Bernard’s father, uncle, and grandpa were murdered by Makhno bandits in 1919. His family remained in Ukraine 7 more years before immigrating to Canada. At 14, Bernard accepted Christ as Saviour. He attended 4 winters at Winkler (Man.) Bible Institute. Shortly after meeting Anna in 1942, Bernard was drafted. Refusing to take up arms, he worked as dental mechanic. While he was on a 2-week leave in 1943, they married. He was discharged in 1946. He developed skills as a carpenter in Winnipeg, Man., then moved to Greendale, B.C., in 1947. After trying to make a living on the farm, Bernard and Anna settled in Burnaby, B.C. Bernard was a dental mechanic in Vancouver until retiring at 65. He served Willingdon Church’s Sunday school and seniors’ committee. After moving to Abbotsford, B.C., in 1994, Bernard and Anna participated in Bakerview MB Church’s Bible studies and seniors’ activities. He was diagnosed with a heart condition in 2009.
