David John Berard
Posted By Sobering Funeral Chapel On December 21, 2023 @ 8:26 pm In Obituaries | 28 Comments
1955-2023
Dave Berard died suddenly of natural causes at his home. He is survived by his long-time partner Kairistine MacLeod and brothers Danny (Nurit) and Marc, and sisters Joanne, Landaira (Terry) and Mary-Anne as well as nieces and nephews Alisha (Ron), Noah, Brayden, Julian, Trevor, Addi (Rivka), Nathalie, Tamir and Doron. Also left to mourn are his aunts Stella, Jenny, Lorraine and Patricia. He also collected a large and extremely varied group of friends of all ages, from all corners of the globe and all facets of his life.
Dave was born in Winnipeg on March 1, 1955, to Alfred and Helen Berard and his childhood was spent at their home in Grande Pointe, MB.
He was an avid traveller and saw much of Canada, as well as Mexico, Israel, Europe, the UK and Southeast Asia. He particularly loved Iceland, Newfoundland and India, returning to those places several times. Dave and Kairistine would pick a spot in the US and head out on spur-of the-moment road trips. These travels helped him to appreciate all that Planet Earth had to offer, whether it be the beauty of nature or the wonders of culture, food, art, music and literature that abound.
He was called “Dark Dave” by some due to his sombre bearing, decades spent on the night shift and, yes, his taste in art and music, but he liked to play games and loved goofing around. He had an endearing laugh and a smile that almost wasn’t even there. His wit was keen and his sense of humour was well-developed, if sometimes outrageous.
Dave was a talented guitarist and had a beautiful, smooth singing voice. He collaborated with many friends on various amateur musical projects and was a founding member of the art/noise/pop ensemble Taste of Stool, who were once described (by Dave) as “the hottest band that ever rocked”. Most of the heat they produced could be attributed to Dave, who was perhaps the only member who could demonstrate any prowess on an instrument. His abiding passion was not just music, but sound. In his retirement he travelled to see some of his favourite artists and hosted “Strange Wax”, a CKUW (late night, of course) radio show. He leaves behind an incredibly diverse and obscure music collection which few mothers could ever bear to listen to for more than thirty seconds.
Although seemingly an urban being, Dave loved the peace and quiet of nature. He and Kairistine lived for many years on the shores of Lake Winnipeg, and in the Whiteshell. They would often go for hikes, Dave in his John Fluevog shoes, perhaps pausing to rest in a shady glade which proved to be teeming with wood ticks.
Dave spent 35 years as a counsellor, mostly on nights, at the Manitoba Youth Centre and in his retirement worked at Marymound. At both of those institutions he earned the respect and affection of many co-workers with his decency, good judgement and sense of humour. The youth in his care benefitted as well and sometimes thanked him years later for what he had done for them.
Dave attended one semester of university, but with his open mind earned a Master’s at the University of Life. Cuisine was not one of his fortes; he was not likely to elevate anyone’s potluck with anything but his delightful presence. He was a great lover of film, art and literature, but abhorred pretension. He enjoyed a good cartoon or comic as much as any high-falutin’ art blab. He was well-read, informed on many subjects and could handle a tough crossword.
Dave was a kind, sensitive guy with an inner strength. He loved both two- and four-legged animals of all ages and gave generously to people struggling with addictions. If you are able, please give in Dave’s name to an animal or homeless shelter, or addiction resource centre.
A graveside service will take place Friday, December 29, 2023 at 11:00 a.m., in Notre Dame de la Miséricordia Roman Catholic Cemetery, in Île-des-Chênes, MB. A time of fellowship will follow the interment at the TC Energy Centre, 1 Rivard St., Suite 204D, Île-des-Chênes, MB.
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So sorry to hear of Dave’s passing. I was lucky enough to call him friend for 36 years. Very sad I will not share a laugh with him again. My condolences to his family and other friends.
My deepest sympathies for such an awesome human being. I truly wish I got to know my cousin better. He made a huge difference in this world of ours, and he will be sadly missed. It is so unfortunate that I am unable to travel at this time.
So deeply sorry for your loss.
Tannis Waite & Family
Beautiful obituary. I am happy to have known Dave and very sad that we have lost him. What a remarkable man. My condolences to his family and many friends.
My deepest condolences to the Berard family for the early departure of David Berard. The words shared by David’s loved ones were a moving tribute to a man who seemed to enjoy life and who had an impact on the people around him. May his soul find the peace he deserves.
Dave was loved at First Step, he loved and we loved back. He will be missed and we will think of him often
May you find some peace in these tough times,
Love Brian T
Over many decades, I shared a few hundred hours in early morning AA meetings with Dave. And breakfast later at the Red Top. He was quite the individual. It was never a boring conversation with David, never shy to share his well researched opinions on everything. We had a common love of great rock n roll and sobriety. Dave was a good heart and I really liked him.
Save me a seat Dave!
Gordo
Back in the day, Cousins Deli on Sherbrook Street attracted a diverse group of regulars. If Stuart (the owner) was around, Van Morrison’s ‘Moondance’ was the inevitable soundtrack. If he wasn’t around, musical selections became a free-for-all for staff and I remember playing a mixtape of intense industrial music when David (who often came in for something before heading to his evening job) strolled up to the counter and asked me, “Is this Nurse with Wound?” Of course, he knew full well that’s who it was but, typically self-effacing, he opened up a conversation around what turned out to be a shared love of noise. He also had an amazing vinyl collection and, unasked, generously made me more than one mixtape of noise and beauty that I still treasure today.
