WRIGHT, Bernard Norman, Lieutenant-Colonel (Retired) Canadian Provost Corps and Security Branch. Served in Canada, Germany and Vietnam. After a 33-year military career, served 16 years with the UN in humanitarian operations in more than a dozen countries in Africa, South Asia, Southeast Asia and the Middle East. After a lengthy battle with prostate cancer, followed by a stroke, he passed away on the 27th of January in his 78th year. Husband of Doreen Way, previously married to Marie Lucie Marguerite Wright (née Gorham). Very proud father of Kevin, Ottawa; Deborah, Ottawa; and Neil (Sandra Anastacio), Milton. Grandfather of his amazing and talented grandchildren Katie, Emily, Meghan, and Caitlin. Pre-deceased by his father (Roy), mother (Kathleen Veronica O’Neill), brothers Lawrence (Florence); Terence (Marjorie); and sister Shirley Hemming (Eddie). Youngest sibling to his sister Joan Lochrie (John), Abbotsford, B.C. Bern dearly loved his extended family of nieces and nephews, making a visit West annually. He and Doreen loved adventurous travel and continued to do so to the end. He chose round-the-world travels, visiting more than 110 countries in total. He had a passion for music, none more so than music provided by his sons. He took great pride in the ground-breaking success of his daughter who went through the minor league hockey scouting paces to become the first-ever female to secure a contract scouting for an NHL team. His pragmatism and understanding of the nature of his cancer, which had spread to virtually every bone in his body, allowed him to continue enjoying life. The limitations imposed by COVID restricted his access to those he loved and were his biggest source of sorrow. His positive attitude was contagious, making acceptance of his situation easier for all. Interment will be at the National Military Cemetery at the Beechwood Cemetery in Ottawa in the spring and will be Covid protocol driven. A Celebration of Life will be held when COVID restrictions allow. Donations to the Military Police Fund for Blind Children through CanadaHelps.org would be appreciated instead of flowers.
Digital Guestbook
Daisy Lopez
Gary Furrie
Golfing buddy for years. He had a twinkle in his eye, told good jokes, appreciated a cold beer, had a wondeful wife, will be missed a lot. Doreen stay strong, stay safe.
Christine McNab and Sören Törnkvist
Bernard was a fantastic colleague and a good friend. We worked together for the UN in Jordan and I could always absolutely rely on Bernie's analysis and judgement calls on the security situation. We have so many good memories of our time there with Bernie and Doreen. Our sincere condolences to Doreen, the family and friends. We are thinking of you and sending all our love.
Ron Bakshi
Neil,
Very sorry for your loss.
May he Rest In Peace.
Ron
Gord Shanks
Doreen,
Please accept my sincere condolences at this time of grief. We met only once when we played golf with Bernie at Hylands and it was a memorable experience. I did not know Bernie for a long time, having met him through golf 3 years ago. I truly enjoyed his company; he was warm, welcoming, funny, entertaining and so engaging. We will miss him immensely.
Christiane and Krimo (Geneva)
It was such fun to travel wirh Bernard and Doreen in Laos some years ago, a chance meeting that fast turned into friendship. And boy, what an enriching experience it was! We had more fun than the 20-something backpackers, greatly helped by LaoLao in very measured quantities. What a joy to have Bernard and Doreen join us in Bangkok a few years later while they were on another world trip. Only last year we relied heavily on Bernard’s meticulous travel advice on a trip to Colombia. We will always remember Bernard‘s infectious smile and hearty humour.
Our condolences to Doreen and the children and grandchildren Bernard always talked about so proudly. Wir umarmen Dich, liebe Doreen!
Gille Nault
My condolences to Doreen and Bernie's family and loved ones. Bernie was a valued colleague and friend as well as a mentor. I had the pleasure of sharing thoughts and memories with him in the latter stages of his illness. Not surprisingly for folk who knew him , his courage and love of life were undeterred. I’m relieved knowing that Bernie and Doreen emptied most if not all of the projects in his bucket list. RIP buddy. SECURITAS.
Peter McCully, LCdr (ret'd)
My condolences to Doreen and family. Notification of Bernie's passing brought a flood of memories from our days serving in Camp Chilliwack. All positive memories. Newly commissioned, I looked to Bernie for guidance and couldn't have asked for a better mentor. We will meet again and enjoy a "Black Label". RIP my friend.
Cal Hegge
I regret our paths did not cross much earlier. Bernie was a true gentleman and a pleasure to play golf with. I will miss him and his many colourful anecdotes and stories. Sincere condolences to Doreen and family.
Jim and Cathy Legere
Bernie was an officer and gentleman to the core. Our most heartfelt condolences to the family. Rest in Peace/Securitas.
Bernie was a former UNDSS Officer in Philippines, he is a very good person, very protective to all of us. We are so proud to have him in our team. He is just like my second father, my mentor, and my adviser. His memory will be in my heart forever.
Dear Doreen and Bernie’s family, my words cannot fully express the sorrow that I feel after learning about the death of Bernie, may you ever treasure the wonderful times you had and my prayers are with you and the rest of your family. He may rest in peace.