My Daddy passed from this life to be with the Lord early Sunday morning – July 26, 2015. 88 years old. I am so thankful to God that Benjamin Linford Bernard was my father. He was tough and he was love. He was passionate, a warrior, loved music, loved to learn, and (HA!) how he loved to joke. I never doubted that he loved me and I never felt that I was limited in what I could do. Yesterday at church one of the worship songs was “Forever” by Kari Jobe. I’m telling you that although I was on the edge of ugly cry, I sang loudly, with all of my heart, and realized again deep in my soul that I really believe the gospel of Jesus. “Death where is thy sting…. He is alive”. Dad is from a big family and he and my Mom (deceased) “adopted” and sponsored so many people. Make no mistake about this. We are sad. I am sad and feel like I could cry for a long time…but I also rejoice because I know that Daddy/Ben/MrBernard/UncleBen is…more alive than he has ever been.
A celebration of his life will be held at Cote Des Neiges Presbyterian Church, 3435 Côte-Sainte-Catherine, Montreal, on Friday July 31 at 11am, then burial at Notre-Dame-des-Neiges Cemetery.
Thanks for sharing this, Carol. So beautiful that in the midst of your pain you know the hope to which you and your Dad have been called. The Lord bless and keep you!
Dear family Bernard,
What a beautiful testimony we could read! I thank God for our brother Benjamin Linford Bernard, for his life, the lives he marked, for his good example for many people… May God give his peace and comfort to all those who mourn!! Continue to walk the narrow road that leads to eternal life. May God keep you in His arms of love and give you all you need in this experience of great loss!!
With much love in Christ,
Ariane
Sending you much love, Carol. Xx
With the Lord! Separated for just for a little while. What a hope is ours. What a prospect! The Lord richly bless and comfort you and yours.
God bless you Carol
You’ve been there for
Me when my mother and daughter transitioned to Eternity and I
Am
Here for you now
No fancy speeches or trite words just know that I love you and am
Always standing in the gap for you
Daddy’s Little Girl , hang in
There !!
Sherma
May the Lord comfort you & continue to give you peace; your father is completely free & laughing in heaven: praise God!
Psalm 55:22 ” cast all your cares on the Lord…..” He has promised to give us peace & rest. You are not alone,
Paix à son âme Carol, ton père repose dans la lumière des justes ! Nous sommes tous les maillons d’une chaine d’éternité, d’un passage à un autre, là où la vie continue ! Toutes mes condoléances et mon affection.
Jean-Jacques
Deepest sympathies! May the Lord comfort you and your family.
Be sure that i’m in the gap for you!
With love and prayers,
Carole A.
What a wonderful tribute….. thoughts and prayers are with you today Carol and also with your family.. Such wonderful memories you will have to hold on to…
Bonjour Carol,
Pour une fois, je suis sans mots.
Toutes mes sympathies. Je suis de tout cœur avec toi.
Grosses bises,
Annie Gé.
Carol, I heard about your Dad’s passing just before I left for Vancouver. I have just now read your beautiful tribute to your Daddy, and I’m crying and smiling at the same time. God be with you in your sorrow and reflection.
Hi Carol, deep condolences to you and your family on the passing of your father. You may not remember me but I knew your family and I was member of the Presbyterian Church and member of the choir with my fiancé michelle. On August 11, 1984 I got married to Michelle by Rev. W. Manson in that church, you played the organ and David your brother sung. You have my email please get back to me. God bless, true church girl. Emmanuel A.K.
Thanks so much for the blog post. Cool.