Quebec Snowmobiling Looses a Champion

Snowmobile Ambassador Leaves Us
"Bernard is my name, Sledding is my Game"

This shot from Dec 23 2007, when Bernard helped me to drill a hole through the aluminum in the floor of my trailer, to secure it from theft. He worked with me in his garage till 10 pm to get it done. The next day, he drove me to his locksmith, where he forced me to buy the best unbreakable lock on the planet. Bernard was always finding ways to help us enjoy sledding in Quebec, with no thought to himself. A true friend to all snowmobilers. He will be missed.

On July 2nd, around midnight, the sport of snowmobiling in Canada lost one of it's best promoters and hosts, Bernard Cournyer. For twenty years, Bernard and his lovely wife Jocelyne, helped thousands of snowmobile fanatics the world over, to enjoy snowmobiling in Quebec Canada, from his beloved Motel Safari.

Year after year, Bernard travelled with his welcome message, to all the snowmobile trade shows in the USA, bring maps, and boxes of tourism brochures that he collected from other motels throughout the year. He was generous to a fault, always willing to help out other small businesses in the Mauricie Region, to understand and survive in the sometimes difficult snowmobile accommodation business.

Bernard and his wife, operated a small snowmobile friendly motel on the south end of Shawinigan Quebec, offering a wide range of services to his snowmobile tourists, that came from as far away as Africa. Making sure his riders had everything they needed for maps, trail conditions, and safety concerns, he would then call ahead for them and confirm the trail conditions, and even book their rooms at their destination. At night he expected a call to be certain his boys were okay, and had arrived in one piece.

Once out on the trails, the guests of Motel Safari knew that they had an ace up their sleeve they could count on, if any problems came up. Problems in snowmobiling you ask? Hahahaha. Oh yeah. Their motors could and did sieze up, their sleds and equipment could and did get stolen, and God forbid - sometimes people crashed and got hurt. For all these troubles and more, Bernard stood at the ready, 24 hours a day. If the phone rang at 3 am, he would answer.

"Bernard! I am in Rimouski - I think! All the other guys went to the bar last night, and this morning, one of them is in jail, and the other two are missing. I can't speak French. Could you talk to my motel guy here, and find out what the hell is going on?"

"Sure no problem, pass the phone over to him".

"Bernard, my sled blew up on the river here, we are in the middle of nowhere - Help!"

"No troubles, sit tight and my man will be there in three hours with your truck and trailer."

"Bernie, John is in the medical clinic here in Roberval, I think his leg is busted, and he has a concussion."

"Stay put, I will call his wife and explain the situation, then I will get in my van, drive up there to take him to the hospital and tow back his broken sled. "

"Bernard, is there any snow in Shawinigan? Can you send me a trail pass?"

"There's not enough snow this weekend, but there is a big storm heading here Monday. I will fax you the form for the Quebec trail pass, give me your Visa Number. Plan on being here next weekend, but call me before you pull out of your drive way. I'll have your rooms ready!"

Bernard was the Man

No question about it, he was the man. When you arrived at his motel, he had one free beer waiting for you, or a soda if you preferred. In the evenings, he would call the chicken joint for take out and have your meals delivered, or, he would drive you in his own car, down to the restaurant. In the morning, he would pound on your door, then take you out to a great place for breakfast. He would make sure you were up early, so you wouldn't miss a day on the trails.

The man drove everybody crazy with his excessive energy and drive, but only because he wanted to show us all a good time. He only knew one speed, full throttle! If you were lucky, you got to hear him sing!

Last winter in particular, Bernard spent all his energy, night and day, doing snow removal with his truck. There was so much snow, he couldn't believe it - a total of at least 15 feet for the winter. God must have known this would be his last winter on earth, so he blessed Bernard with the biggest snow winter in 50 years.

I stayed at the Motel Safari about twenty nights last winter. I slept in the 'Honey Moon Suite'. There I would post all the photos I had taken the previous week, and broadcast a live podcast from the parking lot and the lobby. I admit, the quality of my show was pretty crappy, but it sure was fun, especially when there was a foot of new snow every few nights. Fortunately, I took lots of photos and video of the man at work, so we have more good memories to keep in our hearts.

Bernard gave me a key before Christmas, and reserved that room for me for the whole winter. He was so generous in the support of my work, it was unbelievable. He would always buy me breakfast, co-host on my radio podcast, and find new sponsors for me every year. He even built a special sign out on the highway for me - A huge Zenwaiter.com logo was on it for all to see.

I could not have asked for a better friend or business supporter. We first met because of the Internet, about eight years ago, and we started driving to snowmobile trade shows together. We went to places like New York, New Hampshire, and PA. Together, we made a great snowmobile promo team for the Mauricie, and for all sledding in Quebec. I owe alot to Bernard, that's for sure.

I spoke to Bernard about a week before he died, he was busy planting 800 tomatoe plants. Every summer, Bernard would try some new crazy idea to keep himself busy, but this was a real winner idea - Bernard had turned into a tomatoe farmer. Wow! Now I've seen it all!

We talked almost every week, even through the summer months. I recently asked Bernard when he was going to retire and sell the Motel. He said, that if he sold the joint, he wouldn't have anything to do. He added that it would drive his poor wife nuts to have him in the house all day, especially with that crazy level of energy we all remember. I knew then, that he would never retire.

Just days from his 70th birthday, our buddy Bernard's heart just gave out one night, and he was gone. This man used up every second of his time on earth, doing what he loved. He was a good husband and father, and he lived his passion.

Perhaps the greatest testament to his selflessness, was the thousands of friends he made throughout his life, and the respect he got from all the snowmobile businesses in his Region. They all knew he was on to something, but couldn't figure out how he attracted so much attention. How come HIS parking lot was full of trucks and trailers all winter?

I now how he did it.

He served,

he gave,

and he went the extra mile.

My friend Bernard, you crazy dude, I will miss you.

RIP buddy!

Your pal, Zenwaiter.

Read more about Bernard here on his memorial page, and listen to his radio shows.

PS: For anyone wanting to send a sympathy card, please send it to ;

Mrs.Jocelyne Cournyer

Motel Safari,
4500 12th Avenue,
Shawinigan South,
Quebec
CANADA G9N 6T5




Zen's Canadian Snowmobile Blog is produced and owned by Zenwaiter Internet Services, Box 53, Mossbank Saskatchewan, Canada S0H 3G0 .

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