Obituary of BERNHARD PETER KRAHN

 

Bernhard (Bernie) Peter Krahn

 

Date of Passing: December 23, 2020

 

It is with great sadness that we mourn the loss of Bernie, born May 18, 1951 to Peter and Susanna (Dyck). Bernie is survived by his wife Beverley, with whom he would have celebrated his 12^th anniversary on January 03, 2021; his two children from his previous marriage, Chantal and Pierre Krahn; his sisters Mary Lindsay (Bruce), Margaret Moore and Susan Balagus. Nieces and Nephews Melanie (Paul), Michael (Johanna), Liam, Toby, Nicholas and Dana. He will be missed by his Aunts and Uncle; his numerous cousins; and his great-niece Addison, who held a special place in Bernie’s heart.

Being an older brother was an important part of Bernie’s life. He was already 16 years old when his sister Margaret was born and 18 when Susan came along. As young girls the sisters would tell whomever gave them grief that their “big brother” would set them straight. All Bernie had to do was make an appearance and any situation was resolved. Susan remembers a time when she was in Junior High. It was an in-service day at school and Susan and a couple of her friends were at the family home on Arlington Street to hang out for the day. Bernie, who at the time worked as a delivery driver for Perth’s, came over to the house for lunch. He asked if they wanted to ride with him while he made deliveries. Susan has a very happy memory of an afternoon spent riding along in the back of the truck while Bernie blasted CKY 58 on the radio while they all sang along. Bernie always enjoyed seeing people happy and having fun.

In 1999 Bernie obtained his professional trucking license, following in his Dad’s footsteps to drive long-haul trucks. Bernie took great pride in being able to drive across Canada and into the USA. Driving his “big rig” into large cities for the first time and delivering the loads to their destinations was a great highlight for him. His wife Beverley was even able to ride with him.

Bernie retired from trucking in 2014 and took up volunteering at Winnipeg Harvest (now Harvest Manitoba). There he filled many different positions, always willing to go to wherever he was needed. From driving the Harvest truck picking up donations to dressing as Santa Claus, he was able to give of himself through volunteering. Being Santa Claus was one job he particularly enjoyed. In our eyes Bernie was Santa - the white hair, the beard and the padding in the suit was all his own.

Bernie also advocated for the rights of people with disabilities. He attended many meetings for Winnipeg’s Handi Transit service to make his voice heard. He advocated for more accessibility and affordability.

In September 2018, he was invited to a Governor General’s lunch to acknowledge his work with Victoria Lifeline.

Bernie would greet you with a smile, enjoyed telling jokes and always wanted to make sure you knew the latest facts. He took the time to talk with people and he would always remember your family and your interests.

His sister Mary, whom he called “Sis”, is going to miss their conversations, the concerts they enjoyed at Club Regent and all their breakfasts together at whichever restaurant Bernie had a coupon for. Mary wanted to share that Bernie has always been a part of her life and she will need to find a new normal without her big brother.

The family wishes to thank the staff at the Grace Hospital for their compassion, kindness and tender care with Bernie during his stay at the hospital.

A private celebration of life will be held at a later date when restrictions ease and the family can gather together.

Memorial contributions may be made to Harvest Manitoba or to a charity of your choice.

 

They say it takes a minute to find a special person

An hour to appreciate them

A day to love them

But then an entire life to forget them