Obituaries

MacPhee, Bernard L. Peacefully on June 15 at the QEII Health Sciences Centre in Halifax, NS age 88 years. Born to the late Ralph and Mildred (née Delp), Bernard grew up in MacPhee’s Corner and Shubenacadie.

As a young man, he was employed at Watson Smith and Sons Hardware and Tin Shop in Shubenacadie. In 1960 he moved to Dartmouth, where he entered the employ of Louis Manuel, owner of Ace Home Hardware (later, ‘Action’). In 1985, Bernard assumed part-ownership of Action, by then located at Penhorn Shopping Mall.

Asked recently by a friend, what Bernard cherished most about his working years, he responded simply and without hesitation, ‘the people’. Over his many years in business, he earned a reputation for excellence both in terms of his tireless work ethic and customer service.

Bernard had a lifelong passion for music; it was tied inextricably to his Christian faith and flowed from him naturally. As a boy, he played the pump organ in the MacPhee’s Corner church, a place that remained close to his heart all his life. He never forgot the thrill of singing tenor in the Shubenacadie United Church, particularly choruses from Handel’s Messiah. Throughout his life, Bernard had a knack for drawing music out of whatever instrument was at hand, be it an accordion, guitar, piano or even a violin.

His outward sense of quiet dignity and propriety belied his delightful sense of humour. He loved to tell anecdotes from his youth, conjuring up people and places long since vanished, but vividly gathered at the shore of his memory.

Bernard and Sandra shared nearly 60 years of married life. They were for one another a strength and stay. Together they built a loving and stable home, into which their son Garth was born in 1971. In spite of having just one child, the family home was busy and joyful, full of music and laughter.

Bernard was a member of the Dartmouth Lions Club and took part in many activities through that service club. He was a member of Grace United Church for fifty years, serving on the Official Board in the 80s. Bernard volunteered at the Saint George’s Soup Kitchen for a number of years. He loved to ride his bicycle and take brisk walks.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 58 years, Sandra (née Peers) and their son, Garth; brother Ivan (Margaret); sister-in-law Marilyn Melanson (James Betts. Predeceased by his brother, Glenn (Faye). He was a favourite uncle to his nieces and nephews, all of whom recall his kindness and sense of humour.

Heartfelt gratitude to the staff of the Veteran’s 3rd floor, East for their exemplary care and compassion in Bernard’s final days. To Dr Paige Moorhouse, Dr Joshua Goodwin and Dr Mike Van Ginkel, the family is especially thankful for wise counsel and kind consideration.

As per his wishes, Bernard has been cremated. A memorial service will take place on Friday, July 10 at 2pm in the MacPhee’s Corner United Church.

Donations in Bernard’s memory may be directed to a charity of your choice, or to the Friends of Saint George’s Society for the parish music programme.