|
In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
ALLARD, Bernard David (Bernie) - slipped the bonds of this earth on 5 September, 2026, holding the hand of his beloved wife of 63 years, Sheila. Let's hope that he's now standing straight and strong, having found family and friends, tapping his toes to some good fiddle music, enjoying unlimited coffee, and sweets or perhaps a wee dram of single malt.
Born in a great snowstorm on 2 March, 1940, at only 3 lbs, in Carleton-sur-Mer, Qc, that small package grew to take on great things, the greatest of which were being a wonderful husband, father and grandfather.
Bernie was the loving father of André (Shelley), Brett (Kim), and Françine. He was proudly known as Pépère to his granddaughters Brianna (Cole) and Summer. He also leaves behind his sister Rita (Gord) and baby brother Moe (Suzette), sister-in-law Ann, nieces Maria, Monique, Suzanne, nephew Jerry and so many Chiasson and Allard cousins who never forget a birthdate.
His beloved children shared their Papa with many others from all over the world, Aussies, Germans, sailors, Venezuelans, and so many more. He imparted his sense of care and service to all. Not only was he ready to help, he was always ready to volunteer any last one of the rest of us to help, too! The Rotary world benefitted from so many of those volunteer hours and acknowledged his volunteer service with Paul Harris Fellows and a PolioPlus Award.
Bernie joined the Royal Canadian Navy starting at Cornwallis in December of 1960 as an Ordinary Seaman, and was proud of his service to Canada and the uniform he wore daily for nearly 35 years. He was a true salt water sailor and shellback, who sailed around the world and finished up his navy years in command of NCSM Radisson.
It is impossible to show how thankful we are to the friends and family who rounded out Bernie's care in his final spring and summer. We'll all miss his one liners, and the little boy grin that often came along with them. Those moments were truly treasured.
Help us come celebrate the life of our Bernie, our Papa, our Pépère, sailor, outdoor lover, Rotarian, news junkie, historian, life long volunteer, learner, card and game player who will be missed for his humour, his kindness, his insights, his stories, and most of all his love. May he rest in peace.
Wear bright colours, and come with a good Bernie story as we wish him fair winds and following seas. Bon vent et bonne mer.
A funeral Mass is to be held on 19 September, 2026, at St. Peter's Parish, Port Hood, Cape Breton, NS at noon, to be followed by a reception at the Chestico Museum, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.
In memory of Bernie, donations to The Rotary Foundation or Polio Plus (https://my.rotary.org/en/donate , select Annual Fund-Share or Polio Plus Fund, at end add club Ottawa Metro 89475), Providence Care Hospital (https://uhkf.akaraisin.com/ui/UHKFdonate/donations/start), or Diabetes Canada are appreciated.
Funeral arrangements entrusted to Robert J. Reid & Sons Funeral Home, 309 Johnson St, Kingston, ON, K7L 1Y6 (613-548-7973). (The Halifax Chronicle Herald 17 Sep 2026)
Ships served in: HMCS CORNWALLIS - 1960 for New Entry training Rated Leading Seaman Boatswain, RCN Dec 1961 * CFR 1961 * Appointed Officer Cadet, RCN - 1961 * Promoted to Acting Sub-Lieutenant (MARS) (seniority 30 Apr 1969) * Promoted to Sub-Lieutenant (MARS), C.A.F. (Navy) * Promoted to Lieutenant (N) (MARS), C.A.F. (Navy) (seniority 01 Jan 1972) HMCS YUKON - 1972 HMCS PROVIDER - 1973 as Acting Deck Officer * Promoted to Lieutenant-Commander, C.A.F. (Navy) (seniority 01 Jan 1975) HMCS PRESERVER - 1976 as Deck Officer HMCS SCOTIAN - 1978 as Staff Officer MARCOMHQ HALIFAX - 1981 as Staff of DNR CFB HALIFAX - 1983 as Staff Officer Personal Service * Honourably Released 01 Mar 1988 * Transferred to the Naval Reserve MARCOMHQ HALIFAX - 1988 as Staff Officer Naval Control of Shipping HMCS RADISSON - 1988 - 1989 as Commanding Officer HMCS D'IBERVILLE - 1989 - 1992 as Commanding Officer NDHQ OTTAWA - Section Head Naval Terminology - 1993 * Honourably Released
|
