Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Bernard Banville Obituary
Bernard was born in Hauterive, Quebec, Canada on February 4, 1950, a son of Gladys (McGrath) Banville and the late Joseph Banville. For many years he worked as a Social Worker until his retirement.
His passion in life was creating art. He was an avid painter who used many mediums; his oil and wax canvas paintings and sculptures were so beautifully crafted that he would display them at art shows in Western Mass. Bernard was also a very talented musician, who played many different instruments in several local bands including The Maverick Street Band and Destination Bound. In 2005, Ben recorded a CD with Destination Bound in Irish Cove Cape Breton Nova Scotia; including four tracks that he composed the lyrics and wrote the music for.
Ben was a true naturalist, who thoroughly enjoyed the beauty of the outdoors, and lived in a manner that respected the Earth.
He leaves his fiancé Eileen Lee Roif of Enfield, CT; his mother, Gladys Banville of Fitchburg; siblings, Dennis Banville and wife Sylvia of Westminster, Andre Banville of Greenfield, Ma., Joanne Doore of Pennsylvania, Norman Banville and wife Jeanette of Gardner, Brenda Keresey and husband Martin of Troy, ME; many nieces and nephews.
Bernard was predeceased by his father Joseph Banville in 1986.
At his request, funeral services will be held privately. Brandon Funeral Home, 305 Wanoosnoc Rd., Fitchburg is assisting the family.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Bernard Banville
LA Wood
February 5, 2017
It is with deepest sorrow that Benard Banville, the extremely gifted musician and artist has passed away. Ben was the partner of the The Summit House CD of LA Wood's compositions that he so diligently hammered out his parts to for over a year. We recorded 4 tracks live in Wendell, MA for an opportunity to be the music for a film documentary. The result was spectacular, earning a spot on the PBS documentary called the 'Backroads of New England'. The show at the Summit House was sold out on July 27th, 1989 which led to a sold out CD release at the Iron Horse Music Hall in Northampton, MA which Ben did not attend as well as many other performances in Boston, MA and later revealed he had stage fright. Ben decided to pursue his Art off stage but in his own Gallerie 17 in Shelburne Falls, MA where we would jam from time to time. I would admire his etchings and work with glass and various other mediums. He was a brilliant and modest artist that deserved much more recognition than he received. The music to the Summit House CD that he performed on can be found at www.soundcloud.com under LA Wood. Please also see www.lawoodmusic.com. Ben helped me to formulate much of my creative passion through this CD and I will forever be grateful. He learned Mandolin just for the project and played amazing electric guitar. He will remain in my heart of hearts as one of the most important and influential musicians I have ever known. I will miss him dearly. Godspeed Ben, and may you find your eternal bliss on the trails you so carefully carved. With deep condolences to family and friends, LA Wood Winner 2013 Malibu Music Awards, Malibu, California
Chas Theriault
January 31, 2017
An artist is more than paint on a canvas or notes an chords on a guitar, it's how you live and view life,by this definition and it might only be mine....Ben was an artist extrdonair we loved and will miss him for being that
Michael Slahetka
January 28, 2017
WE ARE NOT TO KNOW WHY THIS OR THAT
MASTERS US !!
REAL LIFE MAKES NO REPLY
IT ONLY MAKES US MORE FAMILIAR WITH IT !!
I LOVE YOU I LOVE YOUR WISDOM AND WORDS,
I LOVE YOUR MUSIC ! I LOVE YOUR ART !
DaDa FOREVER
MICHAEL SLAHETKA
January 28, 2017
WE ARE NOT TO KNOW WHY THIS OR THAT
MASTERS US !!
REAL LIFE MAKES NO REPLY
IT ONLY MAKES US MORE FAMILIAR WITH IT
I LOVE YOU I LOVE YOUR MUSIC I LOVE YOUR ART
DaDa !! FOREVER
MICHAEL SLAHETKA
How you can show support
Notify Me
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Allan
January 28, 2017
Ei, I'm so sorry for your loss. You have been in my thoughts constantly since Christa called me the other day. I hope you are finding some comfort in family and friends.
Elaine Blanchette Hupfeld
January 27, 2017
Bernie I remember you from school as my last name also was B! We always sat next to each other! Alot of good memories.....I extend to your fiance and family prayers...and know Bernie was a special guy! Enjoyed knowing him! God be with you all!
Mark Bloch
January 27, 2017
I am so very sad to learn of Ben's passing. He was a wonderful friend to have for over 30 years and a gifted artist who never failed to cause major reverberations, on many levels, simultaneously, with every single one of his creations. And that could include just a simple conversation. He lived life to the fullest in that regard. I cherish every moment I spent with him! Lots of fun and surprises! Love to his family and all that knew him. May his memory be a blessing to all of us!
Louis Battalen
January 26, 2017
A distinguished and humorous patron of the arms library while I was its director. He challenged me as few did, and for that I was most-- and remain eternally-- grateful. One rainy night, upon closing, I found him across the street, in the street actually, taking photographs on a tripod of the library building. He had me turn the lights back on; I had him sell me a print. Blessed are the memories, blessed is the artist!
Suzanne Warsaw
January 26, 2017
A pleasure to know Ben- ya done good!
Steve Random
January 26, 2017
See you in The Ghost of Jupiter old pal, we created a lot of good and bad art together, you always inspired me to a greater plane. Nebicarus lives.
Ed and Sue Cronin
January 25, 2017
Our deepest condolences to Gladys, Dennis, Sylvia, and the entire Banville Family. May God's amazing grace be with all of you.
Peace,
Ed and Sue Cronin
Alix Hegeler
January 25, 2017
I will miss my friend Ben.
Roma Banville
January 25, 2017
Chère tante Gladys,
Patrice m'a appris aujourd'hui la triste nouvelle du décès de votre fils Bernard. je tiens à vous offrir, à vous, ainsi qu'à toute la famille, mes plus sincères condoléances. Mes plus profondes sympathies vous accompagnent tous en ces moments difficiles.
Affectueusement,
Roma Banville
PS. Je m'excuse pour l'envoi d'un premier message en anglais,lequel,je crois,n'était pas approprié.
Roma Banville
January 25, 2017
I am so sorry for your loss. May your special memories of your great romance help ease your grief.
DEborah Yaffee
January 25, 2017
We are shocked and saddened to learn of Ben's passing. Gifted artist and musician. Good man, gone too soon. Deep condolences to the family.
Debbie and Marty Yaffee
Sherri and Howard Hutchings
January 25, 2017
Dennis, so sorry to hear of your brother. It's tragic to lose a family member, especially a close brother, and son. How sad for your Mom. Please accept our condolences and know that you will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Skip & Kathy Bourque
January 25, 2017
Kindly accept the heartfelt condolences and sincere sympathy of our family to you, Dennis, and your entire family upon the loss of your brother.
Showing 1 - 17 of 17 results
Make a Donation
in Bernard Banville's name
Memorial Events
for Bernard Banville
How to support Bernard's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Bernard Banville's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
