Bernard Arthur 'Dick' Dearing
Born In: North Sydney
Born: January 13th, 1945
Passed in: Sydney
Passed on: June 20th, 2016
Our family’s journey through life begins a new path as we announce the passing of our cherished husband, father, and poppy on Monday, June 20, 2016, at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital.
Born January 13, 1945, into a strong, family unit and raised in North Sydney, Dick was the eldest son of Ruth and the late Bern (Dick) Dearing. While still a teenager, he met his best friend and the love of his life, Clara MacNamara. They soon married and over the next 51 years together, they raised their own family carrying on the same values he learned as a child.
Dick became a welder, self-acclaimed “the best,” which could raise quite a debate with his father and brothers. Over his lifetime, he continued learning and became certified as an adult instructor, passing the trade skills on to another generation of welders. He eventually became an inspector with Nova Scotia Department of Labour.
To say Dick loved his family would be an understatement. He was the biggest cheerleader, 24 hour on call “Mr. Fix-it” and cabbie, first for his kids and then for his grandchildren who affectionately called him “Poppy Dick”. He could always be counted on to be there when needed and he never looked for anything in return.
Dick proudly served his community. Countless hours of volunteer work would see him involved with the Northern Yacht Club, North Sydney Kinsmen, Kiwanis, Fire Department, North Sydney Forum, and later, as a board member of the Northside Civic Centre Society, he shared the Allan Joseph Memorial Award that is presented to an individual or group who has made an outstanding contribution to the history and development of sport in Cape Breton. He worked tirelessly for the PC party and delivered meals on wheels for seniors who seemed to enjoy a conversation with Dick more than their meals. He also volunteered at the race track and was the “best Santa ever”. Even in the advanced stages of Alzheimer’s disease, Dick instinctively helped others.
Dick had a magnetic personality that drew people to him and he so enjoyed his daily trips to “Timmies”. He was a Screaming Eagles season ticket holder and a devout Toronto Maple Leaf fan.
Left to remember Dick’s loving ways besides his mother Ruth, are his wife Clara (affectionately called Bird), daughters Leslie (Russell) Cadwell and Betty Lynn (Paul Johnston); grandchildren Kyle, Courtney, Dylan, MacKenzie, Claralynn, and Colton; sister Betty Ferguson; brothers Greg (Sylvia), Reg (Joanne); brothers-in-law Butch (Linda), Donnie (Tammy), Dwight, Billy; sisters-in-law Brenda (Rick), Heather (John), Dale (Kevin), Carol (Blake), Wendy (Rick); as well as many nieces and nephews.
Besides his father, Dick was predeceased by his son, Bernie, and in-laws, Billy and Stacia MacNamara, Frankie, Marie, Molly, and Fergie.
We would like to thank the staff at Harbourstone’s Wentworth Court, the CB Regional Emergency Department and the An Cala unit for the loving care you provided Dick and for the support given to the family at such a difficult time.
Visitation for Dick will be from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m., Wednesday, June 22, 2016, in the W.J. Dooley Funeral Home, 107 Pleasant St., North Sydney. Funeral will be held 11:00 a.m. Thursday, June 23, 2016, at St. Matthew Wesley United Church North Sydney, with Marjorie Serafinus officiating. Cremation will follow. Burial will take place at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer Society or the North Sydney Kiwanis Club.
Online condolences may be sent to www.wjdooley.com.
Bern, Dick, and Bernie reunited - The Thunder Rolls - his journey continues...
