Obituary of Bernie Zawislak
Bernard "Bernie" Zawislak passed away peacefully in Prince Albert, SK, after a brief but courageous battle with cancer. He was 78.
Born in Canora, SK, to Joseph and Ludwina (née Derkatch) on January 12, 1947, Bernie was raised in Mikado, SK. Here he learned the value of hard work early in life as he followed his older siblings into the work force due to ailing parents. He was even operating a D8 Cat at just 13 years old for the RM. He honed his skills on the family farm and discovered a lifelong passion for carpentry, a craft that would shape not only his career, but his identity.
In May of 1968, Bernie married Violet Walchuk, and they moved to Saltcoats, SK, where he worked as a carpenter. In May of 1969 they became proud parents to Keith. Shortly after, they moved to Winnipeg, MB, where Bernie pursued his journeyman certification in carpentry at the Manitoba Institute of Trades and Technology, completing the program in just 2½ years. They became proud parents again when their son Darcy was born in October of 1971.
Bernie, Violet, and the boys moved to Prince Albert, SK, in 1972, as Bernie served as project manager for the construction of Carlton Comprehensive High School at the young age of 24, supervising crew members twice his age. After that project was completed he founded his own company, TriTec Developments, employing up to 40 people at one point and earning a reputation for quality and vision. When economic downturns hit in the early '80s, Bernie adapted once again - teaching carpentry at the Saskatchewan Penitentiary and eventually becoming the Maintenance Superintendent of the Super Handling Unit.
In 1991, Bernie returned to what he loved most: building. He relocated to British Columbia, where he rebuilt TriTec Construction - with Darcy by his side - into a thriving business. Some of his colleagues figured he built half of Chilliwack before he was done! Even after retiring in May 2024, at the age of 77, Bernie never truly slowed down. His mind was always active, dreaming, planning, and designing.
In 2023, Bernie purchased a home in Prince Albert, SK, right next door to Keith, Kim, and his grandchildren. He moved back in May of 2024, ready to enjoy his "retirement" by supervising renovations, redesigning his yard, and building a new Shed - often climbing scaffolds and ladders, defying doctors and common sense, driven by the same determination and ambition that defined his life.
He was a fighter. Ambitious. Creative. Determined. There was never a project too big or too small. He even built his own boat, the “Honkey Dory”, from wood and fiberglass, a large cabin cruiser, and fitting it with twin Mercury Cruisers.
Bernie loved to build - all of it, the drafting and designing, the foundation, the framing and the finishing. He loved the Saskatchewan Roughriders, the Toronto Blue Jays, the Vancouver Canucks, and enjoyed watching the games with his sons. But most of all, he loved his family. He loved and was very proud of his sons Darcy and Keith. He loved teaching family recipes to his “favourite daughter in law” Kim, he found joy in Brooke's wit and creativity, Emma's songs and warm hugs, talking “shop” with Luke, and high fives and hugs from great grandson Silas.
Bernie Zawislak built more than structures - he built a legacy of perseverance, pride, and love. His absence leaves a huge void in our lives, but his presence lives on in every beam, every blueprint, every laugh, and every memory.
Bernie's final months were marked by health struggles, including a fractured leg that led to the discovery of cancer. Yet, through it all, he remained proud, sharp, and deeply loving.
He is survived by his sons, Keith (Kim) and Darcy; grandchildren, Brooke (Tanner) Fetch, Emma, and Luke; great-grandson, Silas; numerous nieces and nephews; and his beloved cat, “Noomies”. He was predeceased by his mother, Ludwina; wife, Violet; sister, Frances; father, Joseph; nephew, Wes; and brother, Ludwig.
A private Celebration of Life for family and friends will be held, at the last project Dad designed - the timber-covered patio in his backyard.
In lieu of other tributes, memorial donations can de directed to the Canadian Cancer Society, https://cancer.ca/en , or Ducks Unlimited Canada, https://ducks.donordrive.com/memorium/donate?language=en .
Family and friends wishing to send online condolences are welcome to visit www.beaulacfuneralhome.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Beau “Lac” Funeral Home and Crematorium, Jolissa Trudel, Funeral Director, Prince Albert, SK 306-763-3322
