Obituaries

Leif Eldon Bjerke

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Obituary For Leif Eldon Bjerke

With his wife Lesley by his side and his beloved son Brayden doing everything he could to try and save his life, Leif Bjerke would have given anything to stay with his family. However, he was taken from us way too soon, on Sunday, June 30, 2024.

Leif arrived into this world in Vancouver, British Columbia. His family then moved to Carcross, Yukon, where they resided until his dad, Eldon, was stationed in Grande Prairie, when Leif was a teen. He followed in his father’s footsteps and in 2000 was awarded the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Commissioner’s Commendation for Bravery. It was during his time stationed in Peace River, that Leif would meet his soulmate, Lesley. Their love is so strong, bringing much laughter, fun, and adventures. He taught her to live in the moment. They loved and supported each other through many good times and sorrows for over twenty years. Leif knowing what Lesley was thinking before she did was their running joke, but so true. Being the fierce protector and champion was his superpower; Leif was the rock of their family.

When Lesley accepted a position in Grande Prairie, Leif left the police force and the couple happily moved back near his family. He became a self-employed contractor, honing the skills his own dad had proudly taught him. Leif did the same for his son, working alongside each other on so many projects; most recently, finishing the basement and building a custom shower. Leif joked that he built his son a nicer shower downstairs than he and Lesley had, but he would do anything for his boy. Passing along his knowledge and prioritizing staying home to spend as much time as possible with Brayden was Leif’s greatest gift.

His main purpose in life, he said, came in 2008 when he became a dad to Brayden. Leif was fondly referred to as “Mr. Mom”. He joyfully did it all for his pride and joy, and the two were inseparable. His main goal was to be there for every moment of Brayden’s life, and he was, every single day.

This past year Leif celebrated his 50th birthday, with the whole neighborhood hearing him say, “We’re going to Mexico!” They did just a few months ago with his parents, Eldon and Joyce Bjerke. They shared a bond so close that they also came on Lesley and Leif’s honeymoon. You see Leif loved and wanted nothing more than to just stay home with Lesley and Brayden, but when they would go out, he was the life of the party. You just couldn’t help but love Leif.

There are so many people that are thankful for knowing Leif. Those left to carry on his legacy by sharing special memories include his sisters: Tanya (Daryl) Leuchter, Kim Bain; brother-in-law Russ (Patricia) Nielsen; mother-in-law Marjorie Nielsen; nieces and nephews: Michaela (Ben), Ashley (Cole), Marshall, Meredith, Brandon, Colton, Sadie; and special nieces: Tory and Sydney, who consider him their second dad. Many fun times were had with his numerous aunts, uncles and cousins in the Drysdale family.

Leif only tolerated flowers because he loved to make his wife happy, so in lieu of flowers we know Leif would want to ensure his son’s future was secure. Donations to Brayden’s college fund can be made by EMT to lnielsenbjerke@gmail.com

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Condolences

  • July 16, 2024

    Dear Eldon, Joyce and family: Wes and I are deeply sorry for the loss of Leif. He was such a caring, respectful man. He will be missed beyond words. Wes and Susan Reber

  • July 15, 2024

    So sorry for your loss, he will be missed dearly by many . Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Donna & Denis Robitaille

  • July 14, 2024

    Barb and I are extremely sad to hear of Leif's passing. His personality, always smiling accompanied with a quick wit, consistently created a positive environment at work. Our thoughts are with the Bjerke family.

  • July 11, 2024

    Dear Eldon, Joyce & Lesley. The world is a smaller place without Lief in it. He was a valued co-worker, friend and compassionate soul who will be missed in magnitude. It has been years since we last spoke, but your humor and passions will be remembered forever, Lief. Goodbye my friend.

  • July 11, 2024

    Such sadness with the news of Leif's passing. I was a new recruit in GP and had the pleasure to work on Eldon's team where I also got to know Leif. I'll always remember the detachment shooting when Leif slammed the door and grabbed a shot gun. He saved lives that day! Thank you for your most valued service Leif. My deepest sympathies to the entire family. Xoxo

  • July 11, 2024

    At a loss for words.....my heart goes out to the family.

