04/22/2018
Hi folks, Bill here...the other half of the Val/Bill team that has brought you this page. Like Val said, it’s time to say goodbye. It’s rather sad for me, like losing an old friend. Cheryl and I first became acquainted in 1996 while Cheryl was competing in the Scott Tournament of Hearts. Cheryl and her team lost the final to Marilyn Bodogh and her team, 7-4. Cheryl and I soon became good friends despite her being in Calgary while I was in Toronto. Over the years there were lots of ups and downs. Lots of happy moments and sad ones too. I finally got to meet Cheryl and her team for the first time many years later. It was at the Sun Life tournament in 2009 in Paris, Ontario. That was a thrill for me. Cheryl had no idea I would be there. It was a real treat to meet the team and Cheryl was exactly like I knew she would be.
The next highlight came a month later in Edmonton at the Roar of the Rings where Team Bernard beat Team Kleibrink 7-6 in the final. It was a tense last end victory as Cheryl’s last rock finally stopped in time to score the winning point. With this victory, Team Bernard qualified for the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver. As most of you know, Cheryl and her team won the silver medal there, losing the final to Team Sweden. I think that silver medal has seen more miles than any other medal as Cheryl proudly displays it everywhere she goes. Team Bernard went on to win the Players Championship that year as well.
Cheryl announced her retirement in 2014. Not one to remain idle, Cheryl has devoted much of her time to charitable organizations. After being invited by TSN as a guest analyst at the 2014 Canada Cup of Curling, Cheryl has remained with the TSN team. Cheryl, Vic and Russ have provided great commentary since then. Cheryl was inducted into the Alberta Sports Hall Of Fame in 2016.
I’m not sure what’s next on Cheryl’s agenda but anyone that can climb Mount Kilimanjaro can do pretty much whatever they want to. I’m proud to say that Cheryl is my friend.
I would be remiss if I didn’t express my thanks to Val for all her assistance over the years and to Cris for her artistic contributions.
I’d like to thank Cheryl for her friendship and to her teammates for all the thrills along the way.
Last but not least, Cheryl, Val and I would like to thank the fans who have supported Cheryl, Team Bernard and this page. Without your support this wouldn’t have been possible, so a big shout out to the fans!
