BERNARD KERKHOFF
1914 - 2007
Mr. Bernard F. Kerkhoff, formerly of Taber, passed away at the Royal Columbia Hospital in New Westminster, British Columbia on Tuesday, April 10, 2007 at the age of 92 years.
Bernard was born in Cresco, Iowa on December 15, 1914, the son of Frank and Julia Kerkhoff. As a baby he came to Canada with his parents, settling in Taber where he received his education. He married Pat Hemple on September 27, 1939. They had three children Adele (Brian) Collett of Taber, Barney (Kathy) Kerkhoff of Taber and Terry (Barb) Kerkhoff of Picture Butte; ten grandchildren and ten great grandchildren; a sister Josephine (Jim) Bonette; two brothers Everett (Larine) Kerkhoff and Leonard (Laurie) Kerkhoff and sisters-in-law Bula Kerkhoff and Alice Head. He was predeceased by three brothers Lawrence, Art and Ted. Bernard’s wife Pat predeceased him on December 11, 1986. He later married Margaret Slinn on April 9, 1989 and they resided in the Vancouver area. He is also survived by Margaret’s children Cal, Judy, Sharon, Brenda and their spouses; seven step grandchildren and one step great grandchild. Bernard was very involved in the community over the years. He was an avid curler and served as president of the Taber Curling Club from 1950 to 1951 as well as various other committees within the curling club. The Knights of Columbus were a big part of his life. He served as the financial secretary over many years and was also a fourth degree member of the Father Lacombe Assembly. He served on town council, was a member of the Separate School Board, the Rodeo Association and the Elks Club. Bernard and Pat always had a beautiful yard and won numerous awards and honourable mentions over the years while he lived in Taber.
Relatives and friends are invited for Prayers at the Southland Funeral Chapel, 5006 - 48 Avenue, Taber on Friday, April 20, 2007 at 7:00 P.M.
The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Augustine’s Catholic Church, 5009 - 48 Avenue, Taber on Saturday, April 21, 2007 at 10:30 A.M. with Reverend Andrew Maruszczak SDS Celebrant. Interment to follow in the Taber Memorial Garden.
If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Bernard’s name may be made directly to a charity of one’s choice.