A Tribute to Jack Bercier

Just over 20 years ago my sister Carol married Dick Bercier.  They have been blessed with 4 wonderful children - Colton, Jesse, Jillian and Joshua.

I’ve come to love and admire my brother-in-law and have had a chance to get to know his 3 brothers and sister and father.  I never met Dick’s mother as she passed away years before he joined our family.

Within this past year, Dick’s dad was diagnosed with cancer.  Earlier this year Carol arranged to have family portraits taken as a gift for Dad Bercier.  Dad and his 5 children came in and I can still hear their laughter.  I think many people would envy the closeness of the Berciers.  And I must say that it’s like seeing clones of Dad Bercier!   They all have the same sense of humour and the same laugh.

Looking back on the Bercier Family Portrait session, I think that was the time I realized how powerful it is what a photographer does.  It took a lot of arranging to get them all together.  The minute they walked in the door, I could feel the energy and love.  The laughter…. I remember the laughter - I can still hear it!   We were going to be doing some basic portraits - but the boys… (sorry, Lisa - but the boys really take over and dominate the conversation!) - The boys were joking - laughing and just having a good time being together.  I don’t recall if I got a serious photo - but why would I want that - the family isn’t serious!   Then when we looked at the images projected on the wall… more laughter - more joking - more comments.   I sat and just absorbed the energy in this family.  That’s when I realized that when people look at their portrait displayed in their home - a lot of emotions and memories will take place.  Each time they look at that portrait - they will remember the joy - the laughter and the reason behind the portrait being taken.

Jack Bercier passed away this past Sunday.  His funeral was held today at the Cornerstone Bible Church in Steinbach.  The pews were filled with family and friends.   Watching his oldest son, Dick, read the eulogy brought tears to my eyes.  Jack loved music.  The church was filled with music.  I don’t recall the entire story - but the family found a recording of some songs that Jack recorded in 1968 and it was playing in the background when we entered the church.  The family had prepared a Powerpoint show and we had a chance to see Jack and his children and grandchildren.  All 13 grandchildren went up during the service and Colton talked about their memories of their grandpa.  Tears flowed.  Laughter was heard throughout the church at some of the grandchildren’s reminiscing.  It was poignant and beautiful.

Then Dick, on behalf of the children, spoke of their memories.  Jack loved his family.  He loved trucking.  He loved fishing with his boys - but above all - he loved music.  He loved nothing more than to be asked to pick up his guitar and sing.  He loved country music.  There were stories that make us all laugh.  Jack’s spirit was alive in that church.  One of the things Dick mentioned was ‘the pose’ that his Dad did. I remember during the portrait session one of the boys said “We’ve got to do ‘the pose’!”   ‘The pose’?  I didn’t get it.  But, they did the pose - and then everyone laughed.

This is ‘The pose’…

And more laughter…

Jack Bercier was a great man - loved by his children and grandchildren.  Admired by many.   Rest in peace.