MAY 18, 1934 – AUGUST 23, 2026
With heavy hearts, we share the news of the passing of our dear husband, father, and grandfather, Mr. Bernard “Bernie” John Pechiwa at the age of 92. He left us peacefully at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre on Sunday, August 23, surrounded by his wife and family.
Bernie was born in Fort William on May 18, 1934 to John and Anna (nee Macko) Pechiwa. He attended Crawford School and Fort William Collegiate before going to Business College. His career began at City Hall as a Secretary to the City Administrator and later as a Property Assessor.
He met Marly Otway and they tied the knot on September 1, 1956. Together they spent 70 wonderful years building their life and family. The newlyweds initially moved to L. A., but soon returned to Thunder Bay where they built their first home on Bailey Avenue. Later, they moved to the countryside where they raised their three kids. After living there for 23 years, Bernie and Marly chose to relocate closer to the city into their third home. Bernie retired from his main job in 1989 but didn’t stop working; he rebuilt a family cottage at Arrow Lake and ran a sand and gravel business with Marly on their 100-acre property for over a decade. He also bought another 50 acres in Stanley which he divided among his children. He took pride when Pechiwa Road was named after him by the Municipality of Stanley and when his grandson built his own house on that land. Both Bernard and Marly were devoted members of St. Agnes Roman Catholic Church.
Bernie had a love for the outdoors; he enjoyed spending time at the cottage fishing and hunting. Winter months brought him joy as he traveled with Marly all over the world-visiting places like Arizona, Texas, Florida, Alaska, Hawaii, Venezuela, China, Korea, Japan, Italy, Greece among others. Family gatherings always filled Bernie’s heart with happiness.
Music held a special place in Bernard’s life too. He played in various bands throughout the years and loved collaborating with talented musicians. With skills on instruments like accordion, saxophone, clarinet, piano-and even teaching guitar-he connected with many well-known artists including The Duke Ellington Band and Bob Hope during his performing days around Thunder Bay at venues like Nor-Shore Motor Hotel or Frank’s Supper Club among others. Even after stepping back from live performances more frequently later on in life he found fulfillment playing jazz music on keyboard and piano during retirement.
Until the very end Bernard showed strength and determination that inspired everyone around him. His upbeat attitude along with humor made every moment special for friends and family alike; he’ll be missed dearly but fond memories will stay close to our hearts forever.
Bernard is survived by his loving wife of 70 years Marly; daughter Cathy (Karl) Randus; son Bernie (Kathy) Pechiwa; son-in-law Jim Haughey; grandchildren Courtney Wickens (Brandon); Brady Randus (Mary-Kate); John Pechiwa (Kristi); Jacob Pechiwa (Margarita); Amanda Piché (Stéphane); Ryan Haughey along with great-grandchildren Emma Wickens; Brynn Wickens; Callum Wickens; Silas Randus; Aubrey Randus; Danielle Pechiwa; Lauren Pechiwa plus numerous nieces nephews & extended relatives.
He was predeceased by his daughter Shelley Haughey along with parents Anna & John Pechiwa as well as in-laws Patrick & Marguerite Otway.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to all doctors nurses staff at TBRHSC especially unit 2A for providing such compassionate care not just towards Bernie but also support given throughout this tough time – thank you Father James for being there too!
The funeral service honoring Bernard will take place Tuesday September 1st ,2026 when family friends gather together within St. Agnes Roman Catholic Church starting at eleven AM. Cremation has occurred already while private interment takes place later at Stanley Hill Cemetery.
If anyone wishes donate something meaningful instead flowers please feel free contribute towards any charity close your heart which would mean so much!
The arrangements have been entrusted Westfort Chapel located conveniently right off Gore Street between James Street junctions.
Please sign online condolences via everestofthunderbay. com
