Obituary of Bernhard Gerhard Gall
Bernhard (“Bernie”) Gall passed away on January 31, 2026, in Kitchener, following a brief but devastating illness. A devoted family man and builder of Acapulco Pools, he was fierce and tenacious by nature and never one to sit idle. Yet, as his mobility declined, his defiance took quieter forms, rooted in vision, belief, and love. He saw the world in original and deeply principled ways, showing others how to meet life with integrity, care, and an attention to relationship. What he modelled for those around him invites us to look beyond death as an ending and toward ways of moving forward. Now, his optimism and hope live on through each of us.
Bernie is survived by his partner Cindy; his brothers David (Lori) and Andrew (Steve); his daughter Francine (Tyler); and, by daughters Ashley (Dave) and Caitlin (Jeff) who he embraced as his own. He is also survived by his grandchildren Leo, Jack, Summer, Sylvie, Lincoln, Brynn, and Jayce; his nephew Matthew (Sara) and niece Lauren (Jordan); his grand-nephew Keegan; and, his cousin Steffi (Gernot).
He was predeceased by his father Gerhard, mother Erika, and his beloved son Bernie Jr.; we take comfort in knowing that he is reunited with them.
A lifelong learner and explorer at heart, he embraced life with curiosity and a deep appreciation for the world around him. He loved to travel to many places, seeking out new experiences and cultures to broaden his perspective and enrich the stories he shared with loved ones. Walking and hiking were a true passion for Bernie and Cindy, a shared joy that carried them along trails near and far, fostering connections to nature and with each other. His zest for the outdoors extended to cycling, skiing, and travel, always as an adventure shared with others. Whatever the activity, he believed that being together with others mattered most. In quieter moments at home, he delighted in research, often turning to YouTube as a doorway to endless curiosity encouraged an endless exploration into topics ranging from travel adventures to practical know-how, and cooking to country music. These forays kindled additional interest and kept his mind active. Above all, he cherished his role as a devoted partner, brother, father, and grandfather. He especially loved spending time in the pool with his grandchildren. Splashing, playing, and patient teaching intertwined to encourage swimming, building confidence, and creating lasting memories … always overflowing with laughter and care. His gentle guidance and steadfast presence left a profound mark on all who knew him, reminding them of the beauty and heartfelt connection available through simple and everyday moments.
Bernie’s professional life is defined by hard work and an unwavering commitment to doing things with intention. In the early 1970s, he joined his parents’ concrete business and, together with his brother David, formed Acapulco Pools. He became President in 1987 following his father’s passing and led the company for nearly three decades through economic shifts, industry changes, and personal loss. Under the leadership of Bernie and David, Acapulco Pools grew from a small pool builder into a company recognized across North America for high-quality aquatic facilities. As David recalls, “Bernie and I always upheld our father's values of hard work, perseverance, and quality.”
In 2016, he entrusted Acapulco Pools to his daughter Francine, a decision that filled him with immense pride. Working together allowed them to travel, learn from one another, and share years of meaningful time side by side.
Acapulco Pools was his life’s work and a source of enduring pride. He cared deeply for the people who made the company what it has become. Widely respected within the company and across the industry, he was known for his relentless work ethic, quiet generosity, wicked sense of humour, and genuine interest in others. He mentored countless people over the years, sharing his knowledge and inspiring those around him, while remaining deeply committed to quality, hard work, and the success of others.
He had an extraordinary ability to connect with people, making them feel both seen and valued, leaving a lasting and profound impact on his colleagues, his industry, and his community.
Special thanks to Garry, Laura, Marco; the medical teams at Waterloo Regional Health Network, Hamilton General Hospital, and the Juravinski Cancer Centre; and to John & Janice Wallitschek, Jim & Debbie Henderson, Dietmar & Mary Ellen Sommerfeld, and Brittany & Jeff Wallace.
Cremation has taken place with a celebration of Bernie’s life to be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada (braintumour.ca), in honour of what mattered most to him, or to a cause that holds personal meaning for you. Condolences for the family or donations may be arranged through the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, at 519-745-8445 or at www.erbgood.com.