Obituaries

After a long and courageous battle with dementia, Bernie William Failing passed away on August 2, 2025, at the age of 89, at Golden West Centennial Lodge in Winnipeg.

He is survived by his loving wife of 66 years Marge (Mills), and daughters Jan and Lee (Dan Ohlson). He was the beloved O’Dad of grandchildren Will (Sarah) and Matt Boudreau, Rae (Max) and Elan Failing, and caring brother-in-law of Judy Mills (Winnipeg), Karen Kordyback (Edmonton), and Brenda Watson (Toronto).

Bernie flew with the Royal Canadian Air Force before graduating from the University of Alberta with a degree in electrical engineering. His love of flying then drew him to what became a long and happy career as a pilot for Air Canada.

The family is grateful for the kindness and care of the staff at Golden West, especially Kris and the second-floor team, whose dedication to those living with dementia provided us with comfort and peace of mind, knowing that Bernie was in such capable and compassionate hands.

As per Bernie’s wishes that his death mirror his “low-key” life, there will be no service. We will remember him for living a life of quiet but unwavering honesty and integrity, leading by example, always treating others with fairness, humility and respect. He also played a mean banjo.