Welke, Bernard Richard
May 14, 1958 - July 10, 2024
With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Bernard Richard Welke, born on May 14, 1958, in Toronto, and who passed away on July 10, 2024.
Bernard was a visionary businessman, talented artist, and beloved family man. Born to Rolf and Rosina Welke, both originally from Germany, Bernard founded the highly successful Welke Customs and Logistics firm in Toronto alongside his father Rolf and brother Peter. His entrepreneurial spirit and innovative vision helped shape the business into a leader in the industry, a legacy that continues to thrive under the guidance of his son Jordan Welke and nephew Derek Johnson.
Bernard’s passions extended far beyond business. He was deeply devoted to creating and collecting eclectic art and design elements, filling his life and home with unique and vibrant expressions of creativity. An adventurer at heart, Bernard loved boating and sailing, finding joy and freedom on the open water. If he wasn’t on the water, he could usually be found on a winding country road on one of his beloved Harley-Davidson’s. His love for fine foods mirrored his appreciation for the finer things in life. Known for his ability to bring people together, Bernard hosted many extravagant parties, filling his home with laughter, warmth, and his vast group of friends.
Above all, Bernard was a loving father to his daughter Stephanie and son Jordan. He was a man whose vibrant energy and zest for life touched everyone who met him. His memory will forever be cherished by his family, friends, and the countless lives he touched. Bernard’s spirit and contributions will endure in the business he built and the hearts of those who loved him. His legacy is one of passion, creativity, and a boundless love for life.
He is survived by his children Stephanie Nugent (Ron and family) and Jordan Welke and his brother Peter Welke (Susan and family).
The family will be arranging a celebration of life at a future date.
As your expression of sympathy, donations to the charity of your choice would be appreciated and may be made through the Ferguson Funeral Home, 48 Boucher St. E., Meaford, ON N4L 1B9 to whom arrangements have been entrusted. www.fergusonfuneralhomes.ca
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Sunday, July 14, 2024
Words cannot express how deeply sorry I am for your loss. Bernard was a wonderful person. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Sunday, July 14, 2024
Stephanie and Jordan, please accept our sincere condolences on the passing of your Dad. Sending hugs to help heal your hurting hearts. In our thoughts and prayers, John and Shelley
Sunday, July 14, 2024
Bernard was a very unique man. He brought lots of great adventures to life with me, and everyone he knew. He was a big personality who made an impact wherever he was. We shared lots of great times and fun memories together. I’m sad he’s no longer with us and hope his spirit is at peace and bringing joy to the souls he is with now. Love you my friend.
Sunday, July 14, 2024
Stephanie and Jordan. My thoughts and prayers are with you through this time. Many of my fondest memories are with your dear ol’ dad! His positive energy and love of adventure and special moments is how I will always remember him. RIP Bernard. ❤️
Sunday, July 14, 2024
What can I say about Bernard.
He’s been part of my life for about 40 years. Recently I would visit him at his place in Meaford and we would jam on our guitars, drink some wine maybe have a cigar and laugh a lot. Bernard was more than a friend he was like a brother. I hope that I can honor his memory by grasping some of his zest for life. I will miss Bernard forever
Sunday, July 14, 2024
I’m so sorry for your loss , he was so lovely ❤️
Sunday, July 14, 2024
Our hearts are broken to hear this terribly sad news. Stephanie and Jordan, Ed and I send our deepest condolences. May you find comfort during this extremely difficult time by remembering all the good times. He loved you both so much and always talked about how proud he was. His spirit will live on through you.
Bernard was loved by so many.
May he rest in peace
He will be missed x
Tuesday, September 3, 2024
Hi Marie & Ed,
Thank you for your kind words. I have been trying to get your contact info for weeks through mutual friends but have come up empty handed. So this is my last resort in hopes you see this message soon.
We are. having. Celebration of Life for Bernard on Friday, September 27th at the Braestone Farm, Oro-Medonte ON, 4:00 pm . I hope you can attend this?
Please let me know .
