Thursday, December 22, 2016
UNCLE BERNARD – TRIBUTE
Our last visit with Uncle Bernard was August 23,2016 when he was in the Shellbrook hospital.
We talked about the good life of farming. It was a beautiful day and Uncle Bernard was longing to be outside. He told us about some of the ways he had been helping Neil on the farm. (I loved the farm/family pictures you shared with us Ann). Uncle Bernard updated us on all his children and grandchildren. He did this every time we visited him which was about once a year. Family came first to Uncle Bernard. He was very proud of his family.
We talked about the war, and his stint in the army and a little bit about Dad.
It was a good visit. He was at peace and ready to join Aunty Betty.
The following was written by Barry and emailed to Ann after we visited Uncle Bernard in the hospital:
“I wasn't able to say some of the things I wanted to while talking to Uncle Bernard.
After Sharon asked him if he had had many visitors, his reply was ‘some’ and then followed that by telling us he thought we would be the last, I kind of lost my composure then.
To start off lightly could you tell him that I worked for Kent Hehr in the last election. Kent is a fifth-degree paraplegic who is now the Minister of Veterans Affairs and is presently opening the Veterans offices across Canada that Harper had closed and they are also providing more help to military members suffering post traumatic syndrome and ones with physical injuries.
Most important please let Bernard know that Sharon and myself have always held him in the highest regards as an uncle, a father, a husband, a community member and his huge passion as a farmer.
Personally speaking, the highest accolade I can give is my deep appreciation for the role model he has shown all of us of what a great Canadian citizen is. For all of this when he leaves this world he will be able to leave with head held very very high.”
Barry said it well but I want to add the following:
When I was young I spent quite abit of time at Uncle Bernard and Aunty Betty’s. That was before they had a family. I felt very special there. I always thought Uncle Bernard was so strong – big hands. When I was 6 years old I was flower girl for Uncle Bernard and Aunty Betty. Uncle Bernard was the first man I danced with other than my dad. I still remember thinking about how strong and handsome he was. I will always remember his blue eyes, smile, and unique sense of humor. Uncle Bernard remained positive. He didn’t gossip. Uncle Bernard was always there to help Dad. It worked both ways. The brothers went through good and bad times together. Uncle Bernard was always a strong community supporter. He would take time from his busy farm worked to help in community projects.
Ann, you said Uncle Bernard was amazing. That is so true. He was the strong silent type with a gentle heart. He didn’t say much but whatever it was it was worth listening to. Dignified. Respected and respectful. I am proud to be of the Schatkoske clan.
Our thoughts are with you as you celebrate an extraordinary man.
Barry & Sharon
