Bernhard Harold Schiesser was born on July 25th at Hazel Creek (near Creston, B.C.). His first years were spent in an old logger’s cabin with two sisters and parents, Frederick Schiesser and Christian Schiesser.
As the years passed, the family moved to Valleyview Farm in Moberly and with that came the challenges of farming life, which also taught the children hard work and toughness. Tasks such as milking and feeding cows and goats, chopping wood, haying and tending the garden were shared by all.
Bernie’s first four years of schooling included a two-mile hike to Moberly School in knee-deep snow on a rough bush trail in “bloody cold weather.” On weekends, Ken Jones, the first Canadian-born mountain guide, taught the family the basics of skiing, and Bernie fell in love with this sport.
In summer, it was boat rides on the Columbia River to fish and explore the slopes and mountains of the Purcells and enjoy the many undiscovered mountain creeks and waterfalls. The family picked wild berries, especially huckleberries (Bernie’s favourite), for the winter food supplies.
After graduating from high school in Golden, he earned a scholarship to attend UBC, but after one year, the call of the mountains led him home, and he started working in Yoho National Park. This experience opened the door for him to join a survey crew preparing the route for the new Trans-Canada Highway in Rogers’ Pass. In the winter, he learned avalanche control techniques, which taught him a healthy respect for the power of snow and avalanches
His next step was learning first aid, and he joined ski patrol at Lake Louise ski area and later taught ski lessons there. As a rescue warden in Lake O’Hara, he participated in several mountain climbing rescues.
Always ready to learn more, and after getting his accreditation as a mountain guide, he and fellow Guide John Gow started a summer camp for young, eager climbers called High Horizons. He continued to operate the camp at Lake O’Hara and later in Kananaskis Country. Bernie often said that “this experience was a lot of pressure,” but was also the “most satisfying and enjoyable thing I have ever done.”
His skills also included teaching avalanche and crevasse safety techniques. He served as ACMG president for six years and, in 1980, had the honour of guiding Alberta Premier Peter Lougheed up the mountain, which was named after him.
In 1982, he and long-time friend Eric Lomas built several alpine huts in the Parks and had the shared dream of owning their own backcountry lodge one day.
In 1986, he earned his pilot license, purchased a small aircraft and scoured the Purcells, Rocky Mountains and the Columbia and Blaeberry valleys in search of a suitable location for their dream lodge. He found the spot 40 km from Golden where the Campbell Icefield Chalet sits today. He, Lomas and many friends spent many hours planning and doing back-breaking work. Finally, the new chalet opened in 2003.
In 2022, Bernie retired and sold his shares in the Campbell Icefield Chalet, but he often continued to help for the next two years. He loved entertaining guests, and they, in turn, loved hearing of his many exploits in the mountains.
At 88, he chose his own path to leave this world after helping his wife, Terry, with chores in their beautiful log home in Moberly
He leaves behind his wife Therese (Terry) of 48 years and stepsons Creagh, of Australia, and Conan, of Ottawa.
He was pre-deceased by his father in 1982, his mother in 1987, his sisters, Hazel Alfano (Louis), Margaret Gould (Edward), Jeanne Dyke (Hank) and brothers Fridolin Schiesser and Jacques Schiesser.
He is survived by two sisters: Julia Cundliffe of Golden and Nicolette Goff (Dennis) of Comox, B.C.
A tribute to his life will be held at the Golden Senior Centre on Saturday, May 23rd at 1 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to a charity of your choice.
Arrangements by Hindman Bowers Funeral Home in Golden.
