The University of Lethbridge is saddened to learn of the passing of longtime and recently retired employee Bernie Wirzba and sends its deepest condolences to his family, friends and ULethbridge colleagues, particularly those who worked closely with him in the Teaching Centre.
Wirzba, who retired in June 2024 after 20-plus years with the University, passed away Friday, Jan. 31 at the age of 65, leaving his loving wife Cecilia Nicolas.
The Teaching Centre passed along the following tribute to their colleague.
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It is with heavy hearts that the Teaching Centre says goodbye to our dear friend, colleague, and mentor, Bernie Wirzba. Bernie has been a part of the Teaching Centre family for over 25 years, and he will be dearly missed.
Bernie started at ULethbridge as an intern student in the Faculty of Education in the late 1990’s. When the CRDC was established in 2000, Bernie was one of the first employees to join the new department. He wore many hats over the years, from a videographer to the official University photographer. In more recent years, he was a manager and led the Learning Environment Evaluation Project which created some of the most innovative teaching spaces we have on campus, including our SCALE-UP and Socrative Seminar rooms. Bernie also played a key role in planning teaching and learning spaces in Science Commons and was instrumental in helping Agility bring the Innovation Zone (makerspace) to life.
Bernie was not just a colleague; he was family. His warmth, kindness and generosity of spirit touched everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. Whether behind the lens of his camera, voicing his opinion on Apple products or Canon equipment, or simply engaging in a friendly debate at the lunch table, he had a way of making everyone feel seen, valued and appreciated. His creative eye and immense talent captured the essence of our university and its people. Losing Bernie leaves an unfillable space in our hearts, but the impact he made will never fade away.
The Teaching Centre family won’t be the same without Bernie and our hearts go out to his family, especially his wife Cecilia. Rest in peace, Bernie. You will always be in our hearts.
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Plans for a Memorial Service have not yet been announced but will be available on the Martin Bros website. The University will also update this notice when the date is announced and lower its flag in honour of Wirzba on that day.
Contact:
Trevor Kenney | trevor.kenney@uleth.ca | mbfunerals.com/obituary/BernardBernie-Wirzba