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Bernard Jules Albert Bonthoux

December 5, 2021

B1S1L1B4-20211209152012
April 12, 1927 - December 5, 2021
In loving memory ~
Barney was born in Wingard Saskatchewan and grew up in Duck Lake. Being one of eight children and the first boy born in the family Barney did more than his share of hard work on the farm. In his spare time he enjoyed riding his horse and hunting with his friend Harry. They remained friends into their 90s.
Barney moved to Penticton where he started working for the Kettle Valley railway. He met the love of his life Jeannette at a dance. She was taken by his wavy hair and charm. After a year of dating they tied the knot. Together they lived in Brookmere for a year in a tiny one room house just a few feet from the train track. Once settled in Penticton they started their family and had 3 children. As the years progressed they moved to Revelstoke where their fourth child was born. Barney continued his career with the CPR and eventually became engineer. He enjoyed writing poems while on the train and in the bunkhouses. He left his written work for his family to enjoy.
Barney built a cabin on Machette Lake that the family enjoyed for 32 precious years. Barney and Jan enjoyed an early retirement and moved to Vernon. They travel the world together and explored more than 70 countries. They laid on beautiful beaches, travelled the canals in Venice, explored the Australian outback and so much more. In later years Barney was interviewed about his experiences working on steam engines and his memories are documented in the Vernon museum.
Barney loved the outdoors and was an avid hunter and fisherman. He hunted for decades with his best friend Fred and his brothers Ed and Bob and nephews.
Barney had a knack for building and fixing anything and in the words of his granddaughter "If grandpa can't fix it no one can."
After 59 years of marriage Barney was predeceased by his wife Jan in 2010. Barney leaves behind wonderful memories and hilarious stories for his children, Carol-Ann (Gerry), Margo (Dennis), Glenn (Lena), Julie (Daryle). Adored by his six grandchildren Rachelle (Pat), Heather (Freddie), Cassie, Spencer, Jordan and Chloe, as well as his four great grandchildren Jack, Lauren Quinn and Koston.
Survived by his sisters Ettie, Irene and brother Bob and numerous family members.
Barney made the most out of life with his positive attitude and great sense of humour. His four children and son-in-law surrounded his bedside with love as he slipped away to a better place to join Jan. Have a good trip dad!
Celebration of life will follow in the spring


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