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BORN
February 21, 1958
DIED
June 05, 2023
Bernhard Lauser Obituary
He was the beloved husband of Esther Ukai, father of Marcus, Jennifer (Desmond and Alexander D'Souza), Sabrina (Kurt and Harvey Stuart), stepfather to Crystal Whittaker (Mike, Hank and Gino Mattiello) and brother of Wolfram (Lillian) in Hainfeld, Germany. Bernie was predeceased by his parents, Sigfried and Marianne, and younger brother, Reinhard.
To say he loved travel and exploration would be an understatement. As a young boy, he obtained old copies of the Official Airline Guide and ask his younger brothers to name exotic destinations where he would plan the flight schedules. He travelled to all five continents over the course of his life. He especially loved spending time at our apartment in Berlin, Germany.
Bernie started his work life in the banking industry but quickly left it to become a businessman with ideas far ahead of his time. His strong analytical skills thrived on new and innovative ideas in traditional settings. He applied his unique concepts to large scale grocery deliveries, in-home water purification systems, third-party logistics, then finally an antiquarian book and manuscript business, Voyager Press Rare Books & Manuscripts, which specialized in exploration and discovery and married his most loved interests. He was a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society and member of the PBFA, ILAB and ABAC. His love of books also led him to serve as Chairman of the West Vancouver Public Library board of trustees.
London, England, was his third home, after West Vancouver and Berlin, and he loved the camaraderie of his friends in the antiquarian trade, enjoying fine food, wine and cigars late into the night.
His early departure has left a giant hole in our hearts, and he is missed terribly. A private celebration of life will be held in the future.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Bernhard Lauser
3 Entries
Jannet Silving Tricarico
January 8, 2024
To Esther and the entire Family
Such a sudden and very sad loss of such a wonderful man
Our hearfelt and sincere Condolenses
Jannet & Thomas
How you can show support
Colleen Ostlund
January 3, 2024
Esther and I started kindergarten together and we went all the way through to grade 12. I worked for her parents and always felt very close to her family. Unfortunately I never got to know Bernie but was so happy to hear when Esther married. They sounded like the perfect couple, obviously they were. I would love to have sat down with a cup of tea and heard all about Bernie's passion for books. I'm just so sad for the emptiness you feel now Esther but I do believe Bernie is very much alive in spirit and he will be watching over you always. And any dreams of him will be a very special visit because of the cherished place you have for him in your heart.
With much love and hugs to you my very long time dear friend..............xo
Colleen Ostlund
Chet Ross
January 2, 2024
I first met Bernie Lauser in 2003, and we quickly became friends. Bernie was instrumental in my quest to become a professional rare book dealer. We sometimes traveled together and enjoyed fine food and many laughs. Bernie was a reliable friend and source of support and information as I pursued my passion. Over the years since our first encounter, Bernie was a mentor figure for me - always sharing his empirical knowledge and guidance. I will miss Bernie dearly and only hope I can continue to live up to the high ethical standards he instilled in me as a book dealer and curator of rare books and manuscripts. I will never forget Bernie´s unselfish guidance, his fine sense of humor, his love for food, his love for Esther and his ability to not take events too seriously. Bernie was an important part of my life, and I am privileged to call him my friend.
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