Thanks,
Peter
Email: peter@welke.com
Cell: 416 428-5971
Sunday, July 14, 2024
Dear Jordan and Stephanie,
I am deeply saddened and shocked to hear about the sudden passing of your father. His leadership and dedication to Welke Customs & Logistics have left a significant mark on many who had the privilege to know and work with him.
Please accept my heartfelt condolences during this difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Sincerely,
Boyd Cliff
Wednesday, July 24, 2024
Dear Stephanie and Jordan, we are so sorry to hear about your father’s passing, such a tremendous loss. May you find some solace in the many fond memories during this very difficult time. Big hugs, Graham and Anne-Marie
Monday, July 15, 2024
Zest for life and Adventure ♂️. Bernard loved bringing people together and was always down for another adventure. Our last days together were on the Pickelball court in the Domincan republic . We both learned the game together and shared lots of laughs .♂️♂️. Sending prayers to Jordan and family . We will truly miss his contagious smile. ❤️
Monday, July 15, 2024
Bernard was a caring and loving person. He and his family left an indelible mark on my life and I will always remember him.
Monday, July 15, 2024
I am sorry to hear of Bernard’s passing. He touched so many lives and will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to Jordan, Peter and their families.♥
Monday, July 15, 2024
Dear Jordan and Stephanie,
Please accept my deepest condolences on the passing of your Dad.
He was a very caring man, and a true inspiration.
Monday, July 15, 2024
To the Welke Family
Heart felt sorrow to hear the saddened news of the passing of such a wonderful man and friend.
He will be truly missed
Monday, July 15, 2024
To the Welke Family,
Heartfelt Condolences to Jordan and Stephaine, Peter, Derek, and all who loved him.
Bernard was a very kind man, I will remember his fun spirit, & zest for life. (Also the first man I’ve met,who never wears socks. ) He always had such great stories!! You were guaranteed a laugh, or two, or three, anytime he talked. He made working for Welke fun, and made you feel like part of his family. He will be missed. My Sympathy RIP Bernard
Monday, July 15, 2024
We go back to grade school so he was always ‘Bernie’ to me. Loved his passion for life and hearing all his stories of his adventures, projects and travels. He will be missed by so many and condolences to the family.
Monday, July 15, 2024
Dear Jordan & Stephanie,
I am at a complete loss for words as your Dad was wonderful person. He was not only a great visionary but also a beautiful kind person. I will always remember the great stories from the business trip to NYC, to his surprise Birthday party. There was always laughter and joy whenever he was around. My deepest condolences to you and your families as I will keep you all in my prayers. He will be truly missed.
Monday, July 15, 2024
To the Welke family and all who loved him
Bernard was a unique character who was loved and admired by all. We had the good fortune of meeting him on “the Bay” and always enjoyed his company. Please accept our sincere condolences .
Monday, July 15, 2024
Uncle Bernard
The Man. The Myth. The Legend.
Steph and Jordan, we are so sorry for the loss of your dad. We have so many memories of many adventures that he helped to create. Many of our shenanigans started with Uncle Bernard saying, “hey, I have an idea…”. His larger than life personality had us easily following his lead! He holds a special place in our hearts forever.
Thanks Uncle Bernard for adding some magic to our childhood! Love you
Brendan & Connor Talbot XO
Monday, July 15, 2024
Steph and Jordan,
We are so sorry to hear of the passing of your Dad. We hope that your memories of your Dad will help you through this difficult time.
Sending love and hugs,
Deanna Hodges and family
Tuesday, July 16, 2024
I’m very saddened by the news of Bernard’s passing. He was a very kind and generous man. My condolences to the family. May he rest peacefully.
Tuesday, July 16, 2024
It’s hard to find the words to express the profound loss we all feel with Bernard’s passing.
I am fortunate to have been a close friend of Bernard and to have shared many adventures together for nearly 30 years.
Bernard had an incredible talent for bringing people together and thanks to him for the many friends he introduced me to over the years.
Bernard, your spirit and legacy will continue to inspire us all. You will be deeply missed, but never forgotten. Thank you for the memories, the friendship, and the indelible mark you’ve left on our hearts.
