Tribute

TUGWELL, Bernard (Bernie) Arthur
(1927 – 2010)

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Bernard Arthur Tugwell on January 28, 2010 at South Okanagan General Hospital in Oliver, BC at the age of 82.

He left us peacefully in his sleep surrounded by his loved ones and will be greatly missed. Bernard was predeceased by his first wife Donna of Ucluelet, BC, daughter Diana of Powell River, BC, sisters Ruth of Ucluelet, BC and Beth of Comox, BC, and brother Bud of Ucluelet, BC. He is survived by his loving wife of 38 years Leona, and her daughters April (Fred), Betty (Dave), Margaret (Tom), and Wendy (Dave), in addition to his children from his first marriage, son Brian and daughter Maureen. He is also survived by his seventeen grandchildren and many great-grandchildren and of course his faithful and loving companion, Taffy.

Born in Port Alberni, BC on August 22, 1927 to parents Thomas Tugwell and Sibella Agnes Lasswitz, Bernard was raised in Ucluelet, BC where he spent the first 61 years of his life. Bernard grew up on the West coast and as such developed a passion for the ocean that led him to run his own fish camp and manage a general store in the Tofino Harbour at the young age of 15. Bernard followed his love for the ocean and worked as a commercial fisherman for many years.

The desire to be closer to his family led Bernard to return to shore and work at a fish camp in the Ucluelet harbour. From here Bernard became the butcher at the local Co-op store and after a few years moved on to become the manager of Ace building supplies, which he continued to do for 14 years until he returned to the Co-op store to become the hardware manager. Bernard remained an active member of his community by assuming the role of Justice of the Peace for 26 years, in addition to being a member of the Ucluelet Athletic Club, a volunteer member of the Ucluelet fire department and later becoming the Fire Chief.

Always willing to lend a helping hand, Bernard assisted friends and family with home building projects and built many wood-work crafts such as birdhouses, planters, and wishing wells. Bernard”s other hobbies included gardening and raising fuchsia flowers as well as maintaining a small farm with various types of birds.

The Okanagan was a frequent summer vacation spot for Bernard and his family which led to his decision to retire in Oliver, BC during the summer of 1988. During his retirement Bernard enjoyed growing grapes, making wine (Pop”s Private Stock), and tending to his fruit trees.

A memorial in honour of Bernard”s life was held on Monday, February 1, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. at Nunes-Pottinger Funeral Chapel with a reception to follow at the Catholic Church in Oliver. As per Bernard”s wishes, he will be laid to rest in Oliver, BC.

The family would like to thank Dr. Johnston and his staff in addition to the nurses working in the acute care units of Penticton Regional Hospital and the South Okanagan General Hospital.
Donations in lieu of flowers or gifts may be made to the BC S.P.C.A., South Okanagan-Similkameen Branch (2200 Dartmouth Drive, Penticton, V2A 7W7).

Condolences may be directed to the family by visiting www.nunes-pottinger.com

Arrangements entrusted to Nunes-Pottinger Funeral Service & Crematorium,
Oliver and Osoyoos, BC, 250-498-0167.