Bernard James Condon

April 24, 1934 - May 13, 2026

Bernard passed away peacefully at St. Joseph’s at Fleming LTC in Peterborough on May 13th, just weeks after celebrating his 92nd birthday.

He leaves behind his children, David (Karen), Tammy (Alexis); eight grandchildren, Ryan (Cassie), Tyler (Alanna), Meghan, Larissa, Brian (Naomi), Cody, Sean (Cailey), Jimmy; and five great grandchildren, Ethan, Lincoln, Finley, Charlie, and Claire. He is also survived by his siblings Patricia, Maurita, Gerald (Phyllis), Diane, and Zeta (Paul).

Bernard was predeceased by his beloved wife Adele (nee Carlow), his son Don, daughter-in-law, Kim (nee Williams), his parents Patrick and Helen (nee Buckley), and his siblings Dorothy (Ralph), Lucille (Ron), Arnold (Helen), and Floyd, along with brothers-in law, Claire Crowley and Dave Brady, and members of the Carlow family.

Bernard was raised in Douro, a farming community north east of Peterborough, as the second oldest of ten children. At an early age he took on responsibilities on the farm. At the age of fifteen, he began working in the mailroom at the Quaker Oats Company. In his late teens, Bernard travelled west to work the harvest. He enjoyed learning new tasks and supporting the family with the money he earned. Taking care of family is one of the core traits Bernard exhibited throughout his life.

Bernard met Adele in Douro, and they were married there before moving to Oshawa, where Bernard worked at General Motors for 34 years. Bernard started on the line and advanced to the role of industrial engineer, specializing in job efficiency. Bernard rarely missed a day at work; a second core trait is the belief in honouring a commitment. Together, Bernard and Adele raised Donnie, David and Tammy on Malaga Road, creating a home where family and friends were always welcome. They enjoyed hosting, and the backyard pool and patio became the centre of many joyful gatherings.

Over the years, Bernard and Adele enjoyed travelling to destinations including Hawaii, Jamaica, Australia, Ireland, England, Florida, and California, as well as visiting family and friends on the west and east coasts of Canada. A memorable train journey home from B.C. to Toronto as a teen, riding in the caboose car with the crew, sparked a lifelong love of train travel.

Following retirement, they moved back to Douro Township, building a home on a portion of the family farm. Bernard and Adele chose a house plan together, and Bernard took pride in serving as the general contractor. Bernard was handy with tools. He acquired many skills that he used with basic electrical, plumbing, and carpentry jobs, and he encouraged his children to develop these skills as well. He was also active in the community, serving as a member of council.

As “Poppa,” Bernard delighted in spending time with his grandchildren. Poppa engaged in towing grandchildren in the wagon, going on “bear hunts” and Easter egg hunts, teaching them how to drive the lawn tractor and snowmobile, sharing the unique flavor of a hotdog or a marshmallow cooked over an open flame by the cabin, enjoying ice cream, playing cards, growing vegetables (especially potatoes) in the garden, modelling how to sleep on a couch while maintaining possession of the TV remote control, wrestling with the grandchildren using “The Paw”, sharing his stories, and enjoying hearing about the happenings in their lives.

Later in life, Bernard and Adele moved to South Peterborough, where he joined various groups to play cards, especially enjoying games of cribbage and bid euchre. Don, Tyler, and Cody joined them in the home. Bernard and Adele loved having more family close. Bernard became involved in establishing a new home for the Maple Ridge seniors group. After Adele’s passing, and later Don’s, Bernard moved to Ajax to live with David and Karen in a four generation household, once again surrounded by family. He joined the local seniors group for cards, making new friends. He enjoyed visiting Tammy and Alexis at their waterfront home, insisting to travel by Go Bus between Oshawa and Peterborough because he enjoyed the independence and the ride.

Throughout his life, Bernard proved himself to be a reliable son and brother, and a loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. His warmth, curiosity, and genuine interest in others left a lasting impression on all who knew him.

Family and friends will be received at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 300 County Road 8, Douro-Dummer, ON on Friday, June 12 from 10:00 to 10:45, with a tribute to Bernard prior to the funeral mass at 11:00 a.m. Following the mass, there will be a trip to the cemetery for those who wish to attend.

Thank you for the care provided to Bernard from his family, the staff at Cedarcroft Place retirement home, the staff at St. Joseph’s at Fleming LTC, Dr. Beamish and Dr. Moore in Peterborough, and Dr. Sharobim in Ajax.

Bernard loved to tell stories, loved hearing stories, and enjoyed learning about people’s lives. In lieu of flowers, please reach out to family, friend or stranger to ask them about their story, or make a donation to the charity of your choice.

Messages of condolences may be shared at Ashburnham Funeral Home website