Statement of D/Commr. Dwayne McDonald, Commanding Officer “E” Division
on the Passing of S/Sgt. Dany Bernier
It is with profound sadness that I advise you of the passing of Staff Sergeant Dany Bernier Regimental #40034 who lost his long battle with cancer on Saturday, August 17th.
Dany bravely battled cancer since 2004, yet he always kept a smile on his face and his witty sense of humour. His cancer was a rare genetic disorder that was incurable but he lived with it courageously. Although facing an impossibly difficult situation, he remained positive and always fought to return to his duties as a member of the RCMP.
Dany was sworn in on April 21, 1988 and attended recruit training at Depot, graduating as a member of Troop 2 1988/89. His first posting was to Surrey Detachment where he spent 12 years in General Duty, Traffic and Crime Prevention. He barely spoke English when he arrived in BC and often laughed about the mistakes he made during his early service because he was still learning English. Some of his fondest memories were his times on his beloved RCMP Harley Davidson motorcycle and being part of the motorcycle escort team.
Dany worked at Vancouver Airport, Border Integrity, Immigration and Passport and Federal Policing, earning his promotions to Corporal in 2000, Sergeant in 2005, and Staff in 2010. He worked at the airport through 9/11 and put in incredibly long hours at a time that changed the world we live in. He absolutely loved his time at the Border Integrity Program and leading his team; it was a very special group to him. In 2019, Dany became the Advisory NCO to the Deputy CROPS Officer SIOPS, a position he held until his passing. Dany was awarded the RCMP Long Service Medal in 2008, and received his Gold Clasp for 35 years of service last year.
His happiest places were floating on Lake Whatcom and hitting golf balls at Morgan Creek. Dany will be greatly missed by his beloved wife Cpl. Virginia Bernier, family and colleagues, and I am thankful for his dedication and service to our Division.
Dany is survived by his wife Virginia, and daughter Danyelle, his step-son Sean, his brother and sister and their families. The family has requested anyone wishing to send flowers to make a donation in Dany’s name to the BC Cancer Agency in lieu.
The funeral service for S/Sgt. Dany Bernier shall take place on Friday August 30th, 2024. Service will begin at 10am. Reception to follow 11am to 1pm.
Big Chapel at Valley View Funeral Home
14660 72nd Avenue, Surrey, BC
Appropriate civilian dress attire. Or, if you wish to wear uniform, NCO’s/Csts Review Order #1, and Officers Review Order #2 is appropriate.
There is no marching component to this service. If the venue appears to be reaching capacity please give priority to family, friends and former co-workers of Dany to be inside the venue.
The loss of a colleague can have a significant impact on each of us. Please remember that there are support services such as E Division’s Chaplaincy, Peer-to-Peer and Employee Assistance Services (EAS) should you need assistance during this difficult time.
Please take care, and stay safe.
Dwayne
Deputy Commissioner Dwayne McDonald
Commanding Officer, “E” Division
Remembered with respect and gratitude for his service.
August 23, 2024 
