Bernice (Buckler) Klotz was born in Calgary April 27, 1956, however, she is a true Cochrane gal. The first year of her life was spent on the Buckler farm in the Bottrel area, then her parents, Roy and Iris Buckler, moved into Cochrane. She was the youngest of five children and had all her schooling from Grade 1 to 12 right here in Cochrane.
Bernice was never afraid of working hard to save money for some fantastic trips in her youth, which developed into a life-long passion to travel. Besides working frequently with her dad, she worked for Calgary Power Ltd, Domtar Chemicals Ltd. in Cochrane and finally settled into a 20-year career with Whittle Agencies Ltd. (Insurance), staying on with the new owner, Hi-Alta, after Ray Whittle sold the business.
Some of her family lived in the United States and Bernice would visit them when she could. Soon, she ventured to the United Kingdom and Europe with a friend. Then a wonderful opportunity came up for her through an International Agricultural Exchange Association in Tasmania, Australia, where she worked at a sheep station for a period of four months. Before leaving for Australia, she helped her dad work at Mount St. Francis Retreat with various building projects there in order to earn some money for her trip.
Bernice noted that, “Tasmania is very similar to the Cochrane area with rolling hills, a river at the bottom of the farm and mountains in the distance.”
Many more happy travels were experienced with her family and friends. She has now been to Australia three times.
In 1987, her dad acquired the lot next door in Cochrane, and Bernice designed and began construction of her own house with the help of her dad and brother, David. She and Maurice (Moe) Klotz, a family friend, started dating during construction that spring and were married by October 1987.
Moe was from Saskatchewan and worked in the grocery business before he came to Cochrane. When he arrived he started his own business and also worked at the gas extraction plant in Cochrane. Moe and Bernice still enjoy occasional travels together.
Bernice worked as a volunteer for putting together the More Big Hill Country history book, which was published in 2009, and like many other volunteers, did anything that needed to be done to bring this project to reality. She cherishes the engraved “5th Copy” of the limited edition received for her efforts. “Books are my passion, especially old ones,” said Bernice. This is obvious in looking at her photo taken in her home.
Bernice has been involved with CHAPS (Cochrane Historical and Archival Preservation Society) since its inception in 1999. She recently stepped down as secretary, after serving 14 years in the position. “I’m a behind the scenes worker for CHAPS, that’s my thing,” said Bernice.
This is an exciting time for the CHAPS organization and all those volunteers who worked so hard to make a dream come true. As most of you know, the old Davies Hospital was moved to the Cochrane Ranche historic site and it will be called the Cochrane Historical Museum. In speaking to Gordon Davies, president of CHAPS, he stated, “We are following our mission statement – to identify, preserve and educate the public about historic, significant properties and buildings in Cochrane, Alberta.”
This has been a 16-year endeavour and now finally the grand opening date has been announced – Sunday, May 31, 2015, with ceremonies at 1 p.m.
Bernice gives recognition to George Thompson, a volunteer, who offered to be project manager in moving and preparing the building. He said a year ago that it would take one year after it’s moved to have it ready for opening and it is right on schedule, as promised.
Bernice modestly said, “I don’t know anything about computers,” but continues to produce amazing brochures, handouts and now the invitations to dignitaries for this historic event in Cochrane. Everyone is welcome to come take a walk through Cochrane history.
