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Obituary of Deacon Vern Bechard
Bechard, Deacon Vern
Peacefully surrounded by his loving wife Mary Lou and all their children at home on the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, December 12th, 2017. Cherished Father of Danny (Cindy), Patricia, Gary (Jane), Kathy (Bruce Isbell), Mary Anne (Michael Desautels), Sandy (Wayne Sunderman), David and Michelle (William Toth). Loving Grandfather of 15 and Great Grandfather of 17. Survived by his siblings Ivan (Dora), Beverly (Bob Crow-Predeceased), Jerome (Susan), Gerard (Margo), Jeanette (Norm Owen) and Norbert (Noreen). Friends will be received at Dixon-Garland Funeral Home, 166 Main St. North (Markham Road), Markham, on Sunday, December 17th from 6-9pm and on Monday from 2-4 pm and 7-9pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, December 19th at 11am at St. Patrick’s Parish, 5633 Highway 7 Markham. Reception will follow at church. Private family burial at Christ the King Cemetery. Donations may be made to the Markham Stouffville Hospital Foundation-Palliative Care Unit or The Building and Maintenance fund for St. Patrick’s Parish.
Extended Life Story:
Deacon Vern
Joseph Venier (Vern) was born in Pain Court, Ontario, September 14, 1925 to Henry and Velina Bechard. He was the eldest of 7 children and is survived by his siblings; Ivan (Dora), Beverly (Bob Crow (previously deceased), Jeannette (Norm Owens), Jerome (Susan), Gerard (Margo), Norbert (Noreen).
Deacon Vern met the love of his life, Mary Lou (Cartier) while ice skating in Chatham. Vern was in the Canadian Air Force and was about to be deployed oversees when the war ended. They quickly started a family and he leaves behind his broken-hearted wife of 72 years Mary Lou and children; Danny (Cindy), Patricia, Gary (Jane), Kathy (Bruce Isbell), Mary Anne (Michael Desautels), Sandy (Wayne Sunderman), David, Michelle (William Toth). He will be greatly missed by his grandchildren; Laura, Amy, Anne Marie, Bradley, Sarah, Lianne, Ryan, Scott, Stacy, Andrea, Tara, Linsay, Andrea, Kristin and Logan. He was also adored by his great grandchildren; Emily, Sarah, Dani, Renee, Sydney, Alex, Sam, Arianna, Ryan, Patrick, T.J., Alex, Everest, Wyatt, Christopher, Kaitlin and Hudson.
Deacon Vern spent his career in the insurance business, moving up the corporate ladder from Claims Adjuster at State Farm Insurance (35 years) to Executive Vice President of Claims for Desjardin Insurance (formerly The Personal). He was an incredibly well respected businessman, but prior to retiring from business, the Lord led him on a new path. In 1987 Vern was ordained a Deacon and found his true calling in life. For the past 30 years, Deacon Vern has lovingly served the people of St. Patrick's Church. In addition to his rather large immediate family, Deacon Vern embraced the entire St. Patrick's congregation as family.
As a very young man Deacon Vern was a member of the 4th Degree Knights of Columbus and served a term as Grand Knight. Deacon Vern and Mary Lou became mentors and then coordinators of the Deaconate Program, which was an easy transition as they had parented many, many COR weekends. He worked tirelessly on the Board of Directors to create the Evergreen Hospice Unit at the Markham Stouffville Hospital. His first ministry was with the prisons, but he spent 25 years lovingly ministering to the sick at Markham Stouffville Hospital. Deacon Vern loved doing the Seniors Prayer Services. His all time favorite ministry however, was the Praise and Worship group.
