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An old Friend posted a symbolic gesture
Tuesday, January 13, 2026
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I once wrote this to Bernard this letter, years ago.. After learning of his death I wish to share it
Hey Bernie
I wish I could say this in person, but its been on my mind and I want you to know this because like you, a voice deep inside tells me this is the time. I know we drifted apart along while back, as I was falling apart a bit inside, and I know you where struggling as well, and I could not give you much at that time. But the memories, joys, and scars I suffered from our friendship have had deep meaning, and impact upon my life. As brief as our interaction was, it was profound to me. I tried to contact you and invite you to my wedding, but I guess you where in Africa, or maybe in dispose. I want to say thank you. When we first met, you told me you felt "A draw to me, to help me out" almost like I needed something from you. You brought me pizza, and I was delusional from sleep deprivation. The truth is, you helped me a great deal more than you could have imagined nor me for that matter. Our adventures, pulled me out of my head and into situations that I had no tools to deal with. I felt naked and unprepared; I was awkward, quiet, and afraid at times. But no matter how things went, you where kind with me, you made efforts to include me. You did more for me then I felt I deserved, you where generous, and you never pushed me to replay your kindness. I felt bad that I couldn't replay you. I want you to know that your friendship in those years, helped me greatly. It allowed me to change and transform; in ways I could not understand nor appreciate until I took the time to reflect back upon myself. You painted upon my soul a story of discovery, and showed me worlds unknown and unexplored to me. To realize just how influential you had been in my life. Thank you, for listening to that voice inside. For your work, your time, and your friendship.
With Reverence
Your friend
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Raven posted a symbolic gesture
Friday, June 20, 2025
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Raven Littleone posted a condolence
Friday, June 20, 2025
Dear Bernie
GnomeLand and Raven will miss your presence as you always graced this land with moments of deep reconnection to peace within. An early pilgrim.
Raven
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Allan McLay posted a condolence
Monday, June 2, 2025
Q: How did you meet Bernard?
A: I met Bernie at OCA(D) in the 1970’s. . We became friends, partly because we were both Metis and he was the first child born in his year and I happened to be the last in my year. Bernie was, as anyone who knew him, a great artist, and I will always cherish having known him as a friend as a kind human being. My sincere condolences to his family. May he rest in peace. Miigwech.-Allan McLay.
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Anne Collard posted a condolence
Friday, May 30, 2025
My condolences to the family and friends.
During my time in Cannington, Bernie was a friendly fixture with a great laugh and an awesome smile.
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Senator Ruth Wagner posted a condolence
Thursday, May 29, 2025
I was a friend of Bernie's father Senator Jacques Laroux. Jacques had three sons, and was proud of all three. Whenever he had friends over to his home, Jacques would proudly point out artwork hanging on his living room wall done by his son Bernard, who was a graduate of Ontario College of Art.
Bernie was very dedicated in documenting, and promoting Metis culture. He organized and participated in events educating the public and Metis citizens about Metis culture, and made movies about Metis history.
At one time Bernie came to my home and videoed me, a Metis elder.
Bernie was very intelligent, dedicated , sharing, encouraging, artistic, and above all, kind.
Our world was a better place because Bernie was in it.
Miigwech Bernie
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Zenon Villeneuve posted a condolence
Thursday, May 29, 2025
Bernie was what an educator should always strive to be, Caring,Understanding and above all a friend to all.
He inspired many and will be dearly missed by all.
Rest in peace legend.
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Dylan Irving uploaded photo(s)
Wednesday, May 28, 2025
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I met Bernie a few years ago during my studies at Durham College. During my first semester in one of his photography classes, we immediately connected and bonded over a new lens I had recently picked up. He always loved seeing new camera equipment! He always inspired me to try new things and push myself out of my comfort zone, just as he did with all of his students. He was so Inspiring, Knowledgeable, Fun, and always wanted to help take your work to the next level because he was so passionate about creating art himself. I made sure to choose every class he was teaching for the remainder of my time as a student at Durham College.
We ended up becoming so close over the past few years that we eventually started to work on some projects together outside of school. He was such a fun person to work with, and you could tell that he was never in it for the money… he just wanted to create art.
He would always tell the best stories in his classes and spoke highly of his children and family all the time. The world lost a beautiful soul, a mentor, a leader, and a family man. My condolences go out to his friends and family. He will be deeply missed.
(Bernie and I went out and took some Portraits back in 2022 and 2023. These were taken with the new lens we bonded over.)
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Ava Võsu uploaded photo(s)
Wednesday, May 28, 2025
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My deepest sympathies go out to all the people inspired and loved by Bernie, and all who connected in a meaningful way with his laughter, spirit and deep kind character!
Such a powerful contributor to humanity supporting so many meaningful causes. His contributions to society will live on forever! His spirit will live on to eternity in all of our hearts and fond memories!
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Janet Richards posted a condolence
Sunday, May 25, 2025
My deepest condolences to David, Celeste, Ariel and Lucien.
