Aged 91, of Sechelt, passed away on Monday, October 31, 2016.
Bernard (Bernie) was born to the late John Ralph Oszust and Katherine Kanski on July 21, 1925 in Oyen, Alberta. He married Marion Bernice Gist in 1953 and they lived in Edmonton, Virden, Manitoba and Calgary before moving overseas to Saudi Arabia and then to Indonesia. In 1981, Bernie and Marion retired to their coastal home in Sechelt.
Before retiring in Sechelt, Bernie had a long and successful career as a Petroleum Engineer for Chevron Standard in Calgary, Aramco in Saudi Arabia, and Caltex in Indonesia. When he and Marion decided to retire, they built and lived in their home in Selma Park. They also purchased other smaller properties which Bernie rented, maintained and managed during his years in Sechelt.
Bernie was a loving husband and father whose interests and activities revolved around the care and support of his wife and children. He was an active member of the Sechelt Legion Branch 140 for the last 50 years. He served as President in 1994 and past President for several years after. He sat on numerous committees and served as a Service Officer for many years as well. He was awarded an honorary lifetime membership for his years of work and dedication.
He loved to travel and enjoyed many holidays and cruises with friends and family.
Bernie is survived by four children, Debra (Christopher, deceased) Lewis of Sidney, Laureen (David) McGregor and Donald, of Calgary, and Robert of Sechelt. He is also survived by two grandchildren, Jonathan (Karina) and Michael McGregor, as well as two great-grandchildren, Ashton and Kaleb.
Bernie's family wish to thank the staff of Vancouver Coastal Health and Sechelt Hospital for their compassionate care.
The family requests any donations go to the Sechelt Legion Branch 140.
A celebration of Bernie's life will take place at the Sechelt Legion at 2pm on Thursday, December 8, 2016.