NEW GLASGOW – On January 28, 2009, WWII Veteran, Felix Joseph Bernas, age 87, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family in the Aberdeen Hospital, New Glasgow, NS. Born in Twatinaw, Alberta, during the Pioneer Days on November 21, 1921, he was the second son of the late Annie (Popeniuk) Bernas and Roman Bernas. During one of the worst eras in Canadian history, known as the Great Depression, Felix, at the tender age of 14, left the family farm and rode the rails in search of work. He volunteered for service having joined the South Alberta Regiment in 1939. He was transferred to the Governor General’s Horse Guards before being posted overseas where he spent one year on the front lines. Felix spent a total of five years in the Army and fought in France and Italy. While serving his country, one of his many duties was as a wireless operator and bugler. While he was stationed in Debert, NS, and on a weekend pass, Felix and his friend came to New Glasgow for a visit. When the two young soldiers missed the return bus, they decided to attend a dance in New Glasgow where Felix met and eventually married the love of his life, his late wife, Clara Elizabeth (Gostock) Bernas. During their 65 years of marriage, they raised one son and five daughters. Following his return from overseas, Felix built his own house and settled here in Pictou County. During his lifetime he was employed at several different jobs, everything from cement finisher, carpenter, bricklayer, mechanic, stonework, trucking wood, coal, garbage, and did whatever it took to earn a living. He retired in 1971 after working for 26 years at the Trenton Railcar Plant. Felix was an avid musician and loved playing the guitar, harmonica, fiddle, accordion and many other instruments. He had a popular musical show on the Community Channel 10 that ran for some time showcasing a variety of local talent. He enjoyed playing music with his friends, gardening, fishing, hunting, camping, swimming, spending time at the beach with his family, square and round dancing, bowling, bingo, playing crib, 45’s, and shooting darts. Felix was proficient in six different languages. He was a member of Saint George's Anglican Church, New Glasgow, the Wise Owl Club, 55 Plus Club, YMCA, Overseas War Veterans Assoc., the Memory Gun Shop Club. Felix was a lifetime member of the Royal Canadian Legion, Normandy Branch 34 and proudly carried the flag in many of the Remembrance Day Parades. On several occasions, he bugled the last post at the War Memorial in Carmichael Park in honour of those who made the “supreme sacrifice”. Felix was extremely proud to have had the opportunity to serve his country. He will be missed by his family and friends. Surviving are his son, David (Cecilia) Bernas, New Glasgow; daughters: Diane (Joe) Gibson; Caroline (Claude) Piccini, both of Dartmouth; Judy Major, Port Bickerton; Pat (Jim) Blad, New Glasgow; Janette (Matthew) Morrison, Calgary, Alberta. Felix is also survived by his sisters: Rose (Clayton) Dalwood, Red Deer, Alberta; Josephine Feheley, Edmonton, Alberta; Donalda Ansley, Edmonton, Alberta; Violet (Jim) Williamson, Medford, Oregon; brothers, Larry (Gail) Bernas, Red Deer, Alberta; Gary (Norma) Bernas, Edmonton, Alberta. Also surviving are 20 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. Felix was predeceased by his wife, Clara Elizabeth (Gostock) Bernas, New Glasgow, 2008; father, Roman Bernas, Twatinaw Alberta, 1930; mother, Annie (Popeniuk) Bernas, Edmonton, Alberta, 1998; step-dad, Lawrence Bernas, Edmonton, Alberta, 1993; sisters, Lillian (Bernas) Wood, Edmonton, Alberta, 1963; Janette (Bernas) Baxandall, Westlock, Alberta, 2008; half-sisters, Vivian Bernas, Twatinaw, Alberta, 1940; Doreen (Bernas) MacArthur, St. Albert, Alberta, 2009; brother, Stanley Bernas, Edmonton, Alberta, 2001; great-grandson, Dana Carpenter, Calgary, Alberta, 2008. Visitation 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. today in the R.H. Porter Funeral Home, New Glasgow. Funeral service 2 p.m. Saturday in Saint George’s Anglican Church, New Glasgow, with Rev. M. Elliott Siteman officiating. Cremation to follow with burial in Lorne Street Cemetery at a later date. Donations in his memory may be made to the Nova Scotia Lung Association or Saint George’s Anglican Church. Royal Canadian Legion Br. 34 New Glasgow will meet at the funeral home at 6:30 p.m. tonight to conduct their service. www.rhporter.ca “Lest We Forget”