Bernard Charbonneau

It is with great sadness that the family announces the passing of Bernard Charbonneau, a remarkable husband and father. Bernie stormed the gates of heaven after a well fought battle with cancer. He passed Sunday March 30, 2014 in the loving care of Cornwall Hospice. Bernie, 70, was the beloved husband of 46 years of Ginette (Thibodeau), loving father of Alain and Stéphane (Stephanie), and attentive grandfather of Lilly, Samuel, Isabella and Isaac Charbonneau.

A man of passion, he always went beyond his duties, both as a teacher and coach spending countless hours mentoring various team sports; first at CCVS then at St. Lawrence High School. Later in Guidance, he built and organized the Peer Helper Program in Cornwall and initiated its growth provincially. His organizing talent was also shared with his Church, both in the parish and in the Diocese. A firm believer in Christian and family values, he devoted years of service to different Marriage Preparation Programs, Worldwide Marriage Encounter, Cor and Catholic Engaged Encounter, serving in the last years, as the Executive Team Internationally.

Survived by his brother Raymond Charbonneau (Rita) and by his sisters Henriette Flaro (Dwayne) and Nicole Gatien (Marc). Son of the late Jean-Paul Charbonneau and the late Antoinette Dubé, predeceased by one brother Richard Charbonneau. Bernie will be resting at LAHAIE AND SULLIVAN, CORNWALL FUNERAL HOMES, East Branch, 614 First St. East, (613-933-2841) from 7 P.M. Tuesday. Funeral Mass will be held Thursday, April 3, 2014 at St. Croix Church at 11 A.M. The family will be in attendance on Tuesday from 7 P.M. to 9 P.M and on Wednesday from 1 P.M. to 4 P.M. and 6 P.M. to 9 P.M and Thursday from 9 A.M. until time of Funeral. In lieu of flowers, Memorial Donations can be made to the Cornwall Hospice or to Catholic Engaged Encounter, and would be greatly appreciated by the family. Messages of condolence may be left at www.lahaiesullivan.ca.

“He was a true gentleman and a caring man who left a positive and lasting impact on all those fortunate enough to know him”. He left the world a better place by giving of himself unconditionally and until our heavenly reunion, he will be deeply missed.