Obituary of Bernard Francis Bodogh

“Nothing is forever in this world, not even our problems.” Charlie Chaplin

 

BERNARD FRANCIS BODOGH (Bernie) APRIL 7, 1962 - APRIL 29, 2021

 

It was early in the morning when Bernie made his final putt on his favourite hole. With a smile on his face, he gave us the last tip of his golf hat and walked off the green into the 19th hole in heaven. Bernie was born in Toronto at the St. Joseph’s Hospital and was the 6th child born to Frank (2002) and Catherine (2016) He is the fun-loving brother to Christine (Enn), Marilyn (Neil) and Frances (Ricardo.) A brother to Gregory (1963) Gerard (2008), Daniel (Colette) and Michael. He was the “Daddio” to his beautiful daughter Samantha (Dave) and Gramps to the light of his life “Sweet Baby James.” Bernie was proud of his “Kiddo” Sam. He adored seeing the kindness that Sam always showed to everyone. Bernie is the uncle to Gregory, Christopher, Trevor, Coulson, Grayson, Katrina, Tamaira and Jaden. At the age of 13, Bernie was introduced to the game of golf at the St. Catharines Golf and Country Club by both his parents. He loved the game the first time he stepped on the tee box and never looked back on his many accomplishments, awards, and contributions to the game. Bernie’s acknowledgement to the etiquette of the game was exemplary. He was a gentleman on the course and when asked he would give you a great tip about your swing. And he always gave you a gimme! Bernie worked in the family lumber business F. L. Bodogh Lumber Co. Ltd., alongside his parents and his siblings. After Bodogh Lumber Bernie went into the insurance business for the last 14 years. On November 29, 2019, Bernie was diagnosed with Stage 4 prostate and bone cancer. Bernie considered himself lucky to get through the first 11 months without pain, playing golf, working, and living life. He cherished the frequent visits to his grandson James as it was a cure for anything that was ailing him. Little James’ smile made Bernie’s world perfect. In Bernie’s last few weeks of his life, he made it easy for all of us. He made a better place for us to sit and watch him and to laugh with him so he could entertain us with his stories while he was at Hospice Niagara. It seemed that Bernie accepted dying in such a dignified and humble way that gave us inspiration to make our lives more meaningful. Bernie’s journey came to an end on April 29, 2021. He told us he had no more stories to tell. And, just like the Peter Pan movie, Captain Hook said, “Ah, yes, death…the greatest adventure!!!

We would like to thank everyone at Hospice Niagara. They are ordinary people with extraordinary hearts. Our family is forever grateful for all the magic they created for a beautiful journey for all of us.

Bernie has asked for donations to be made to Hospice Niagara, The Stabler Centre, 403 Ontario Street, St. Catharines, L2N 1L5 so that other families may LIVE well. Due to Covid, a Family mass will be held on Friday May 7 @ 10:30 at St Julia Church. For those interested you can Live stream at the following link. It will be live 5 minutes prior to Bernie’s Ceremony https://www.youtube.com/c/StJuliaRomanCatholicChurchStCatharines 

 

“You don’t know what pressure is until you play for five bucks with only two bucks in your pocket.” Lee Trevino

 

FORE!!!

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