In Loving Memory of
Bernard Ludwig Nehring
1937 ~ 2024
Obituary of Bernard Ludwig Nehring
After a valiant battle with mesothelioma lung cancer, LCol. Bernard Ludwig Nehring CD MS BSc, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 4, 2024 at the age of 87.Our Nehring patriarch: Husband. Father. Grandfather. Great Grandfather. Brother. Uncle. Friend. Teacher. Mentor. Historian. Scientist. Piano Player. Organist. Baritone Vocalist. Lover of scotch, chocolate and oatmeal (in that order). Hold the onions!.
Survived by his sweetheart Marlayne, wife of 65 years, children Judith Whetstone (Mark West), Greg (Christine) and Janet Lacasse (Mark East), grandchildren Clark, Conrad, Nathaniel, Zachary, Nicholas, Lise, Claire and great grandchildren Beckett, Banks and Levi. As the last of his generation, he leaves sisters-in-law Rose, Darlene, Marguerite, Elaine, Judy and many nieces and nephews. Dad has joined his parents Ludwig and Hulda, and siblings Art, Ruth, Reuben, and James and infant Otto.
Dad had a passion for education, science, history, and travels to each corner of the earth, visiting family across the country amongst many other interests.
Born in Bruderheim, Alberta, Dad’s life journey began as a passionate teacher of science beginning at Victoria Composite High School, Edmonton and retiring from Sir Winston Churchill High School, St. Catharines. His sense of duty and patriotism spanned a 25 year commitment to the Reserves as a member of the Loyal Edmonton Regiment and finally serving as Commanding Officer of Lincoln and Welland Regiment.
Dad was an active member, often in leadership positions, of many organizations including Niagara #2 GRC, Grantham Lodge #697 GRC, Niagara #55 RAM, Eastern Star, Niagara Historical Society, Order of St. Lazurus, Niagara Military Museum, Friends of Fort George and Royal Canadian Legion. As a life long educator and expert communicator, Dad gladly shared his knowledge with all who would listen, either as a key note speaker at various occasions in the Niagara Region or commanding the dinner table. We will miss his frequent moments of vigorous instruction, ‘sermons on the mount’ and thoughtful grace.
Dad’s favourite moments were those that involved family and friends gathering, especially with children present. He revelled in watching his grandchildren learning and growing into adulthood. He adored his great grandsons who provided much joy and comfort in his final days.
As Dad proclaimed recently…Take the hill!
Cremation has taken place. Arrangements are entrusted with Essentials Cremation and Burial Services in Niagara Falls. A Celebration of his Life will be held in early spring 2025.
The family have arranged for a Niagara Parks memorial bench in honour of Bernie and Marlayne.
In lieu of flowers, donation to Niagara Health Foundation - Walker Cancer Clinic, Canadian Mesothelioma Foundation, Royal Canadian Legion (your local chapter) or Canadian Cancer Society in Dad’s name.
Service Information
There are no upcoming public services scheduled or the service has occurred in the past.Write a Condolence
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Donations
The family of Bernard Ludwig Nehring would like you to consider placing a donation to one of the following charities:
Niagara Health Foundation - Walker Cancer ClinicVisit Site
Canadian Mesothelioma Foundation
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Canadian Cancer Society
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I met Colonel Nehring during my terms as a MPP. He was truly a gentleman, a man of great wisdom and a true Canadian Patriot
RIP
Sincere condolences to all Bernie’s family. We have known him these past ten years through the Lundy’s Lane Historical Society, where his sparkling good humour and regular contributions to the show-and-tell part of meetings were appreciated. He will be missed.
I am truly so saddened to hear of Bernie’s passing. We would have known each other for some 50 years this coming January, having first met in 1975 when we taught together at Kernahan Park S.S. Since then we had, over the years, many fun encounters, at guns shows, New Years’ Day levees, military celebrations, etc. and he never failed to bring a smile (and often a laugh) to my face. I was honestly shocked to read that he was 87 as he always displayed a love of life that made him seem so much younger.
