Bernice Dorion

Charlotte Bernice Dorion, known as Bernie to her many friends, was born on May 7, 1927 in Armstrong, BC. Her childhood was spent on the family farm in Nicholson, near Golden, BC. She attended a one-room schoolhouse in her younger days and one of her favorite memories was riding her cow to and from school. Bernie completed High School in Golden and continued her education in Vancouver, where she took courses in business, shorthand and bookkeeping.

Bernie married Gord Dorion on Nov. 12, 1955 in Golden and drove to Banff that same day to start their lives together. They owned Star Service Shell station in partnership with Jack and Betty Wilson.

Their first child Dale was born on Sept 10, 1956. Gord and Bernie moved to their lifetime home in Banff in 1957 and their daughter Lynn was born on July 13, 1958.

Bernice started her own business when her children were in Junior High. She owned and operated The Blue Bubble Coin Laundry and later The Bow Coin Laundry in Banff. She was everyone's favorite laundry lady and made lifelong friends by doing their clothes…As she would say, "It's a beautiful day! Go enjoy it. Come back in 2 hrs and I'll have your laundry done."

Bernice was a person who lived for today. She had a plan for each and every day and rarely faltered from it. She was known to set the oven timer to remind her when her task should be done and the next to start. When her family was young the door was always open and the table set to feed and welcome whatever kids from the block happened to be playing in the yard at the time. She was involved in every sport her kids were a part of, from having hot chocolate at the finish line of a ski race to timing the barrels at a gymkhana. This continued on when her grandchildren were in sports, always being there when possible…and if not, she was waiting not-so-patiently at the phone to hear how it went ! Bernie was a tireless volunteer. She was an active member of the Kinettes and later the IODE where she fostered many amazing friendships that she cherished each and every day. She spent countless hours baking, her deepfreeze full of squares and cookies prepared for the next luncheon, memorial service, bake sale, or a visit from her friends or family. You could not stop by her house without being offered (or forced…) an array of goodies!

After retirement, Bernice and Gord loved to travel with their trailer. They were known to take off every year to the Okanagan, Arizona, Alaska, Vancouver Island, and all the way across Canada to name a few. They lived a very active life together. She loved to curl, golf and walk-always with a dog by her side. Her pets were always treated like family, and she owned many throughout her life. She also had a passion for flowers and gardening. Her planters were a sight to behold.

Bernie was extremely caring, compassionate, and supportive.

She was never one to want to be in the spotlight, however with her natural kindness, family, friends and people she would meet thought the world of her. Bernice will be missed deeply, and by so many. Her family asks that in lieu of flowers, you do something kind in honour of her, whether it's a day of volunteering, donating to a cause, or helping out someone in need.

A memorial service will be held in the spring when the crocuses

are in bloom.

Services provided by Russ Reynolds and Bow River Funeral Service.