It is with great sadness that the family of Bernie (Bernard) Kolkman announce his sudden passing on September 21, 2021 at the age of 66 years.
Bernie is survived by his loving wife Mary Ann, children Galen (Susanna), Jhana (Jordan) and Clayton (Morgan) as well as numerous beloved siblings, nieces, nephews, in-laws, extended family and many dear friends.
Bernie is predeceased by his father (Engbert), mother (Johanna), mother in law (Riek), brother (Brian), sister in law (Laurel), and brother in law (Dick).
Bernie was born on June 26, 1955 in Edmonton Alberta, the third of Hanny and Bert’s eight children. Growing up on the family farm in Ardrossan Alberta cultivated Bernie’s enduring love for working with his hands, leading to many years assisting with planting and harvest and many more afternoons and evenings spent fiddling in his shop.
After graduating as a civil engineering technologist from NAIT, Bernie’s work with the Department of Transportation took him throughout the province. While based in Calgary, Bernie was introduced to his wife Mary Ann through mutual friends. They were married at Maranatha CRC on April 9th, 1988. Their oldest son Galen was born in Calgary, daughter Jhana and son Clayton were born after the family relocated for Bernie’s job in Red Deer. Bernie continued his career with the Alberta Transportation department before “retiring” to private consulting in the aggregates field. Multiple moves were made around the Lacombe area before ultimately settling on 59th Street in 1998. Bernie and Mary Ann enjoyed raising their family among a wonderful group of neighbours, hosting events for family and friends, and being close to their church and school communities.
“Bernardo” had many volunteer interests. Trips to Central America with EduDeo Ministries to assist building schools, weeks at Rehoboth Camp supporting campers, volunteering with Bethel CRC Friendship Group, judging 4-H public speaking, coaching his children’s sports teams, sitting on the Lacombe Christian and Central Alberta Christian High School boards and, most recently, the Charis Village board. Bernie was an active member of Wolf Creek Community Church.
Bernie’s various travels took him throughout Canada, the United States, Central America, Australia and Europe visiting friends and family. Trips to the Netherlands to visit family held a special place in his heart.
A love for motorsports was the basis for many vacations with friends and family where quadding, water skiing, wake boarding and wake surfing filled the summer. Winters were spent snowmobiling and begrudgingly snowshoeing.
Bernie will be dearly missed by all who knew him.
A Private Ceremony will occur on Monday September 27th.
Memorial donations can be made directly to Rehoboth Christian Ministries, or EduDeo Ministries: https://www.canadahelps.org/en/pages/in-bernies-memory/
Private Internment will take place at the Lacombe Fairview Cemetery.
To send flowers
to the family or plant a tree
in memory of Bernard Kolkman, please visit our floral store.