It is with great sadness that we share the passing of CEPSM Co-founder, Bernie Colterman, who died peacefully at the age of 70 from complications related to multiple system atrophy (MSA).
Bernie was a nationally recognized expert in sponsorship marketing, strategic partnerships, and revenue generation for the public and non-profit sectors. Throughout his career, he secured over $27 million in corporate sponsorships to support national campaigns, municipal initiatives, major exhibitions, and public education programs. He played a central role in launching the Government of Canada’s Exhibitions Program (Canada Pavilion), developed marketing and branding strategies for over 200 government events annually through Public Works, and served as CEO of the Central Canada Exhibition (“the Ex”). He was also responsible for major government-focused events, including GTEC Week and MARCOM. Bernie’s proprietary valuation models and partnership assessment tools became standard practice across multiple government and association sectors.
As a respected educator and mentor, he trained thousands of professionals through his nationally acclaimed workshops, speaking engagements, and university certificate programs. His expertise helped build internal capacity in areas ranging from strategic marketing and sponsorship planning to partnership development and performance measurement.
Bernie’s sense of humour and youthful, positive spirit will forever be remembered. He will be greatly missed by all of us here at CEPSM and by everyone who knew him.
A visitation will be held at Kelly Funeral Home Barrhaven Chapel on June 10, 2025, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. and from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., with a memorial mass in Pembroke to follow at a later date.
You can read Bernie’s full obituary here.
Rest in peace, Bernie. Thank you for the many memories.
