Bernard 'Bernie' Johnston
Passed on: May 2nd, 2008
August 15, 1922-May 2, 2008 Bernie Johnston , 85, passed away at the Glace Bay General Hospital. He resided continuously in the Ashby area of Sydney until failing health in January 2005 led initially to hospitalization at the Cape Breton Regional and Harbourview hospitals and then to permanent residency with superb care at Taigh Na Mara Guest Home in August 2005. Bernie is survived by his wife of 59 years, lovingly referred to as “MacLean”. Also surviving and residing in Sydney are sister, Catherine MacIsaac; daughters, Gloria Farmer (Rick) and Terry Williams (John); son, Dave (Pam Stevens) and son-in-law, Angus MacLean. Grandchildren ranging from 18 to 27 years are William and Scott (Heather) MacLean, David and Heather Jean Farmer, Kyle Williams and Steven and Lauren Johnston. In early youth he developed a lifelong love of sports. Discounting Bernie’s claims, son Dave has been able to confirm independently that he was indeed a “goaltender” of note. Bernie served overseas in the Second World War. He spent his working career with Sydney Steel Corporation (and its predecessor) and retired from the machine shop. Although lacking formal post-secondary education, Bernie was an “educated” individual. He loved to read and keep abreast of world affairs. He instilled his love of knowledge in those who followed. Many will remember Bernie with his antics, dry sense of humour and wit. Lesser known was Bernie’s deep and abiding faith in God. Daughters Gloria and Terry can attest to the many sets of rosary beads they had to purchase to replace those temporarily lost. Bernie was a very private individual. His wants were simple and he disliked imposing on others. We will respect his wish that there be no visitation. Foremost was Bernie’s love of and devotion to family. His sisters and his parents lived just doors away. Until his health failed, Bernie would announce daily (often more than once) that he was going for a visit “Down Home”. In a similar vein Bernie commanded such love from family that all visited often. Especially heart-warming was a tradition of Friday evening visits to Bernie and Eileen’s. At first this included his children but the gatherings expanded to include their friends, and then spouses and then grandchildren. Daughter Gloria ensured the troops were rallied to make sure Eileen could make her daily visit with Bernie while he resided at the guest home. Bernie found a heightened meaning of life with the arrival of grandchildren. Starting with Scott, each in turn became the focus of the Friday night entertainment. Perched on a blanket with a shiny red apple toy each displayed their new-found ability to crawl then walk then talk etc. Responding to cries of “Read me a book Poppy” were amongst Bernie’s new duties. In ways both material and spiritual Bernie oversaw their development. Each was the apple of his eye and he is proud of how each is developing. Bernie will now be reunited in love with those predeceased. They include his parents, Peter and Jessie; sisters, Faustina and Theresa; twin children, Mary and Joseph (deceased in infancy) and daughter, Bernadette. Special thanks to the staff of Taigh Na Mara for their care and compassion. They grew to learn that Bernie’s bark was worse than his bite. Thanks also to all those attending Bernie at The Glace Bay General Hospital. His last days were peaceful and serene. A mass celebrating Bernie’s life will be held on Tuesday May 6, 2008 at 10 a.m. at St. Theresa's Church. A reception will follow. Interment at Resurrection Cemetery, Sydney Forks. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to one's charity of choice. Online condolences may be%07forwarded to the family at twcurryparkviewchapel@ns.sympatico.ca. Bernie would also wish that you take a moment to be thankful for your family.
