December 2, 1933 - September 1, 2023
In loving memory ~
It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Joseph Bernard "Bernie" Guyader. Bernie passed away peacefully at home on the morning of September 1, 2023, at the age of 89. Bernie will be remembered as a loving and caring husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend as well as an avid gardener. He will also be remembered as a tireless volunteer and long-serving member of the North Island Chapter of the American Rhododendron Society and the Alpine Gardeners of Central Vancouver Island.
Bernie was born and raised in Chatham, New Brunswick and joined the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1952, retiring in 1977. It was while on a course in Montreal that he met his wife Gloria and they were married in 1955. Three children and several transfers later, the Guyader family settled in Courtenay in 1971.
It was during his first years in the Comox Valley that Bernie found his love of canoeing, fishing and hiking. He especially enjoyed fishing at Regan Lake with his buddy Jim. Bernie loved hiking in Strathcona Park, especially around Paradise Meadows where he would see and photograph so many of his favourite alpine plants in their natural habitat. Bernie had a special fondness for alpine plants, especially gentians and rhododendrons.
After retiring, Bernie got serious about gardening, designing and creating the beautiful gardens that surround the family home. Bernie also enjoyed creating bonsai, often using saplings he found in the woods.
Bernie is survived by his wife Gloria and his children Judy (Cliff) Hunter, Keith Guyader and David (Jacqueline) Guyader as well as by two grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
We are thankful for the care and support provided by Dr. Peter Gee, the medical staff at the Courtenay Hospital, the nurses and doctors in the Cancer Care unit at the Courtenay Hospital and grateful for the wonderful and compassionate staff and nurses at Island Health Home Support Services.
It was Bernie's wish that there be no service. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Research or the Comox Valley Healthcare Foundation in Bernie's name.