At 82, former Dollar Cinema owner is back to the movie theatre business
For many seniors, retirement is a time to prioritize rest and relaxation as they begin a new chapter in their lives.
But 82-year-old Bernie Gurberg isn’t like most; one year into his retirement, he's headed back to work.
For 18 years, he made a name for himself as the owner of Dollar Cinema, offering a cinematic experience at an affordable price. He closed the theatre last year, and quickly discovered the job was still calling.
Luckily, his son Bruce owns his own theatre. You can now find Gurberg greeting customers as they head to CineStarz Deluxe at the Cavendish Mall.
"If you’re retired, you say ‘What am I going to do today -- go to a coffee shop, or go to a museum?’ This is way more fun."
Having fun, meeting people, and getting as much face time with them as possible is what he missed most in his retirement. Gurberg adores his customers so much he has even played a part in their major life moments.
The former owner of Dollar Cinema, Bernie Gurberg is back to the cinema business. (CTV News / Lauren Fernandez)
"I had situations where a guy would ask me, 'I want to propose to my girlfriend in your theatre' and I let him use the theatre. Fifteen minutes later, they came out, and all the friends were hugging each other. So those are good memories. Using that place for more than just watching a movie," he said.
Gurberg said he’s met closed to two million people from all kinds of backgrounds over the years, and when the opportunity to help others presented itself, he did whatever he could to give back to his community.
"I had some customers who were having difficulties at their jobs, with several kids, and I remember many times when moms or dads with their kids would come and they were telling their kids, 'You can only have this, each one of you, one thing.' I would listen to this. I’d ask permission from the parent, 'Would it be okay if I give them this item?' So when that happened, the looks on the parents, the looks on the kids - money can’t buy that," he said.
It's always been more than a job for Gurberg, who said: "If you love your job, you never worked a day in your life. That sums it all up."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
![](https://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.6976926.1721883767!/httpImage/image.png_gen/derivatives/landscape_800/image.png)
LIVE UPDATES Critical infrastructure 'successfully protected': Jasper park officials
Jasper National Park officials in an update said all critical infrastructure in the townsite has been 'successfully protected, including the hospital, emergency services building, both elementary and junior/senior schools, activity centre and wastewater treatment plant.'
BREAKING Canadian Olympic Committee removes women's soccer team's head coach over drone scandal
The Canadian Olympic Committee has removed women's national soccer team head coach Bev Priestman over a drone scandal, according to a press release from the organization.
'I was just shocked': Jasper lodge owner on seeing property destroyed by wildfire
On Wednesday night, the owner of Maligne Lodge in Jasper, Alta., was shocked to receive a photo of her business engulfed in flames.
Prince William's 2023 salary revealed in new report
Newly released financial reports show that William, the Prince of Wales, drew a salary of $42.1 million last fiscal year, his first since inheriting the vast and lucrative Duchy of Cornwall.
Yukon woman narrowly escapes bear attack, credits hair clip
A woman in Yukon believes her hair clip helped save her during a bear attack.
P.E.I. and New Brunswick among most overworked provinces in Canada, study finds
A study says Prince Edward Island is the second most overworked province in Canada based on average weekly hours worked, while New Brunswick falls in third.
Mary-Ellen Turpel-Lafond likely has Indigenous DNA: report
The Law Society of British Columbia says a DNA test shows a former judge and Order of Canada recipient accused of falsely claiming to be Cree "most likely" has Indigenous heritage.
Alberta premier says a third, perhaps half, of all Jasper buildings destroyed by fire
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says early reports indicate a third and perhaps up to half of all buildings in the historic Rocky Mountain resort town of Jasper have burned in a wildfire.
OPINION Prince Harry: Press intrusion and the family rift explored in new doc
Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, has once again found himself at the centre of media attention following his recent interview as part of 'Tabloids on Trial,' an ITV documentary on phone hacking and tabloid intrusion.