Bernard Lequime

Bernard Lequime was born to Eli and Marie Louise (née Altabagoethe) Lequime. He lived for a short time in San Francisco with his family before moving to the Okanagan Mission.

When he was twelve, Bernard's parents sent him to school in New West. Bernard studied carpentry before returning to the Okanagan.

Bernard succeeded his father, Eli, as postmaster. When his parents left the area, Bernard took charge of his family's business. With his brother, Leon Lequime, he joined the sawmill business. In 1890, Bernard and Leon bought land from Auguste Gillard so they could have waterfront property for their sawmill. 1891 saw the sawmill's location change from its original site to the lakefront property. With Leon Lequime Bernard opened Lequime Bros. General Store. This store later became Lequime Bros. and Co. General Store. In 1892, Bernard registered the townsite plan for Kelowna. Bernard heavily promoted Kelowna and frequently placed ads in newspapers. In 1901 Bernard sold the sawmill to David Lloyd-Jones and the remaining empty lot was sold to Dr. Boyce. With his property sold, Bernard and his family moved to Grand Forks. However, Bernard kept an interest in the family's trading post in Okanagan Mission until it closed in 1906.

Bernard Avenue in Kelowna bears his name.^[1]

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