Obituary of Charles Berard

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Charles W. Berard on Friday, February 6, 2009 at the age of 54 years. Charles was surrounded by his loving family as he ended his courageous battle with cancer. Charles was born on May 12, 1954 in Montreal, Quebec. He graduated from McGill University with a degree in Mining Engineering, he then went on to the University of Ottawa, to obtain his degree in Civil Law and a degree in Common Law. While in University, Charles spent his summers working at mining operations in the Northern Baffin Islands, Vancouver Island, Manitoba, Quebec, and Labrador. Charles and Merelie were married on August 29, 1981 and had two children together, Cassandra and Matthew. Soon after they moved to Calgary where Charles articled at Macleod Dixon LLP. He was admitted to the Alberta Bar Association and Canadian Bar Association in 1982 and practiced at Macleod Dixon his entire career, as a senior partner and member of the firm’s Executive Committee. Charles had a very successful career in law where he did what he loved everyday and in the process, made lifelong friendships. For over twenty-eight years Charles devoted his life to helping others whether it was through his work at MacLeod Dixon or through his many charitable endeavours, including one of his favourites, the Alberta Adolescent Recovery Centre (AARC). His passions in life, besides his family and friends, were cars, tractors, hockey and scuba diving. Charles was a non-stop, “ten activity a day” kind of guy, which was one of the many reasons everyone loved him. Charles was an active participant in the community, from his positions on numerous Boards to coaching his children’s various sports teams. Throughout his life Charles touched many lives. Charles will be remembered by his friends and peers for his kindness, humour, wisdom, loyalty, integrity, and desire to achieve perfection in all aspects of his life. Charles is survived by his loving wife, Merelie and their two children; Cassandra and Matthew. He is also survived by his mother, Lucille; and his sisters, Susan and her husband Peter Girouard, Anne and her husband Bruno Lemay, and Rosemary Berard and her husband Richard Beaulieu. Charles also leaves behind to mourn, his niece, Jennifer and her fiancé Anthony and his three nephews Christopher, Michael and Daniel, and his father-in-law Eric A. Shields. Also survived by Rosemary Arsenault and family. He was predeceased by his father, Charles C. Berard, his beloved grandmother, Florence (Flossie) Hudon and his mother-in-law, Irma Shields. The family will always remember and be grateful for Charles’ love and devotion. All are welcome to attend a Celebration of Charles’ life which will be held at the Calgary Golf and Country Club (5900 Elbow Drive Southwest) on Wednesday, February 11, 2009 at 4:30 p.m. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. A private family mass will be held earlier in the day. If friends so desire, memorial donations may be made directly to the Alberta Adolescent Recovery Centre (AARC), 303 Forge Rd. S.E., Calgary, AB T2H 0S9 Telephone (403) 253-5250, or to the Canadian Cancer Society, 200 – 325 Manning Rd. N.E., Calgary, AB T2E 2P5 Telephone: (403) 205-3966, email donorservices@cancer.ab.ca. The Berard family would like to thank their many dear friends for their devotion, kindness and love throughout this difficult time. The family would also like to thank their friends, Dr. Robert Harper and Dr. Gregory Cairncross for their continued support throughout Charles’ illness. In living memory of Charles Berard, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES Park Memorial Chapel, 5008 ELBOW DRIVE S.W. Telephone: (403) 243-8200.