Long-time Palisadian, Dr. Bernard Murray Churchill, MD, died on January 25, 2026, at home, surrounded by family. He was 86 years old.
Bernie, as everyone knew him, was born in Calgary, Alberta, Canada in 1939. He received his medical education at Harvard University and the Universities of Alberta and Toronto. He served as Chief of the Department of Pediatric Urology at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto for 20 years beginning in 1975.
With wife Margaret, the couple moved to Pacific Palisades in 1995, so Bernie could work at UCLA Medical Center. He was the Director of the Clark Morrison Children’s Urology Center, until his retirement in 2015.
He was the 25th recipient of the American Academy of Pediatrics Urology Medal for career accomplishments, and throughout his career was often cited as the “World’s Leading Expert in Pediatric Urology.”
Bernie’s legacy will continue in the lives of the thousands of patients he treated and the well over one hundred doctors he trained throughout his career.
The couple were active parishioners of Corpus Christi Church, where Bernie was a member of the men’s prayer group.
Throughout his life, he was an avid skier, tennis player and sailor, all passions that he passed on to his children.
The doctor is survived by his beloved, and loving wife of 63 years Margaret Rose Churchill (née Shandro), four sons, Michael Bernard, Patrick John, William Brian, James Alexander and seven grandchildren Noël, Victor, Thomas, Claudia, Lukas, Xavier and Evangeline.
Bernie’s funeral mass will be held Saturday, March 7, at 12:30 p.m. at St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church, 11967 Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles.
In lieu of flowers the family appreciates donations to the rebuilding fund of Corpus Christi Church, the link to which can be found click here.