It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Bernard, 75, of Shediac, on Wednesday April 22nd, 2020 at the Dr. Georges-L.-Dumont University Hospital Centre as a result of complications from a stroke. Born in Matane, QC, he was the son of the late Célina Lévesques and Adrien Imbeault.
Bernard completed a BSc in Economics from Université de Moncton (1967), an MSc in Management from Université de Moncton / University of Indiana (1968), completed post-graduate studies at École nationale d’administration (ENA) in Paris (1968-69) and received honorary Doctorate degrees from both Université de Moncton (2003) and Mount Allison University (2004). Bernard also received numerous awards and honors over the years, most notably the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Conseil Économique du Nouveau Brunswick (2012), the title of Honorary Lieutenant Colonel of the Fusiliers du St-Laurent (2009), the Order of New Brunswick (2008), Atlantic Business Magazine’s Top 50 CEO Hall of Fame (2007), the Junior Achievement New Brunswick Business Hall of Fame (2005) and the Chevalier of the Legion of Honour of France (2004). Bernard was a proud entrepreneur throughout his working life and was the founder of the Pizza Delight restaurant franchise system, which he helped grow from a single take-out location in Shediac, NB, to a multi-brand network of over 300 restaurants across the country called Imvescor. In addition to his own entrepreneurial ventures, Bernard proudly served on several corporate and not-for-profit boards. Bernard was also very committed to his community and over the years supported numerous organisations and causes including local youth organisations, the Dr. Georges-L.-Dumont University Hospital Centre, the Moncton YMCA, both Université de Moncton and Mount Allison University and most recently the Shediac Rotary Club.
Bernard was a lifelong family man and is survived by his wife of 34 years, Monique (Mallais); six children: Inouk (Amber Imbeault), Nisk (David Gregory), Elki (Nadia Bédard), Iris (Alfred Savoie) (children of Louise Imbeault), Samuel (Stéphanie Lagacé-Imbeault) and Jacob; his grandchildren: Benjamin and Mattéo; Léora, Ludovik and Romy; Damyan Savoie.
Bernard grew up in a large family and is survived by his siblings: Rita (Clive - deceased), Jeanne (Jean), Addy (Edouard), Gisèle (Lise), Jocelyne (René), André (Christine) and Suzy (Pierre). In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his siblings: Louis Marie (deceased); Bernadette - deceased), Rosy (deceased), Jean-Guy (deceased), Rose-Aline (deceased), Francine (deceased; Gerard - deceased) and Denis (deceased). Bernard was very close to Monique’s family, and welcomed her parents Irenée and Georgina Mallais to live with them for several years prior to their passing. Bernard had a number of brothers and sisters-in-law including Nicole (deceased) and Claude, Gérard and Corinne, Jean-Bernard, Rollande and Jean, and Cécile and Denis. In addition, Bernard is survived by many loving nieces and nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews on both sides of the family. Bernard will also be deeply missed by close family friends Cathy and Walt Draper and their daughters: Maggie (Dylan), Carly (Brian) and Charlie and Teddy who also called him Papi.
To all his friends, Bernard deeply appreciated your friendship and support over the years. A special thank you from the family to those who helped him continue to live a happy, active, and engaged life in recent years as his health began to deteriorate.
The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses, and hospital staff at the Dr. Georges-L.-Dumont University Hospital Centre, who cared for him in his final days, in addition to all the doctors, specialists, pharmacists, and medical professionals who supported him during his 15 year battle with Parkinson’s disease. A special thank you to the Dr. Alier Marrero, who cared for him right to the end.
Bernard enjoyed numerous hobbies with friends and family, including tennis, skiing, golf, pickleball, Parkinson’s boxing (Rock Steady Boxing - Moncton), bowling, cards, pool, watching hockey, and the Acadian Olympic sports of horseshoe and washers for those brave enough to challenge him.
Due to current travel restrictions and the large number of family members, friends and colleagues outside the Atlantic region, the celebration of life is postponed to a later date. Immediate family and a few friends will gather for the burial at the Greenwood Cemetery in Shediac, NB. A recording of this occasion will be produced by Frenette’s Funeral Home and will be available for viewing on their website following the ceremony. Video will be available by the end of day Saturday, September 5, 2020.
Donations made in Bernard’s memory will be dedicated to the Beauséjour Family Crisis Resource Centre, 66 Calder Street, Shediac, NB E4P1K8 - Tel: 533-9100.
Funeral arrangements are in the professional care of Frenette Funeral and Cremation Centre, Shediac (532-3297).
Words of comfort and donations can be made at www.frenettefuneralhome.com.