Obituary of Bernd Klaus Duewel

Duewel, Bernd Klaus:  On Saturday, August 25, 2018, at 3:11 pm, at 63 years of age, “Bernie” joined his late adoptive parents-in-law, Henri and Emily (“Mrs. M”) Micheelsen, for Afternoon Coffee in Heaven following a tragic fall and brain injury while a patient at University Hospital, London, Ontario.  Bernie is profoundly missed by his high school sweetheart and cherished wife of 38 years, Linda, and their proud “Son Number One”, Brandon, as well as Brandon’s beloved wife, Kara.  A German immigrant and gregarious, gentle giant, Bernie built hundreds of family homes and high-rise apartments in the London-area as a construction contractor, including not only the beloved “Gold Creek” which he shared with Linda, Brandon, Henri, and Mrs. M for a joyous 25 years, but in addition the donation of his services towards the renovation of Quintin Warner House for Mission Services of London.  Bernie was also a passionate mental health advocate, who successfully campaigned for the expansion of social resources for family and friends visiting patients at the Mental Health Care Building, Parkwood Institute.  Bernie was incredibly grateful to Dr. Rybak, Rageeta Rajan, and Sheila Linseman of Parkwood Institute for their assistance in helping him work through his childhood trauma.  As a lifelong animal lover, Bernie rescued many stray and/or abused animals, including Greif the Dog, Frank the Cat, and even Cody the Horse.  Bernie is mourned by his remaining four-legged friends: feline companion Boo Boo; Wilhelm the German Shepherd; as well as Linda’s cats, Fritz and Bismarck.  Bernie is also lovingly remembered by all family and friends whose lives he touched, such as: Thor and Elaine Micheelsen; Vivian MacKenzie and her son Jason; goddaughter Brittany Blanco and her mother Michelle; the Bowens of Komoka; his large extended family in Stoney Creek, Ontario; Mike, Tania, and Michael Miller; as well as his favourite Aunt Lynn of Texas.  The family would like to thank family physician, Dr. Norman Furtado and his staff, Anne and Amanda, neurosurgeons, Dr. David Steven and Dr. Abdalhaleem Ibdah, as well as Dr. Wael Haddara, Dr. Kyle Fiorini, along with their ICU team, for all of their valiant efforts.  The family would also like to thank the many nurses of 7^th Floor Neurosurgery and the ICU for their compassionate care and hard work.  Last, the family is incredibly indebted to Pastor David Wirt and Pastor Robert Zimmerman of St. Ansgar Lutheran Church without whom they could not have made it through this difficult time.  A private funeral will be held for close family and friends.  Those wishing to honor Bernie’s life are asked to make contributions to the Brain Injury Association of London and Region to aid in the prevention of brain injury.  http://www.braininjurylondon.on.ca/index.php/HowToHelp/MakeADonation