Obituary of Bernard "Bernie" Switzer

January 6, 1933 – Calgary, Alberta

January 25, 2025 – Calgary, Alberta

Bernie Switzer was predeceased by his parents, Abraham Switzer and Sadie (Morris) Stone, his in-laws, Sam Brovender and Fanny Raisen, brother-in-law, Barry Brovender, and his son, Aubrey Andrew.

He is survived by his children, Gay and Eric, Shelley, Sam and Louise, Michael and partner Tamara; grandchildren, Stephen (Robyn), Allison (Matt), Brad (Sasha), Megan, Peter, Sophia, Max, Julian, and Ayalla; and great-grandchildren, Dean, Warren, Joey, Eddie, Jake, and Annie.

Born in Calgary, AB, Bernie was brought up by his mother Sadie, and his maternal grandparents. His youth was spent with extended family and lifelong friends. Bernie attended Western Canada High School and loved sports throughout his life—hockey, football, curling, cycling, tennis, snow and waterskiing.

In 1954, Bernie met the love of his life, Hessie Brovender. Together, they celebrated 70 years of loving marriage.

Bernie had a 65-year career, in life insurance and financial planning and was dedicated to serving his clients. He was committed to his family and many friends and was an active volunteer in the Calgary Jewish Community, and the community at large.

The family wishes to thank the kindness and caring of the entire medical and support staff at the South Health Campus and Swan Evergreen Village.

Funeral Services will be held at the Beth Tzedec Congregation Calgary (1325 Glenmore Trail SW, Calgary, AB) on Monday, January 27, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. with interment to follow at Beth Tzedec Memorial Park (122 Shalom Way SE, Calgary, AB).

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Jewish Family Service Calgary, 6131 6 St SE #100, Calgary, AB T2H 1L9, Telephone (403) 287-3510, https://www.jfsc.org/support-jfsc/donate.html, or to Crohn’s and Colitis Canada, 600 – 60th Street Clair Avenue East, Toronto, ON M4T 1N5, Telephone: 1 (800) 387-1479, www.crohnsandcolitis.ca, or to a charity of your choice.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Bernie’s family here.

May his memory be a blessing.

Arrangements in care of the CHEVRA KADISHA OF CALGARY, Telephone: 403-244-4717.