Tuesday, July 16, 2024
We had the pleasure of spending time with Bernard at his Cognashene cottage and his mancave in Thornbury and every time was a delight. Bernard’s generous spirit, infectious laugh and story telling will always stay with us. He was larger than life and completely unique. Our deepest condolences to Jordan and Bernard’s family. He will be missed but not forgotten.
Tuesday, July 16, 2024
Stephanie and Jordan, I am so sorry for your loss, my thoughts and prayers are with you both during this time.
Tuesday, July 16, 2024
Please accept our deepest condolences. We enjoyed many fine dinners and events together, skiing, golfing, cottaging, fishing, boating, cigar smoking and even trap shooting. We are saddened by his passing and hope his family and friends are able celebrate a truly one of a kind soul.
Tuesday, July 16, 2024
Stephanie & Jordan,
We are deeply saddened to hear of the loss of your dad. He was such a warm, kind, and compassionate human. If he was around, you knew it would be a good time. We are so grateful to have known him and shared so many memories. We hope you find peace in knowing how much he was loved and how much he will be missed.
Uncle Darryl and Auntie Debbie XO
Tuesday, July 16, 2024
We are so sorry and saddened by the loss of Bernard! He loved life and was a big spirit! He was full of life, laughter and love. Our heart is broken for his friends, family and loved ones he has left behind. All our love and prayers . Meredith, Carman and Benjamin.
Tuesday, July 16, 2024
Steph & Jordie, thank you for calling me to share your tragic loss before seeing it on social media. It’s been a privilege to be like a sister to him for over 60 yrs. He had a crazy life but most proud of his “Dad” title. It was fun seeing him build his Meaford home & showcase some crazy collections. I will forever miss my Big Brother & cherish my photos, videos & messages from him. My prayers are with his loved ones
Thursday, July 18, 2024
Steph and Jordan,
Words cannot express how shocking and saddening this news of Bernard’s passing is. I am so sorry for your loss. Your dad deeply loved and cherished you both and I know you have incredible memories of the adventures he took you on. He would want you both to live life to the fullest, the same way he did.
Thursday, July 18, 2024
Dear Stephanie & Jordan, We’re so sorry to hear about the loss of your father. Sending you our deepest condolences during this heartbreaking time.
Tony & Ellen
Thursday, July 18, 2024
Dear Jordan, Derek and Welke Family,
Prayers and healings to you and your fly and give much strength and courage to this huge loss.
May your dad’s soul RIP(with his shining smile and laughter)
Blessings
ML
Friday, July 19, 2024
May the soul of your father be at peace with our Heavenly Father.
Friday, July 19, 2024
Dear Colleen, Jordan and Stephanie
Those we love don’t go away, They walk beside us every day,
unseen, unheard but always near. STILL LOVED STILL MISSED
and very dear.
With Deepest Sympathy,
Marge Perry
Saturday, July 20, 2024
Dear Stephanie and Dear Jordan,
Please let me tell you that I’m so sorry about the sudden loss of your Dad. For more than sixty years Bernard has been part of our family, though he lived so far away from us. Only from time to time there had been the opportunity of meeting him „live“ but that always meant to have some happy hours with a lot of laughing and joking and speaking about new ideas.
I will remember Bernard forever this way. My thoughts and prayers are with you and I wish you a lot of strength in your difficult time.
May Bernard rest peacefully.
Robert with Monika
Sunday, July 21, 2024
My deepest condolences to the family . I grew up with the Welke family and remember Bernard always with a smile and extremely generous to everyone around him. My thoughts and prayers to the family.
Thursday, July 25, 2024
I am saddened to hear about Bernard. I remember working with Bernard at the business as a summer student. He was always so nice and welcoming. Our family were long friends with all the Welke’s. My condolences to your family.
Friday, July 26, 2024
Jordan, I was so shocked and saddened to read of your dad’s passing. My heart goes out to you, your sister and everyone who knew and loved him. Please know that I am thinking of you and sending love at such an impossible time.