I know Bernie as a friend.
Bernie always had a smile like he had a little secret, and each time we talked he was kind and positive and excited about his kids and his life. Bernie and Joanne were early friends after I first moved to Cannington, and I enjoyed encountering Bernie on the streets of Cannington from time to time. His loss is greatly felt. I'm so sorry.
Sincerely,
Janet Richards
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Rick andCarol Keeler posted a condolence
Sunday, May 25, 2025
Rick and I have know Bernie a very long time . He was a great person always had time to talk .He will be greatly missed in Cannington. Our deepest sympathy goes out to you all. Rick and Carol Keeler
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Bruce Arculus posted a condolence
Saturday, May 24, 2025
Bernie was a beautiful person. His zest for life and adventure was contagious. We lost track of each other years ago after I left Cannington, but I cherish the times we had together. Coincidentally, my son enrolled at Durham College last fall. Though that, we were reacquainted; my son raved about Bernie as a teacher. Bernie passed on his creative zeal to my son and his inspired him immensely as he begins his foray into his career. Bernie made a tremendous impact on so many people; his legacy will cascade and ripple down forever.
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Nadé Nixon posted a condolence
Saturday, May 24, 2025
Bernie was a passionate leader of the Métis Arts Collective, he taught me a great deal about the virtues and challenges faced by Métis People. Such a strong, creative spirit. My condolences to the family and many communities he was a part of.
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Barbara Astman posted a condolence
Saturday, May 24, 2025
I knew Bernie from his OCA days in the late 1970's and then we reconnected when he came back to do his Masters. He was a creative soul and always full of great energy. My condolences to his family and may his memory be a blessing.
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David DeLeary posted a condolence
Saturday, May 24, 2025
He was great to work with and he brought out the best in me.
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Lilli Lummiss posted a condolence
Saturday, May 24, 2025
That grin… ever present and could mean so many different things :)
An intriguing soul, created by so many lenses
I will forever be grateful for the counsel he gave me and the piece he played in guiding my mom to the western door
And “art”…. Gotta love the art ;)
He will be missed because of the parts he filled
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Vanessa Barker posted a condolence
Saturday, May 24, 2025
Bernie,
You were such a kind soul. We enjoyed our many conversations and laughs over the years. We will all miss you very much.
Vanessa, Brad, Jack and Bryce
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David Parson uploaded photo(s)
Friday, May 23, 2025
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Will always miss you Brother
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Earline Swink Clason posted a condolence
Thursday, May 22, 2025
Bernie’s legacy lives on in his adored children. He was always interested in family and I’m proud that he was my cousin.
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Charlotte Hale posted a condolence
Thursday, May 22, 2025
Bernie was a force of Nature. I think anyone who was lucky enough to count him as friend or be in his space for any amount of time will agree that his energy was unique and wonderful. I hired Bernie as contract faculty at MAD and knew he would be a fantastic professor because of his natural generosity of spirit. It was great to see him embrace teaching and his students will carry his influence, both personal and professional, throughout their lives now. He was a founding Director of Outer City Arts and brought his passion and commitment to this small group. We were blessed to have him at the table and he will honoured as we move forward again.
To his loved ones all. May the memories you each have of his laughter and warmth carry you through the days ahead. He was so proud of his children. Love is Love. He is with you always.
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Teresa Bandrowska posted a condolence
Thursday, May 22, 2025
Dear Bernie, always a wonderful host, greeting me with open arms and those loving hugs! He was a great artist, a wise counsellor, a kind and generous friend. I will treasure his memory forever. May his loved ones find comfort in their sorrow and peace in their grief.
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Darlene Herechuk posted a condolence
Thursday, May 22, 2025
We are deeply sorry to hear of the passing of Bernie. He had a remarkable life and his legacy will live on forever. Highschool friends Darlene Herechuk and Mike Poulin
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Katie Probst posted a condolence
Wednesday, May 21, 2025
I first met Bernie at St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Woodville. He, his wife Dionne and their son, David attended Mass for a few years and Bernie read the Epistles and Psalms on many Sundays. He was one of two parishioners who had Metis parents and we spoke at length about the contributions of the Metis to Canada. Bernie was a neighbour in Cannington. I knew Joanne as a young woman, as a student at Brock H.S. as a missionary to Rwanda and as an employee at Nourish and Develop. I also was on the Brock Township Arts Council that attempted to open a theatre and arts space on the second floor of Cannington Public Library. I believe that Bernie was part of the film crew for the modernized version of 'Romeo and Juliet' that was filmed in Mexico. Another Cannington resident supplied the weapons for the movie and taught the actors to use them successfully. I was impressed by the artistic excellence of both men. Bernie was proud of his role as professor at Durham College and his influence on developing artists. Bernie's life made a difference. He will be missed.
Prayers and Sincere Sympathy. Katie Probst
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The family of Bernard Leroux uploaded a photo
Tuesday, May 20, 2025
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