  • July 11, 2024

    Leif you left too soon but you left an indelible legacy. My most sincere condolences to the entire Bjerke family.

  • July 10, 2024

    We deeply saddened by the news of Leif's passing.. our thoughts are with you Lesley, Brayden, Eldon, Joyce and all the family Grant & Kathleen Bulford

  • July 10, 2024

    Dear Eldon & Joyce, as many have eluded to Nina and I are truly shocked and devastated. Our condolences to Lesley & Brayden. Leif was an amazing individual with so many great attributes always placing others first. We enjoyed this first hand during our 10 day sail boat charter in the Virgin Islands with eight other friends. We experienced his amazing personality, kindness and sense of humour. By mid week Leif picked up the nick name "cabin boy" (we were all 30 years older than him )he provided so much fun , laughter, as well overseeing we were OK. He was actually our Capt. ❤️🙏

  • July 10, 2024

    This is one man that i will miss dearly. We have done so many house renovations together. So much laughter together.

  • July 10, 2024

    Oh Lesley, my deepest condolences to you and Brayden and to Leif's parents. Reading your lovely tribute to him here, I can see how deeply he loved his family and was loved by you. I'll never forget when we were at CKYL and held a station fun golf tournament, when Leif, ever the prankster, hid someone's clubs and was then jokingly dubbed "Leif the thief" from that time forward. All of us oldtimers from the radio station days are so very saddened by his passing and are thinking of you in this time of mourning.

  • July 09, 2024

    Condolences to Leif's wife & son. Condolences to Eldon & Joyce as well. I worked with both Leif & Eldon many moons ago in GrPr back in the 90s. Rest Leif.

  • July 09, 2024

    I am so truly sorry to hear. My heart goes out to you Lesley and to Brayden. Sending you strength and love ❤️ Brandi

  • July 09, 2024

    When Leif joined us at Kemko it was a match made in heaven. His sense of humor and love for beer matched mine beautifully. We spent countless times laughing and telling silly stories. In the winter he was sooo excited to wear his warming gloves. I would bug him soooo much about them and he would just feed me the sass right back. He was and will forever be an irreplaceable friend, co worker, and Tundra Buddy! When I found out about him I was lost. I just couldn't believe it. I almost still don't believe it. Like somehow he will show up with his Ahoy hoy and everything will be right again. Unfortunately I know this is not the case and it breaks my heart. He absolutely loved Brayden and Lesley. He talked about them all the time. About how proud he was of Brayden. He would talk about his football games and how he loved him so much. He talked about Lesley and how when it came time, Christmas would completely take over the house. How much he loved her and how amazing she is. You will forever be missed my friend but never forgotten. You will always be my bodyguard.

  • July 09, 2024

    To Eldon, Joyce & Leif's dear family. I am so very sorry for the loss of Leif. Much, much too soon. Leif did my downstairs bathroom Reno a few years ago & a couple of times brought Braydon with him. We watched many cartoons & ate cookies! My heart breaks for you all.

  • July 09, 2024

    Dear Lesley and Brayden, I was so saddened to hear of Leif's passing. My deepest condolences to you at this heartbreaking time for both of you. He was wonderful to work with on our house renovations and we appreciated his advice and sense of humour.

  • July 09, 2024

    I can't even begin to find the words to express just how incredibly sad Mark and I are. Leif was the very best friend... funny, generous and kind. He was an amazing husband and Dad, his love for Lesley and Brayden was evident in everything he did. The world was a better and brighter place when Leif was in it. We will forever miss him and will keep his memory alive.

  • July 09, 2024

    Sending our condolences to Leif family myself and my husband attended high school with Leif. Rest easy my friend. From Tracy and Gary Downes

  • July 09, 2024

    So very sorry to hear of Leif's passing. Hugs and prayers

  • July 09, 2024

    Dear Eldon &Joyce .I,am in total over your loss .he was such a wonderful man .May he rest in Peace.

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