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Bernard Jesse
(October 28, 1917 - March 23, 2008)

We give thanks for the life of our beloved father, grandfather and great-grandfather, Bernard Alfred Jesse, who passed away peacefully on Easter Sunday, March 23, 2008, at Estevan, at the age of 90 years. He was predeceased by his wife Marcella (Jan. 26, 2001), and daughter Ferne Johnston (March 6, 2008). Bernard is survived by his daughter Marion (Dwaine) Pho, sons Warren (Cathy) Jesse, Colin Jesse, Howard (Mary) Jesse, and son-in-law Garnet Johnston. Also survived by 11 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren: Craig (Mireille) Pho and their children William and Alexander, Blaine (Michelle) Pho and their children Carson and Emily, Stephanie (Kevin) Beechinor and their children Julia, Kate, and Thomas, Chad (Angela) Jesse and their son Kashton, Ryan Jesse, Nathan Jesse, Janelle Jesse, John Jesse, Christeen Jesse, Jessica Johnston, and Jaclyn Johnston. He is also survived by his sister Linda (Bob) Prokosh. Predeceased by his parents Otellia and Frederick Jesse, brothers Reynold Jesse, and infant Richard Jesse, and sisters Viola Kowalski, Elsie Mollison, Ruth Peterson, and Constance Kowalchuck.

Born on October 28, 1917, Bernard was raised with six siblings on the family farm near Wordsworth, Sask. He enlisted with the Winnipeg Grenadiers during WWII, was captured on Christmas Day, 1941, and spent four years as a Japanese prisoner of war. After returning to Canada, he married Marcella Grimes in 1946, and settled in Estevan. Always resourceful and a hard worker, he operated Jesse’s Meat Market with his brother from 1947 to 1949, followed by 30 years with the Department of Transport Meteorological Office. He also owned and operated Jesse’s Insurance and Real Estate for many years. His volunteer contributions included several terms on the Estevan Separate School Board, one term as alderman, charter member of the Estevan Knights of Columbus, and active participation in St. John the Baptist Church parish. As a 60 year member of the Royal Canadian Legion, he spent countless hours sharing his war experiences with school children across the province.

Bernie was a story teller, poet, avid reader, and author of his war memoirs, Seared in My Memory. He was enthusiastic about many things including politics, collecting coins, a night of cards with good friends, and acting as Santa’s helper for the grandkids. His finest achievement is the large family that he and Marcella raised together. Their devotion to their children and grandchildren, their trust in God, and their honest, simple way of life are deeply treasured legacies.

Prayers at Boire Funeral Home, Estevan, on Friday, March 28, 2008, at 7:30 p.m. with Mr. Doug Third officiating. A funeral mass will be held at St. John the Baptist Roman Catholic Church, Estevan, on Saturday, March 29, 2008 at 10:30 a.m. with celebrant Father Lorne D. Crozon. Interment will follow at Estevan City Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, 1910 McIntyre Street, Regina, SK S4P 2R3, or to St. Joseph's Hospital Foundation, 1176 Nicholson Road, Estevan, SK S4A 2V6. Funeral arrangements are in care of Boire Funeral Home & Crematorium, Estevan (634-8233). Forward condolences to the family by visiting www.boirefuneralhome.com

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