He was really one of a kind and I am going to miss him very much. Our Earthly world will be a lot less interesting place without him but I am sure Heaven is now much more entertaining. Rest well, my friend. You have earned it.
Our sincere condolences.
Bernie will be sadly missed.
I had the pleasure of meeting this man a couple of months ago when his battery died and he was stuck in a parking lot on Portage rd waiting for CAA to come. I was sitting in my car and this sweet man walks up to my window and asked if I was having a bad day. I then told him that my day was a little rough but much better now. He shared with me how long he was stuck in his car and how thirsty he was. I asked him if I could get him a drink from across the street at the Sobeys parking lot and he said he would love a diet sprite. I brought him his drink and he began to share with me details about his life. He expressed how much he loved his grandchildren and how incredibly proud he was of his children and who they’ve become. He mentioned a recent trip to a hospital where he ran into a student of his that he mentored as a child decades ago who is now a Doctor. This particular Doctor acknowledged him in front of his colleagues and Bernard expressed how much he felt honoured by that. Like it was a standing ovation. Suddenly my day was a lot more brighter. Life is way too precious and every moment truly does count. I am grateful I got to meet this man, even if was for just 20 minutes. Praying for his family and friends during this difficult time.
It is my honour and privilege to have met and known LCol. Bernard Ludwig Nehring CD MS BSc. (Bernie). I deeply appreciate the contributions he had made in the preservation of our rich history in Niagara so that future generations may appreciate that the virtues and values that we enjoy today were paid by the sacrifices of those in the past. Even though ‘Bernie’ had such a prolific knowledge of the past, he was always an approachable, kind and courteous person. The two photos I attach are as follows: first, a photo which I have found to be peaceful so that the family of ‘Bernie’ may in peace knowing that other appreciate his presence; second, a ’21 gun salute’ to bid a military respect of the passing of such a kind and respectful person. To the family of ‘Bernie’, I wish you strength during this time of sorrow. For me, I am grateful to have met such an honourable, and knowledgeable person who not only conveyed historical knowledge to me, but treated me with respect and courtesy. I will forever remember ‘Bernie.’
Dear Marlayne and Family~ Sending our most sincere condolences to all of you in your profound loss of Bernie, our dear and long-time friend. In time, may a lifetime of abundant happy memories assuage your grief and the love and support of your family & friends bring you comfort, strength and peace. Bernie will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him in this life. May his memory be eternal. ~Anita and Nick (in Spirit) and Family.
Forever and ever in our hearts dearest Dad. A few photo memories with many more to be shared at celebration of life.
Our sincerest Condolences to the Nehring Family. the “Colonel” was a force to be reckoned with and will be sadly missed.
I have had the pleasure of knowing this amazing man through the organization of Eastern Star. He has made the world a better place my his presence. Condolences to the family
Hi Marlayne and family very sorry to hear of Bernie’s passing I had the pleasure of hunting with Bernie for over twenty years in Sharbot Lake, listening to his stories and adventures every year he will surely be missed at the hunting camp.
My thoughts and prayers are with your families as you mourn.
Marlayne, Judy Greg, Janet and family. So very sorry to hear of dear Uncle Bern’s passing. He was a light in my childhood growing up on Forsythe / Scotia. Mom (Carmel) will be there to welcome him with open arms. My thoughts are with you all at this difficult time. Please keep us posted for the service. Love, Rosie and all the Rich family.
Marlayne, I’m an old Bruderheim friend of Bernie’s, and am very sorry to hear of his passing. We corresponded briefly a couple of years (email) ago and he sent me photos of his arrowheads gathered on our farm, and even a photo of himself as a child. My wife and I live in Guelph where I taught at the University of Guelph. I treasure my memories of a very special guy. Phone : 519 821 9267