Bernice Aylward

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Bernice Louise Aylward, a longtime resident of Dawson Creek, British Columbia, on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, at the age of 93 years.

Bernice’s children are honored to share her life story.

Bernice Louise Aylward (Campbell)

On Wednesday October 08, 2025, Mom left us to start her new journey. We are sure that she was met by the love of her life, Bedford (Dale) Aylward, and once again they are dancing to their favorite music at a big party with all their friends.

Mom had an amazing life, born October 3, 1932, to Iva and Walter Campbell, in Arthurette, New Brunswick. She grew up in a large family of 5 girls and 1 boy. Mom’s siblings who preceded her were Golda, Winona, Roberta and Verdell. She is survived by her sister, Beatrice, who resides in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Also, surviving Mom are her 4 children: Brian (Susan), Steven (Chris), Darroch (Sindy) and Lisa (Richard), 10 grandchildren: Stefanie (Zenon), Bryce (Channing), Nicole (Wes), Victor (Fallon), Andrew, Jon (Tonia), Breanne (James), Jenise (Tony), Luc (Kyla), Elyse (Dane) and 9 amazing great grandchildren.

After graduating from high school, Mom trained to become a Registered Nurse, graduating in 1954 from Victoria Public Hospital in Fredericton. Next, she completed stewardess training with Trans Canada Airline. She was a stewardess for a brief period of time, as she met Dad in 1955, got married, and started a family.

Dad was in officer training with the Canadian Army, and they spent a time during 1956 in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and a year in Fredericton, New Brunswick. This was followed by 2 years in Whitehorse while Dad served in the Canadian Medical Corps. After his discharge they travelled down the Alaska Highway looking for a town to settle down and chose Dawson Creek, British Columbia in 1960.

Mom and Dad travelled the world together. They enjoyed many cruises to faraway places like Italy, Greece and the Baltics. They especially enjoyed warmer climates for winter getaways in Mexico and Hawaii.

She was very involved in organizing events held at the farm. The annual Clinic BBQs usually had 75 people in attendance and were always fun. The angus cattle farm tours were a big hit, and the annual New Years party was always a major event. The farm was home to agricultural trainees from different countries and Mom made them feel at home and a part of the family.

Mom was an amazing cook and would have to adjust the meal menu, as Dad would often invite whoever was visiting to join us for dinner. She never skipped a beat and always had more than enough food prepared for everyone. She loved to bake, and her homemade buns and bread were legendary, and her bread recipe is still in the hands of her children. We remember many days coming in from the cold after doing chores to the smell of fresh baked bread – delicious. Christmas dinner was made special with a goose or turkey, barley, wild rice and potato stuffing.

She loved to knit so we always had mitts, scarves, wool socks and toques for the cold winter months. She made many a cover for chairs and couches in her home and her children’s homes as well. Mom always had advice for us as we grew up and was on guard for an open fridge or front door, letting the child that forgot to close it know that doors were supposed to be closed.

In 1977 she re-started her nursing career at Pouce Coupe Hospital and ended it working with Dad at the Dawson Creek Medical Clinic until she retired in 2000. They lived on the farm in the home they designed and built in 1972, until they could no longer manage living independently, at which time they moved to Rotary Manor. We would like to thank all the staff that took care of mom for their kindness and attention.

We miss Mom dearly. She was always the strong-minded matriarch and the glue that held our family together. We all have many fond memories to cherish of family gatherings on the farm.

For friends so wishing, donations can be made in memory of Bernice Aylward to Rotary Manor Care Facility, 1121-90 Avenue, Dawson Creek, British Columbia V1G 5A3, or the charity of one’s choosing.

There will be a Celebration of Life sometime in the spring of 2026.

Very Respectfully, Reynars Funeral Home & Crematorium