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In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
GAREAU, Bernard Joseph Guy - passed away at the Dartmouth General Hospital on October 4, 2025. Bernard was born on June 5, 1932, in Saint-Jacques, Quebec to the late Laurent and Laurianne Gareau. He joined the Royal Canadian Navy on June 24, 1950, St. Jean Baptiste Day, as an Ordinary Seaman Storeman. This young sailor met the love of his life, "Mademoiselle Monica", in Halifax on a blind date where she made him feel comfortable by speaking French, the only language he knew. Over his 36 years of military service, he served on various ships including HMCS BONAVENTURE, was posted to numerous cities including Belfast from 1956 to 1957, served during the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962, and completed a peacekeeping tour to the Middle East in 1976. As a reflection of his many career accomplishments, he was offered the opportunity to commission from the ranks, as Petty Officer 1st Class, completing his career as a Lieutenant (N) Logistics Officer. Following his naval career, he worked as the Comptroller for the Nova Scotia Division of the Canadian Corps of Commissionaires for 12 years at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Amidst long periods away at sea and many postings, he and Monica became parents to six children. Despite a busy work and home life, Bernard successfully completed his senior matriculation and received a Commerce degree from SMU in 1981, a reflection of his life-long love of learning. He was an avid sportsman who enjoyed numerous sports including hockey, badminton, squash, tennis, tai chi and walking, notably playing national level competitive badminton with the CFB Halifax Badminton team. He also generously volunteered his time with the CRA's Community Volunteer Income Tax Program via Halifax Public Libraries and with St. Peter's Church as a bookkeeper. Bernard is survived by his six children Michael (Mary Couillard) of Guelph; Charmaine Langille (Ken) of Ottawa; and Janice, Paul (Sheri Alexander), Lyse Markert (Jeff), and Pierre (Amber Walker), all of Dartmouth. He was grandfather to Jennifer Duncan and Laura Gareau Sanchez; Sarah, Justin and Zachary Langille; Matthew and Veronica Highmore; Alex and Sophie Gareau; Aliza Aldana, and Hannah and Rachel Markert; Madeleine and Malcolm Gareau; and was a great grandfather to nine great grandchildren. Bernard is survived by his older sisters Laurentienne Gamache and Yolande Gareau and younger brother Guy Gareau and was predeceased by his older sister Pauline Beaulieu and his younger brother Gaston Gareau. Bernard also leaves behind many wonderful (great) nieces and nephews. Of the many accomplishments achieved during his long rich life, Bernard will be most remembered for the love and devotion that he had for his family and often declared, "If I win the lottery, Mom and I will build a house with seven stories for us and our six kids and their families to live in". The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the team at Laurel's Lake Residence for their compassion and care over the last 2 years. Should you wish, a donation in memory of Bernard to a charity of your choice would be appreciated. A service will be held at the Atlantic Funeral Home at 771 Main Street, Dartmouth on Wednesday October 15, 2025, at 3:00 pm with a reception to follow. (The Halifax Chronicle-Herald 10 Oct 2025)
Ships served in: * Enlisted in the RCN 24 Jun 1950
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