonn and Eileen, his four children Bernard, Kevin, Cormac and Orlaith and their spouses; and his pride and joy his eleven grandchildren as well his extended family in Canada, Australia and back home in Ireland.

Bernard grew up in Belfast in a modest home with his large family. He often told stories how he and his siblings shared a bed where he often found him self sucking on a big toe. Bernard grew up playing Hurling for his club Patrick Sarsfields Gac. He was so proud to wear the green and black jersey.

Bernard married the love of his life Margaret on August 12th, 1965. They were joined by young Bernard almost a year later in July of 1966. Kevin followed in 1971 and Cormac in 1973. The family moved from Belfast to Vancouver in 1975 and welcomed Orlaith in March of 1979. Bernard was a proud father who loved watching his kids play their various sports while cheering loudly from the sidelines. Bernard worked many jobs over the years, but he was a superb Construction Superintendent. He oversaw the building of many of Vancouver’s landmarks, notably the Queen Elizabeth Theatre, The Orpheum and the Stanley theatre. He also ran the renovations of several hospitals including Lions Gate, St. Paul, Whiterock and Powell River. Bernard was a very hard worker and finally decided to retire in 2009. Bernard did not love being retired and found himself taking on a new profession working as a driver for Dignity Memorial. Bernard loved his new role; his tremendous heart and giant character was the perfect match putting grieving families at ease.

Bernard’s pride and joy was his eleven Grandchildren: Sean, Siobhan, Ciara, Emmet, Keenan, Ronan, Pearse, Deaghlan, Caoimhe, Niamh and Tiarnan. He rarely missed a soccer match, often juggling 3 or 4 on the same day. He was loved by most that he encountered, and he was always there with a helping hand and a smile on his face.

The family would like to thank the staff at Lions Gate hospital where Bernard spent the past 5 weeks for their care and attention. They would also recognise the amazing staff at North Shore Hospice for their unbelievable care, attention, and compassion during Bernard’s last days.

Funeral details:

Wednesday June 8th from 6-8pm there will be a viewing at Boal Chapel -1505 Lillooet Road, North Vancouver V7J 2J1

Thursday June 9th Funeral Mass 11am at St, Edmunds Catholic Church-545 Mahon Ave, North Vancouver BC V7M 2R7 Followed by a tea/coffee reception at Boal Chapel- 1505 Lillooet Road, North Vancouver

In Lieu of Flowers, donations to the North Shore Hospice would be appreciated: www.northshorehospicepalliative.com

The funeral mass will be live streamed. Please watch it here:

https://youtu.be/lxIMUeRGXNg