I got to know Bernard fairly recently, sharing the stage with him at the Irish Club. I was humbled by listening to his rich voice recite drama- or even regale a tale from last week.

One show was not enough!

I'm thinking of Bernard's family and close friends this day, and of 'old Jack Riley".

Bernard has been a very dear friend to me. His kindness and thoughtfulness have brought me great comfort in some difficult times - the passing of my husband in 2020, and my stroke in 2023. At both times, Bernard was there to help me in any way he could.

Over the past 15 years, I have both acted with and directed Bernard in several Shoestring Players productions. What a pleasure that was! Always positive, willing to try anything, he was delightful to work with. I shall remember him as someone who gives meaning to the word "gentleman", a man of principles, of charity, of kindness and decency. I shall miss him and remember him with love.

I had the pleasure of directing Bernard as he ventured into the world of voicing animated characters. He was always eager to learn new things and welcomed challenges with openess and a sense of humour.

His willingness to connect on a deeper level was always on offer and he went out of his way to ensure people knew they were an important part of his life.

Bernard demonstrated what a life well lived can look like.

I endeavour to be as fearless and present for each moment as he was.

The world is a better place because you were here, Bernard.

Bernard était d'une gentillesse inépuisable. Il était généreux, talentueux et a laissé une magnifique trace au Théâtre Cercle Molière. Ce fut un énorme plaisir de le mettre en scène et de partager des moments qui resteront à toujours en moi. Je t'nvoie tout on amour, cher ami de coeur.

Bernard was an easy actor to direct. He approached a role with commitment and passion. He dug into the skin of a character. He also took terrific (professional) headshots of the actors. Their personalities were captured.

At the end of 'Once a Dream' he presented each of the cast with a collage of photos from the production.

There were many ups and downs during the production. Bernard confirmed his loyalty to the show many times. His positive outlook helped to ' get this done.'

Everyone involved with the play was in awe of his age. We learned a valuable lesson about embracing Life!

Thx, Bernard, it was an honour to work with you and to converse with you.

I remember Bernard from the Manitoba Camera Club. He had such a lively and engaging personality, He was always positive and supportive to all. Such humour and wit ! I recall attending one of his acting performance, and thought what a multi-talented person he was. My sincere condolenses to his family

I had the pleasure of being murdered by Bernard, judged by Bernard, and directed by Bernard. And, of course, photographed by Bernard. A fine fine man who will be missed by so many.

Like so many others who were blessed with and from an association with Bernard the bond we shared will be forever imprinted in my soul.

We first met at RehFit many years ago. Regular encounters with mutual encouragement and support with Bernard and his then dear wife Anne made working out fun.

After Anne's illness and passing our bond of friendship and appreciation swelled when over time Joan Wilton and Bernard became much more than gifted thespians.

Joan and I had been long time colleagues through our association with the Standardized Patient Program at the U of M Faculty of Medicine. When Bernard and Joan married truly a match made in Heaven blossomed.

Their years were a treasure trove of nurturing love.

May God envelop Joan with strength as she navigates these difficult times and may she continue to live in the love of her dear husband until they are once again united.

I am proud and so glad to have known this fine man. I attended St Johns. He was my French teacher and also mentored me in the after school camera club with his kind support and teaching. Godspeed Mr Boland. Thank you for being you.

awe i'm so very sorry to hear of his passing he was a beautiful soul and person very funny and smiled a lot. he will be missed for sure and to his family i'm very sorry for your loss.

Bernard lived life with great joy. He was a beautiful soul, and a creative spirit. He brought laughter, inspiration and appreciation for all creatures. He saw the beauty in small things and he expanded our hearts. He was greatly loved, and we will miss him.

Bernard helped me stage two plays (Paper Wheat, The Ecstasy of Rita Joe) at St. John's High School. His thoroughness and meticulous attention to detail was most impressive. Always the consummate professional, Bernard's knowledge and commitment to theatre craft left a lasting impression that helped shape my career as a teacher of theatre arts. Both the students and I owe him a huge debt of gratitude!

Over many years with the Tara Players Irish Community Theatre, it's been a pleasure and privilage to develop a strong valued frienship with Bernard. A much talented and knowledgable man. Bernard's on-stage insightful performances and his excellent photography along with his warm smiling friendship will be deeply missed.

Such a sweet, dear man whom I had the joy and pleasure of playing with. Our mutual love of crosswords gave rise to a new word for my vocabulary - cruciverbalist - included in the sweet note he wrote in the book of cryptic crosswords he gifted to me.

A kind and generous man whose love for life and broad, warm smile were contagious. I am honoured to have been his friend.

A true gentleman that touched so many lives. Whether it was through his teaching, his acting, his photography, or his love of motorcycles, he took great joy in his life here on earth. Thank you for your friendship, sir; I will endeavour to bring a little bit of you in any roles that I play.

Sincere sympathy to Joan and Bernard's children and step- children. His good-will and positive demeanour will be missed by so many who knew him.

Bernard was a man of such grace and heartfelt compassion ❤️. He is a treasured gift I will remember by his many kind and thoughtful gestures .