My most heartfelt condolences,
Andrea
Monday, July 29, 2024
Such sad news… Our condolences to Bernard’s family and friends! What a huge loss! His larger than life spirit will be missed! Rest in Peace! ♡
Marylee & Paul
Monday, July 29, 2024
Bernard had a contagious laugh and his big bear hugs were unforgettable. He was larger than life. We have so many great memories of the time we spent together.
Rest in peace Bernard…
The Nowak family
Tuesday, July 30, 2024
This saddens my heart . He was always such a fun man, so full of energy, so spontaneous he always was. Many laughs with him will be missed.
My condolences to all the family ♥️
Wednesday, July 31, 2024
I was very shocked and saddened to hear about Bernard’s passing.
For me, whenever I saw Bernie, he was so full of zest and life. He was always a pleasure to be around, and to work with.
My deepest condolences to the Welke family.
Monday, August 12, 2024
Dear Peter and Jordan and Stephanie, my huge sympathies!! I am still in shock to hear of Bernard’s passing. My memories of working with him for almost 25 years at Welke Customs are larger than life, just like he was. I can still hear Bernard’s laughter and voice and remember his joie de vivre, and cannot imagine a world without him in it. We three sisters (Brenda, Donna and Julie) loved him just like our own family. Huge condolences to you all!!
Monday, August 12, 2024
Bernard and I met in 1974 and for the next 7 years we hung out with Max, Ants, Andy and a bunch of other faces that have faded over the years. We played almost every sport we could, attended every party we got invited to and spent more time in the The Issy or The Mens Room than we should have. We saw my first concert (Supertramp) and drove to Ontario Place to meet girls.
Bern was always easy to be around and I mostly remember him smiling. We didn’t talk about the future much because we were too busy just living in the now.
I remember the two jokes that I ever heard him tell to this day. I won’t repeat them here. Actually, I won’t repeat them anywhere, ever.
Finish with a shaded line from an old movie. “I never had any friends later on like ones I had when I was 15. Jesus, does anyone.”
Goodbye old friend. Hopefully there’s another place.
Tuesday, September 3, 2024
Hi Russ,
Thank you for your kind words. I have been trying to get your contact info through mutual friends but to no avail. I’m hoping you get this message in time?
We are having a Celebration of Life for Bernard Friday, September 27th 4:00 pm at the Braestone Farm in Oro-Medonte, ON. I hope you can make it and join many of the Martin Grove Collegiate gang?
Kind regards,
Peter
Cell: 416 428-5971
Monday, September 9, 2024
Hey Peter,
I’ll be there. Just send me an address.
Russ Gordon
Tuesday, August 27, 2024
Although our lives intertwined only recently, Bernard brought his playfulness, generosity, creativity, thoughtfulness, and joy to every day we shared. His larger than life presence really made it feel much longer, and the memories of him will certainly be carried with me for a lifetime.
My deepest sympathies to Stephanie and Jordan and to all of Bernard’s friends and family, whom I was told the most wonderful stories about.
Bernard, I wish you peace and love, sweet man.
Monday, September 2, 2024
Stephanie & Jordan,
I’ve tried to write this message several times but struggled to find the right words. I am so deeply saddened for both of you and, selfishly, for myself as well. I’ve been thinking about your Dad a lot these past few weeks. When I was in Collingwood recently, I half expected him to come around the corner. So many places remind me of Bernard.
He introduced Steve and me to so many new experiences. If it weren’t for him, I never would have learned to ski. He took us to ‘Feast in the Forest,’ which was such an unforgettable adventure. His Georgian Bay cottages were always open to me and my family, where he hosted us with his classic Bernard style. The ManCave parties, The White Party and ski trip to Vail. The list goes on. There were so many good times.
What I appreciated most about Bernard was his honesty and his willingness to show vulnerability. It was his self-deprecating humour that always drew you in and you felt an instant conndection. I will miss him more than words can express. I’m so sorry for your loss—I know he’s left a big hole in all our lives.
Sending you both my deepest condolences.