Over the ensuing years I’d randomly and happily run into him, sometimes in person and once as a billboard at a bus shelter on Ellice Avenue as part of an art project by Micah Lexier, with photographs by Sheila Spence. ‘David Then & Now’ was a fascinating project of people ages 1 to 75 – all named David – posing for a portrait and then posing again ten years later. David made a memorable appearance at both 38 and 48.
Saddened to see that he passed away, but thank you for the beautifully written homage to a life well lived. Condolences to family and friends.
I worked with Dave at the Manitoba Youth Centre in the same unit. We worked the day/evening shifts, he was my best working partner. Enjoy the ride my friend
Our deepest condolences. To the Berard family, a nice obituary, we got to know David so much better. My intentions to have another family together after we lost Mom (Beatrice Raymond Beauchemin) didn’t work out, so sorry David. May you rest in peace.
I wish I got to know him better
Sounds like an amazing life well lived
Our sincere condolences to his family and loved ones
So sorry to hear of David’s passing.
The Berard family shared my mom’s 96th birthday with us this past August and we were happy to have a reunion with the two families who had not been together for years.
Rest In Peace David
Cousins
Steve and Jackie Muska
Dave and I shared some secret thoughts on the midnights at MYC.He cared about people and said nothing surprized him. I will never forget the stories of his travelling, or how he made me laugh
at 3 am, when I wanted to sleep. What a special guy.
RIP my friend.
Dave was a good friend and at one time a great roommate. His high tech stereo and diverse music collection were in constant use. We shared many interests in art, literature and music. Conversations with Dave were always interesting as he had a unique perspective which he enjoyed sharing and was keen to learn from others. With his rotational work schedule we would hang out for two weeks and then we would rarely see each other for a month making it so we didn’t get tired of each other.
I felt lucky that Dave would just drive up to come visit just outta the blue every now and then and that I did get to see him one last time only a couple months ago.
He might have been Dark Dave but he shone a light.
Thanks for being a great mentor and a great co-worker. you had an awesome sense of humor and you were respected by everybody. you will be missed.
But your lessons will remain with us.
Our sincere condolences to David’s partner and family. As a kid David lived right next door however our family left Grande Point in 1966. I was fortunate to see David and Danny at our last family reunion and I’m grateful to have spent a moment together. My father Joe Berard had a close relationship with David after he moved back to Manitoba and they often get together. Life’s too short
So sad to hear of Dave’s passing . My condolences to the Berard family .
May you rest in peace my cousin .
Judy and I just heard of David’s passing and on behalf of the entire Sabiston family we would like to send our condolences to David’s siblings. I do not proclaim to know all of David’s story, however; that of which I do know always left me with a deep respect and admiration for what he did and for who he was. Unfortunately, we will not be able to make it back for his final good-byes, but we would like to send all of our best to Danny, Joanne, and Mary-Anne, and everyone else.
My condolences to the friends and family of Dave Berard . My friend Dave had such a unique presence and point of view . In a world of interrelationship, Dave stands alone with his mere presence. Such a unique and incredible guy in so many ways .I look forward to meeting him again
I knew Dave well during the 1980’s. When I first met him, I was intimidated by his appearance… he was the toughest looking guy I’d ever met. Once I got to know him better, I was always struck by how gentle, and generally quiet his manner was. He would come by often for coffee in those days and I finally confessed to him that I used to find him scary looking. He took a big drag of his cigarette, gave me a little half smile and said ‘Yeah, I know… I get that a lot’.
Rest in peace Dave.
I had the pleasure of Dave’s company for many a long night shift at the Manitoba youth centre and was always entertained and enjoyed talking about just about anything. He was a character and I will always remember him fondly. Rest easy my friend May angels be there to greet you and share a laugh
Sorry to hear the news of David Berard passing.
Our condolences to the family.
Love from Aunty Lorraine and family.
‘Rest in place’
Dave was a patient, open-minded listener of other people’s problems (bless you, my friend) and a discerning ingester of avant-garde music that he was always willing to share. Always warm, hilarious, and, yes, seemingly dark — but not dark at all! Drank a million gallons of coffee with him at Cousins, Hunger Hut and Bar I over the decades. I’ll miss this gentle soul terribly.
Thinking of you in your time of loss and praying that God will give you his comfort and strength to carry you through these difficult days . In time your tears will wash away your sorrow leaving only the beautiful memories of David . With Sympathy and caring The Stelmack Family
To David’s family and friends. Our deepest condolences. When David was much younger he babysat our Daughter Marisa, Sorry we didn’t get to know him better. Sounds like he lived life to the fullest. Your family will have many fond memories of him.
Cousin Myrna and David
Our deepest condolences to David’s family from our family.
I’ve known Dave since the 80’s. His appreciation of incredibly diverse music, art and fine design is something I am so very grateful to him for having shared with me and so many of us. I feel fortunate to have had him as a friend all these years and will miss his wit, sense of humour and laugh.
Condolences to everyone who loved Dave and who will feel his loss! I worked with Dave for a few years in his retirement job where he worked with youth experiencing addiction. His wry smile and gentle nature and ability to help put things into perspective was so valuable to the work he did. His travel stories and discussions of music and tattoos were always entertaining. Rest well Dave, you will be missed.
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Our family sends our Deepest Condolences to David’s family & friends.
I am so happy I got to chat with Dave at the family reunion as we hadn’t seen each other since we were kids in Grande Pointe.
Growing up as cousins that was who we hung out with as there was many of the Berard Clan growing up there. As we got older families moved away but we have the memories with us always.
Rest in Peace
Sharon Lori Mike Berard