25 May 2021 Bernard Hugh Francis MacInnis
Bernard Hugh Francis MacInnis 1946 – 2021
Following a lengthy illness, Bernard (Bernie) passed away peacefully on May 25. He was a true gentleman, always and quietly putting others first, stoically shouldering challenges with grace, and life’s goodness with humble acceptance.
Born in New Glasgow, Nova Scotia, Bernard grew up in Antigonish, in a very close family. He was the eldest son of the late Laughlin and Effie (Campbell) MacInnis.
Starting in a one-room schoolhouse, Bernard very early demonstrated his excellence for, and commitment to, education. His passions were the forests, fields and rivers around Lower South River, family cottages at Mahoney’s Beach and Bayfield. He was a natural and gifted athlete, loved playing basketball, cycling, running, cross country skiing, as well as coaching soccer, and minor league baseball. His early introduction to music often found him skipping his piano lessons and sitting instead at Roddy and Alex MacInnis’ Barbershop watching them repair and play fiddles between their appointments. Despite his lack-lustre start, music became an integral part of his life, especially alongside his first wife, Annette.
Proudly graduating from St. Francis Xavier University in 1968, Bernard was a geologist, working in the mining industry in New Brunswick and Quebec. Bernard also completed his B.Ed training and taught in Calgary, Lunenburg, and eventually at the New Brunswick Community College in Woodstock, where he was well-regarded and respected by his colleagues and students. Many evenings, he sat at his kitchen table, where he taught English as a Second Language to adult international students who were new to Canada. He was a pioneer in the environmental conservation field, demonstrating his keen interest and leadership in local ecology and nature organizations. Bernard truly believed by taking care of our surroundings, that one’s health and welfare would ultimately benefit. In 2020, Bernard was recognized by the Government of Canada for his “selfless investment and encouragement to so many, and for a lifetime of dedicated service to the community through sport and environmental endeavours”.
Bernard was a devoted and long-standing parishioner of St. Gertrude’s Church, serving on various committees and sharing his voice and other musical talents in their choir.
Bernard is survived by his loving wife Janet (Hunter) and the extended and supportive Hunter family. He was a staunchly proud father to his sons, left to carry on his legacy, Simon (Donna Tilley) and Ben (Sheila Curran). Bernard was a proud grand-father to Emilee, Eve, and Ella. He is also survived by his brother Duncan (Mary Macquarrie), sisters Martha Elaine (Gerry Cormier), Bernice, and Mary Noella (Andrew Pateman), sister-in-law Winnifred (Sammy) Bell, and brother-in-law James Hunter along with many nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was predeceased by his wife Annette (Poirier), Janet’s parents, Marion and Earle Hunter, and brother-in-law, Earle Jr. Hunter. Bernard was particularly close to his late MacInnis and Campbell grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins, who taught him much about gardening, fishing, his Celtic heritage and the importance of community service. The Northumberland Strait and the Margaree River were never far from his mind, always interested and studying the history of his ancestors. He is survived by his Aunt Anna (Joe D.) Campbell.
Bernard would want us to remember him outdoors with his fishing rod and wicker tackle basket, alongside family and friends, near a brook or a river brimming with trout, in the early spring season.
Bernard’s family extends their sincere appreciation to the staff of the Carleton Manor who treated Bernard with the highest quality care and respect. A special thank-you to his excellent physicians who supported him over the years. As well, with gratitude, his family is grateful for the enormous kindness shown to Bernard from all who knew him, particularly his loyal friend Ron MacDonald.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of The Culberson Funeral Home, 188 Connell Street, Woodstock, NB. Due to Covid restrictions, a private funeral and burial will be held. A gathering with extended family and friends will take place once Covid restrictions are eased.