Bernard Lewis TANSEY

Bernard Lewis Tansey was born in Elrose, Saskatchewan on June 13, 1933, the only son of Bernard Edward and Lorena (Lewis) Tansey of Forgan, Saskatchewan. Bernard passed away June 16, 2026, three days after his 93rd birthday at the Elrose Health Care Centre, with his family by his side.

Bernard lived in the Forgan community his whole life, working as a farmer and at a variety of other jobs. In 1962, he married Roswitha Hennig from Barthlomä, Germany. He and Mom farmed south of Forgan, and lived on the homestead, raising 5 kids.

He spent over 35 years as a school bus driver; he dearly loved transporting the kids to school in Elrose every day and enjoying coffee row between trips, when he had time to take a break from farming. He also loved the challenge of moving buildings, including the train station in Forgan and countless grain bins and houses across the community.

Dad spent several years as an Elrose school board trustee, including Chairman of the board. Driving was clearly his passion — in addition to tractors, combines, trucks and the school bus, he spent endless hours on the road transporting the kids back and forth to ball games, volleyball, basketball, curling, hockey, band, drama, etc.

Dad himself was an avid curler. When the Forgan rink was destroyed by a tornado in 1983, he helped organize an outdoor curling bonspiel that winter, which was featured on CTV news! He was proud to be a Forganite, and dedicated his life to keeping the community alive, despite the changing times. He was instrumental in putting together the Forgan Celebrate Saskatchewan event in 1980, which brought so many current and former residents back to the small prairie town that it experienced its first ever traffic jam.

In 2012, Bernard and Rose moved from the farm to Elrose, and eventually into the Elrose long-term care home. We would like to express our deep gratitude to the medical, care and support staff and volunteers and community members for their dedication and compassion in caring for Dad and Mom for many years.

Bernard is survived by his children Leon (Lenora), Sheila (Dean), Edward (Martha), Arden (Lynn) and Darlene, and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his father Ben, mother Lorena, his grandson, Nick, his sister Jeanene, and his wife, Roswitha.

In Lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Elrose Health Care Auxiliary.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, July 24, 2026 at 10:30 a.m. at the Elrose Memorial Hall.