Obituary of Bernard John Verbonac

Bernard Verbonac 1946 - 2019 It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Bernard Verbonac on December 24, 2019. Bernard was born on February 22, 1946. The second of seven children born to Peter and Hilda Verbonac. Bernard grew up on a farm two miles west of Leask, where he became acquainted with the aspects of farm life and established a life of frugalness and hard work. Bernard attended elementary school in Leask, making the long trek to school by horse and buggy in summer and horse and caboose in winter along with his brother and sisters. After a brief period in high school, Bernard decided school was not for him. He was able to attain various jobs in the construction industry in Saskatoon and surrounding area. In 1965, Bernard moved to Surrey, B.C., and was employed in a plywood factory where he worked the graveyard shift for six years. On his holidays he like to return home to help on the farm. In 1971 he returned home to Lease to form a partnership with his brother Melvin on the farm. They worked side by side for 48 years. In 1976 they purchased their uncle’s land east of Leask. On this land was the original quarter section that had been homesteaded by their grandparents on the maternal side in 1906. The house where Bernard’s mother grew up became his home where he resided until his passing. Bernard was most content when he was farming. He especially enjoyed harvesting. He was an accomplished mechanic and could repair any piece of machinery no matter how much time it took as he had the patience to stick to it until it was done. Bernard liked family gatherings. The family remembers that he never missed spending Christmas and birthdays celebrating with them. He loved music and taught himself to play the guitar by ear. He also enjoyed a bonfire and a good roasted hot dog. Bernard will be remembered by his daughters, Kathleen Verbonac of Prince Albert and Carrie Verbonac (Shale Galloway) of Regina and children, Selena Anderson, Seanna Galloway, Santana Galloway and Noah Galloway; his siblings, Melvin Verbonac (Jean) of Leask, Bernice LaFramboise (Shelton) of Saskatoon, Mary Jean Steffler of Edmonton, Alberta, Margaret Ritter (Dan Bartley) of St. Laurent, Manitoba, Joe Verbonac of Edmonton, Alberta, Celine Glueck (Howard) of Port McNeil, B.C.; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. Bernard was predeceased by his parents, Peter and Hilda Verbonac; and his brother-in-law, Richard Steffler. A Celebration of Bernard’s Life was held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, January 4, 2020, at St. Henry’s Roman Catholic Church, Leask, SK. In remembrance of Bernard, memorial donations can be made to S.T.A.R.S Foundation or to Kinsmen Telemiracle. Friends and family wishing to send online condolences are welcome to visit www.beaulacfuneralhome.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Beau “Lac” Funeral Home, Tammy Smart, Director, Shellbrook (306-747-2828).