FETAZ
Bernard Victor Fetaz was born on Thursday, December 18, 1924 in Castor, the third child of Albert and Laura Fetaz from north of Halkirk. Bernard passed away on Monday, April 1, 2013 in the Coronation Hospital, Coronation, Alberta.
As a child Bernard enjoyed learning to fish and swim in the Battle River and all of his schooling was taken at Apremont School, just a half mile south of the farm. When he was just 11 years old he became very sick with Osteomyelitis and spent a great deal of time in the Galahad Hospital and the General Hospital in Edmonton where he had surgery and recovered. This took years of his childhood away from him.
When Albert and Laura retired and moved to Castor in 1953 Bernard and his youngest brother Armand began farming together in a partnership that lasted over 45 years. Bernard and Armand also owned a D6 Cat dozer they used for brushing and clearing land to make extra money. He lived in the same house with Armand and Colette and their nine children until he bought a mobile home in 1980 and lived across the yard.
Even though Bernard had a physical disability, he never let that stop him from fishing the northern lakes of Alberta and Saskatchewan. He camped in his holiday trailers in many parts of British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, the Northwest Territories and Alaska. He also saw parts of Eastern Canada, the United States and made a trip to France to see the birth place of his father and other ancestors.
When mining operations moved close to the farm he moved his mobile home into Castor in 2003. In 2009 he was forced to move into the Extendicare in Castor because of failing health. He lived with the excellent care of doctors and nurses until his passing. In the last few years, Bernard always enjoyed his trips to Stettler and the farm north of Halkirk with nephews, nieces and his friend Jim Culham.
Although he had many health problems throughout his life he endured and kept on living life to its fullest. Just the day before his passing he mentioned to one of his healthcare providers that he was still going to move home to his trailer in town. He was a man with great determination and hope.
Bernard is survived by his loving family: sister Juliette (Raymond) Cordell of St. Albert; sister in law Colette Fetaz of Castor; many nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews and great great nieces and nephews, other family members and many dear friends.
Prayer Vigil for Mr. Bernard Fetaz was held on Tuesday, April 9, 2013 at 7:00 P.M. at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, Castor, Alberta with Father Don Ihekwoaba presiding. Mass of Christian Burial took place on Wednesday, April 10, 2013 at 11:00 A.M. Bernard's nieces: Marie Kuefler, Charmaine Neth, Suzanne Millette, Theresa Turner and Yvonne Roland accompanied by Bernard's sister in law Colette Fetaz opened the Mass singing the Prayer of St. Francis. Musician Brenda Kneller and Cantor Rosa Weber presented their gifts of music. Loving words of remembrance were given by Adelle Cordell and Paul Fetaz. Readers were Michele Bauer and Gilbert Cordell; Prayers of the Faithful were given by Gilbert Cordell. Gifts were presented by Jocelyne Forget and Philip Cordell. Basil Nichols was the Adult Server. Serving as active pallbearers were Leon Fetaz, Roger Fetaz, Gerard Fetaz, Paul Fetaz, Wayne Kuefler, Harold Neth, Jean-Guy Millette, Bill Turner and Richard Roland as Bernard was laid to rest at Notre Dame de Savoie Cemetery, Halkirk, Alberta. Honorary pallbearers were all of Bernard's family and friends. A time of fellowship and luncheon prepared and served by the Catholic Women's League was held at the Castor Community Hall, Castor, Alberta following the Mass.
If desired memorial donations may be made in memory of Bernard to Notre Dame de Savoie Cemetery or Our Lady of the Rosary Hospital Foundation c/o
PARKVIEW FUNERAL CHAPELS & CREMATORIUM,
Box 186, Castor, Alberta T0C 0X0, 403-882-3141.
To send or view condolences to Bernard's family, please visit www.parkviewfuneralchapels.com