Obituary of John Bernard

BERNARD, E. John Johnny –At Vision Nursing Home on Monday, February 9, 2015 in his 90th year, will be forever missed by his wife Gloria of 63 years, his six children: Jerry (Mavis), Fred (Freya), Beverley (Ian) Rankin, Tom (Cindy), Mary (Patrick) Marcella, Catherine (Amelia) Clarke. Fifteen grandchildren: Michael (Melissa), Gregory (Jana), Kevin Bernard; Michelle (Adam), Matthew Bernard; James (Nicole), Jocelyne (Shannon), Kieran, Stewart Rankin; Nicole (Jason), Travis (Kim), Kenny (Alicia) Bernard; Daniel, Jessica Marcella; Finnley Clarke. Nine great-grandchildren: Amber, Lillian, Colby Bernard; Rylan, Maëlle, Merik Goldhawk; Nash, Isla Bernard; Claire Spencer-Rankin; and his many friends. Johnny retired from Imperial Oil after 38 years. He was discharged from the Second World War at the age of 21, after 38 months in the 48th Highlanders and Devil's Brigade. Johnny was very involved in sports. He played hockey from a young age and was an avid tennis player. He took part in four triathlons at 65, 70, 75 and 80 years of age. He was inducted into the Sarnia Sports Hall of Fame and was recognized on the Sarnia Mayor's List. Predeceased by parents John and Josephine Bernard, 8 brothers and 4 sisters. Brother of Bernadette Houlden and Audrey Trodd. Brother-in-law of Bev Roy, Neil Roy and Carolyn Kobart. Special thanks for the excellent care received from Dr. Gannon and the caring and friendly staff of Vision Nursing Home. Visitation will be at the McKenzie & Blundy Funeral Home and Cremation Centre, 431 N. Christina St., Sarnia, 2-4 & 7-9 p.m. on Tuesday where prayers will be offered at 3:30 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Michael's Church, Bright's Grove on Wednesday at 10 a.m. Interment Our Lady of Mercy Cemetery. As an expression of sympathy, friends who wish may send memorial donations to The Alzheimer's Society, 420 N. East St., Sarnia, N7T 6Y5 or to the Canadian Cancer Society, 714 Lite St., Sarnia, N7V 1A6 (cheques only at the funeral home please). Messages of condolence and memories may be left at www.mckenzieblundy.com A tree will be planted in memory of John Bernard in the McKenzie & Blundy Memorial Forest. Dedication service Sunday, September 20th, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. at the Wawanosh Wetlands Conservation Area