Bernard Donchi, our loving father, passed away on Monday May 3, 2021 at Kamloops Senior Village with family by his side.
Bernard is survived by his three daughters Linda (Randy), Debbie (Ernie), and Tammie (Randy); his grandchildren Shane (Kirstin), Randy (Chrissy), Devon, Ryan and Celine; great grandchildren Lyla, Weston, Arya, Alina, Scarlett and Louie; sisters-in-law Glenys Donchi, Sharon, Marie and Cathy Eckhart, and many nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his parents Giovanni “Bob” and Edith, his wife Merle and second wife Lois; brothers John (Annie), Ron (Arlene), Bobby (Lois) and Jim; sisters Mildred (Ken) Schneider, Laura (Bud) Wilson and Shirley; brothers-in-law Bruce, Darrel and Lorne Eckhart; sisters-in-law Blanche (Don) McKenzie, Doreen (Bob) Stittle.
Bernard was born in Kamloops on November 17, 1926 and was raised in Vinsulla on the family farm. After serving three years in the Air Force, he returned home and later married Merle Eckhart on February, 1956. They settled and raised their family on the ranch in Vinsulla for 38 years. Merle passed in 1994, and a few years later, Lois came to live with Bernard on the farm. They were married in July 2009.
Bernard was a lifetime rancher. He was always striving to make improvements on his beloved ranch and enjoyed riding the range. Throughout his life, Bernard enjoyed fishing, camping, and hunting with his family and friends. He loved tending his garden and taking walks around his property. He was always “outstanding in his field”. He loved watching (and cursing) his Canucks and Blue Jays. In later years he was involved in darts, carpet bowling, the Barriere Snowmobile Club, and was a long-time member of the Barriere Legion.
After 89 years on the farm, Bernard moved to Chartwell Ridgepointe in Kamloops where he was well looked after and made good friends. In 2019 he moved to Kamloops Senior Village where he again, was well loved and cared for. We would like to give our heartfelt thanks to everyone involved in dad’s care over the years.
“Papa -you are deeply loved and we will miss your beautiful smile”
There will be no service at this time. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Huntington’s Society of BC or a charity of your choice.
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2 Tributes
As I drove by the old ball field near Mclure I was thinking about the last time I played softball against the Donchi boys. Bernard, Robert and Jim. Bernard was one of the better older pitchers I played against back in the day. RIP Bernard
Linda, Debbie and Tammie along with your families my heart is with you. Uncle Bernard was a sweet kind man who will be missed by all of us. I I hope you can find peace knowing all the family are together now, likely fishing and chatting up a storm.