Obituary of David Joseph BERNATCHEZ

March 4, 1963 – Edmonton, Alberta
July 16, 2021 – Calgary, Alberta

The family of David J. (Dave) Bernatchez is sad to announce his unexpected passing on Friday, July 16, 2021 in Calgary, AB, at the age of 58 years.

Dave Bernatchez was a man of character, guided steadfastly by his values. He was a leader among his peers and friends and often the glue that kept friends connected. He was sincere, wise, caring, and funny. He made people feel seen and valued, and made an outsized impact on the people and causes he touched.

Dave was both an avid and elite rugby player, he had a successful career in the oil and gas industry and was a dedicated brother and uncle. However, it was his friendship and service to others that truly defined him. Dave was introspective, thoughtful, and, in many ways spiritual, and he cared deeply about the circumstances of others, especially the less fortunate.

David Joseph Bernatchez was born in Edmonton, AB, on March 4, 1963 to Ada Jones and August Bernatchez, the youngest of their three children. He was a life-long resident of Calgary and started his leadership journey early in life by representing the student body of St. Mary’s High School as Class President and graduated in 1981. He studied at St. Francis Xavier University in Antigonish, NS, where he graduated with a degree in Business Administration. 

During his time at St FX, Dave was a leader in many aspects of student life, was chosen as the outstanding male student in his graduating year, and was a fitting choice as Valedictorian for the Class of 1985. Following graduation, Dave maintained a close association with the university through leadership roles in the Alumni association and serving on the University’s Board of Governors. In 2014, Dave was inducted into the St FX Hall of Honour, which recognizes those members of the St FX community that have best carried on the tradition of helping others.

Dave had a long career in the oil and gas exploration business as a Landman. He started with Dome Petroleum, and worked with a number of companies over the years, as the industry evolved. He was heavily involved in the Canadian Association of Petroleum Landmen (“CAPL”), serving on their board or committees over the years. He was well respected in the industry as a man of integrity, hard work, and high ethical standards and developed many friendships. More recently, Dave worked for the Nature Conservancy of Canada, using his negotiation skills for the preservation of valuable land holdings.

Dave was also a strong believer in education and in the importance of helping others who might not have the privilege of attending post-secondary school. Dave was involved for many years with different scholarships, including the Father Whelihan Memorial Scholarship and the Dr. Ed O’Connor Scholarship, a scholarship he had won which made his attendance at St FX possible. He also played a leadership role in the development of the Katherine Fleming International Development Award at the Coady Institute, which was established in honour of a classmate who also died far too young. Through this association, Dave became a close friend of the Fleming family and an important supporter of Coady over the years. 

Dave loved being outdoors, and staying active with many hikes, snowshoe, or cross-country ski trips in Kananaskis Country, the Rocky Mountains, or elsewhere. He loved to travel around the world, as well as through Canada, and walk, golf, ski, cycle, sail or swim, especially in the company of friends. He was heavily involved with the Canucks Rugby Club over the years serving in different roles over the years, as well as with the Calgary Rugby Union. Dave was an International Junior winger representing Canada against Japan in 1979. He was also chosen to represent Rugby Alberta at the highest levels. He was also a dedicated supporter of the Calgary Stampeders (with his good friend Jim Keough) and had an informed interest in many sports. 

In addition to sports, Dave was a significant fan of the arts, and was a regular attendee of live theatre, films and concerts, and was very well read. Dave also took special interest in the Calgary and Edmonton Folk Music festivals, where he would bend your ear in the very popular beer tent! Dave was truly an engaged citizen who packed much into his fifty-eight years.

Dave is mourned by his sisters, Giselle (John) Feddema and Jacquie (Stephen) Sheridan; and his niece, Rachel Feddema (fiancé Landon Janzen). In addition, to his sisters and their families, he is mourned by his extended family. Dave’s passing is also grieved by his many friends from St FX, the Canucks Rugby Club, and his many, many friends from all walks of life in Calgary and beyond. We will miss his laughter, his stories, his “pandemic postcards”, his great caring and compassion, and his tireless efforts to make the world a better place.

A casual visitation for friends and family to gather, and share stories of a life well lived, will be held at the McInnis & Holloway Park Memorial Funeral Chapel (5008 Elbow Drive S.W., Calgary), on the evening of Thursday, July 22, 2021 between 6:00 and 9:00 p.m.

Funeral Mass will be held at St. Peter's Roman Catholic Church (541 Silvergrove Dr NW, Calgary, AB) on Friday, July 23, 2021 at 12:30 p.m. Reception to follow at the Parish Hall. For those unable to attend, the service will be live streamed online (https://st-peters.ca/live-stream/). Condolences, memories and photos can also be shared and viewed here.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Katherine Fleming International Development Award (https://coady.stfx.ca/katherine-fleming-international-development-award/), or the Father Whelihan Memorial Scholarship Society (https://fatherwhelihanscholarship.ca/donate/).

“I have no one else like Him, who will show genuine concern for your welfare.” (Philippians 2:20)

In living memory of David Bernatchez, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.