DANIEL (DAN) JOHN BERNAERDT

It is with sadness that we share Daniel (Dan) John Bernaerdt passed away on February 24, 2026 in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Dan passed quietly at home with his wife of 39 years, Leanne Bernaerdt. He is survived by his brother, Ron Bernaerdt; and his children, Darren (Leanne), from his first marriage, and Gerrit (Jennifer) and David (Tricia). He loved spending time with his grandchildren, Amie, Cole, Lilith, Violet, Rae, Lorelei, and Rowan, and spoke of them often. He was pre-deceased by his father, Raymond Bernaerdt, on March 29, 1966; and his mother, Margaret (Sys) (née Roels), on March 23, 2003.

Dan was born on November 8, 1942 at St. Boniface Hospital. He attended St. Paul’s High School and left at the age of 16 to join the Royal Canadian Navy, where he trained to become a radio operator. He also became one of the Navy’s top bowlers, an activity he continued for many years. Over the course of his service, he and his family were stationed in Victoria, Halifax, and Winnipeg. At the end of his posting in Winnipeg, he left the Navy in 1975 to join the Canadian Red Cross as the Director of Donor Relations.

He returned to school to complete his high school education and later completed the Business Administration program at Red River Community College. This supported his advancement to the role of Executive Director at the Canadian Red Cross where he stayed until 1986. At that point, he joined Big Brothers of Manitoba as their Executive Director, and then joined the Arthritis Society of Manitoba as Executive Director.

Friends and colleagues describe Dan as having a quiet strength. During his career, Dan volunteered for many organizations including the American Association of Blood Banks, the Manitoba Emergency Measures Organization, and the Active Living Coalition for Older Adults, to name a few. The City of Winnipeg recognized his work with a Community Service award in 1985.

During his personal time, Dan had a range of activities that he pursued with his family over the years – they included cross country skiing, curling, camping, fishing, playing (and in later years, watching) golf, and coaching both soccer and baseball. He took up running marathons at 60 years old, completing races in Belgium and Switzerland.

Dan led a life of service to others and advocated for many charities. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Arthritis Society of Manitoba or a charity of your choice.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, March 13, 2026, at First Unitarian Universalist Church of Winnipeg at 603 Wellington Crescent.

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