ALFRED — Brother Henri Bernier, FIC, 98, died on April 3 in the Southridge Living Center in Biddeford.
Born on Aug. 4, 1915, he was the son of Antoine and Rose Anna (Ruel) Bernier of Fall River, Mass.
Educated in the parish schools of Notre Dame Parish, he began his career as a religious brother in February 1928 upon entering the Brothers’ formation center in La Prairie, Quebec, Canada, then the North American headquarters for the Brothers of Christian Instruction. His first profession of vows in 1932 was culminated by his perpetual commitment in 1937. Last August, he marked 82 years as a religious brother.
His teaching career started in Canada but was mainly exercised as a highly respected teacher of English in the Brothers’ schools in Alfred, Biddeford, Sanford, Plattsburgh, N.Y., Fall River, Mass. and Detroit, Mich. He assumed responsibilities as principal and religious superior in several of these centers.
In addition to his master’s degree from St. Michael’s College ’45 in Vermont, he spent several summers studying Spanish and German at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C.
With polished language skills furthered by advanced studies in Spain, Austria and Italy, Br. Bernier became an associate professor of language arts at Walsh University in North Canton, Ohio. While living on campus for more than 25 years, he served stints as the brothers’ superior, house bursar and ”“ as a hobby ”“ gardener and substitute cook. His convivial personality earned him many invitations to golf outings. In 2004, Walsh University presented him with a “Distinguished Service Award.”
In 1981, his fluency in languages earned him the position of director general of the brothers’ international headquarters in Rome, where, during his six-year term, he left a legend for being a gracious and hospitable host to not only the residents and the student brothers but also to visiting friends and dignitaries. Gifted with a strong operatic voice, he was always prepared to entertain with popular operatic arias and Italian songs.
At 85, he decided it was time to slow down. In 2000, he retired to the Brothers’ American retirement community on the Notre Dame campus in Alfred, where he continued to apply his skills as a “tinkerer” ”“ a repairer of clocks and gadgets. Over decades he developed a talent as a portrait artist.
This most fulfilling and productive life was recognized again by Walsh University when he was presented with a “Lifetime Achievement Award” in 2009.
At the age of 96, this eldest member of the American Province, handicapped by his diabetic condition, forgetfulness and unsteadiness, needed closer supervision offered in a nursing care facility. The staff and residents of Southridge Rehabilitation and Living Center in Biddeford enjoyed his friendly presence, for he was always very appreciative of the loving attention granted to him.
He was preceded in death by: his siblings, Emile, Antoine Jr., Joseph, Florence (Lizotte) and Julienne (Dion).
He is survived by: one sister, Lorraine Copan of Williamsburg, Va.; and by many admiring nieces and nephews.
He will be greatly missed by his fellow religious brothers in the states and abroad.
Rite of Reception will be held at 4 p.m. on April 23, 2014 at the Notre Dame Chapel in Alfred. On Thursday, April 24, visitation will begin at the chapel at 10 a.m., prior to the 11 a.m. Mass of Christian burial. Interment will follow at the Brothers’ Cemetery in Alfred. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his memory to the Brothers’ Retirement Fund, c/o Br. Jerome Lessard, P.O. 159 Alfred, ME 04002. Arrangements are under the direction of Black Funeral Homes and Cremation Service, Sanford-Springvale. Condolences can be expressed at www.blackfuneralhomes.com.
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