WIRZBA, Bernard “Bernie”

BERNARD “BERNIE” WIRZBA 1959 – 2025 Bernard (Bernie) Wirzba, beloved husband of Cecilia Nicolas, passed away unexpectedly at home in Lethbridge, Alberta on Friday, January 31, 2025, at the age of 65.
Bernie was born to Emil and Margaret (Strecker) Wirzba on June 24, 1959, in Lethbridge, Alberta. The second of five children, he grew up in Lethbridge. In his youth he enjoyed many outdoor activities, especially hiking trips to the mountains. From a young age he started working for the family business, Wirzba Bros Construction, during the summer months.
After high school he attended the University of Lethbridge, graduating in 1982 with a Bachelor of Arts degree. He worked for the family business for a while until he decided he was ready to go back to school. He attended Law School at the University of Alberta and received a Bachelor of Law (L.L.B) degree in 1986. He then worked at a law firm in Lethbridge for about two years and was admitted to the Bar in 1988. However, he did not see practicing law as a good fit for his life.
He again returned to work for the family construction company for several years. After some time, he decided to follow his passions of photography and computers. In 1996 he enrolled in the Multimedia Program at the Lethbridge Community College. He graduated in 1998 and started working at the University of Lethbridge as an intern student. He stayed on at the University for the next 25 years.
Bernie very much enjoyed his work at the University. He held a variety of positions, including as videographer, the official University photographer, and various roles in the Teaching Centre. He loved his colleagues whom he considered his family. Bernie retired from the University in 2024.
Bernie met the love of his life Cecilia in 2018. They were married on his 60th birthday in June 2019. They loved each other and had a wonderful life together. They made and shared videos of the two of them cooking and enjoying exotic meals. They liked traveling, going to the Philippines twice, and to Waterton countless times. They enjoyed gardening and working together on their property.
He was predeceased by his parents, Emil and Margaret.
Besides his wife Cecilia, he is survived by his siblings: Dan (Sharon), Carl (Héléne), Marvin (Tanell), and Lorraine, as well as nieces and nephews: Steve (Jessica), Johannah (Emily), Grace, Kevin (Heidi), Zachary, and Andrew.
A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 pm, on Saturday, February 22, 2025, at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610-4 STREET SOUTH, Lethbridge, Alberta.
A Private family Interment will be held at Mountain View Cemetery.
Visit www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.