Raymond Joseph "Ray" Bernard

It is with broken hearts and sadness the family of Raymond Joseph Bernard announce his passing, which occurred at the Loch Lomond Village surrounded by his loving family on Thursday May 3, 2018. Born in Balmoral, December of 1921, he was the eldest son of Donat and Ida (Guitard) Bernard. In his teenage years Ray worked hard in the woods of Northern New Brunswick. He joined the Royal Canadian Army at the age of 19; serving with the North Shore Regiment as a Private during WWII. In later years he became a mechanic and a heavy equipment operator working for CNR at the Port of Saint John for over 40 years. He was a Jack of all trades and had a strong work ethic like no other. He was a remarkable man in so many ways and his children were proud to call him “Dad”. He was a loyal and loving husband to Anida for over 64 years. A family man, who was passionate, caring, respectful and funny; and touched the lives of many. Raymond will always be remembered for his sense of humour and his positive outlook on the world. He had a big heart for children and animals, and was proud that he was never a hunter. Everyone knew he was our “ray of sunshine” and we adored him.   What kept him alive was his love of laughter and family; he was very pleasant to be around.  Devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. Ray is survived by his son Reg Bernard (Nancy) of Saint John; daughters Georgette Thom (Paul), Verna Bernard (Dave) both of Saint John, Carole Bradford (Jim) of Smithtown and Lisa Bernard (Geoff) of Montreal, QC;  brother Clem Bernard of Hope, BC and sister Fernande Lavallee (Lionel); precious grandchildren Sheri, Jared, Andrew, Daniel, Ashley, Ben, Joel and Dylan; two great grandchildren Lauryn,  “the apple of his eye”& newest great-grandson Xander; nieces, nephews and friends.

Along with his parents and his loving wife, Anida, Ray was predeceased by his son Ron Bernard; sisters Theresa and Germaine and brothers Gordon, Ralph and Alvin.

Resting at Fundy Funeral Home, 230 Westmorland Road (646-2424) with visitation on Monday May 7, 2018 from 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday May 8, 2018 from the Cathedral of Immaculate Conception, 91 Waterloo Street at 12:10 p.m. Interment to follow at St. Joseph’s Cemetery. Because of Dad’s love of animals, for those who wish donations in his memory may be made to the Saint John Animal Rescue League-SPCA. To send a message of condolence please visit www.fundyfuneralhome.com

The family would like to take this opportunity to thank the Nurses and Staff of the Loch Lomond Villa and Loch Lomond Village for their compassionate care.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Raymond Joseph "Ray" Bernard, please visit our floral store.