Obituaries

Mark James Joseph Bernier

January 28, 1956 - August 14, 2021

Mark James Joseph Bernier MD, FRCSC, F.A.C.O.G. (cert)
January 28, 1956 – August 14, 2021

After a courageous battle with prostate cancer, Dr. Mark James Joseph Bernier passed away peacefully surrounded by his wife, Karen (Gregg), and four sons, Austin, Alec, Tristan and Charlie, on Saturday, August 14th, 2021. Mark is survived by his two brothers Keith (Marielle) and David (Natasha). He was predeceased by his mother Jean and father Emil, both in 2005.

Mark was born and raised in Hudson, Ontario, a Norman Rockwell-like town where he would canoe, camp and fish with the company of his brothers and close friends. It was at the age of 10 that Mark found his passion for science and medicine.

After completing his high school education, Mark moved to Winnipeg, Manitoba and attended the University of Manitoba. Mark made countless sacrifices throughout his post-secondary education to pursue his passion of studying medicine. His dedication to his studies would eventually pay off in August of 1977 when he was accepted into the medical program at the University of Manitoba.

Mark’s disciplined nature allowed him to excel as a resident, and later as a physician, in Obstetrics and Gynecology. Shortly after his residency, Mark met the love of his life, Karen. The two of them would share 28 beautiful years of marriage and raise four amazing sons together. Even with the demands of his busy practice, Mark still made time to be with family, run marathons, garden, practice photography, and curl with friends and relatives.

During his 38 years as an Obstetrician Gynecologist, Mark would take on many responsibilities, and receive numerous awards throughout his career, such as: Mentor of the Year (Region 2), Service Chief of Women’s Centre, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, Associate Professor of University of Manitoba, Chair of Gynecology Audit Committee, Women’s Centre and Health Sciences Centre, Chair City-Wide Gynecology O.R. Committee, Surgical Lead at Women’s Centre, and Placenta Accreta Spectrum Disorders Committee.

Mark’s passion for teaching continued throughout his career and could be seen in the love he had for his residents. Dr. Savas Menticoglou, fellow colleague and best friend, always gave Mark the encouragement to tackle any difficult case and always lent an ear when it was needed most. Mark’s office at the Manitoba Clinic would not be possible without the help and patience of his doctor’s office assistant, Karen Flores. Mark would also like to thank the nursing staff at the Women’s Hospital who gave him incredible assistance throughout his years as a physician.

Mark was honored with bringing life into the world. No matter the emergency, Mark would always be there to help.

On August 8, 2019, Mark’s world forever changed when he was diagnosed with metastatic prostate cancer. The diagnosis was hard on him and the family; however, he refused to let it slow him down as a medical professional and family man. He always had the love and support of his family, and never gave up being the father he always wanted to be for his sons. He will continue to be in the hearts of his family, and all the lives he has touched as a doctor.

DAD WAS OUR HERO OF THE DAY, EVERYDAY.

Thank-you to Mark’s healthcare team at CancerCare Manitoba for providing the best treatment possible. A celebration of life will be held in private with family on August 30th, 2021. In lieu of flowers, a donation to CancerCare Manitoba in Mark’s name would be an honor.