Bernard Joseph Hurley
1937-2022
It is with great sadness that the family of Bernard Joseph
Hurley announce his passing on June 16, 2022.
Bernie was born on January 20, 1937 in Cape Breton, Nova
Scotia, to parents Gertrude and Ben Hurley.
Bernie grew up in Glace Bay with one brother, Jerry Hurley
(deceased); five sisters, Bernadette Hurley (deceased), Colleen
Cathcart (surviving), Elizabeth Toulouse (deceased), Deloris Scott
(deceased), and Maureen MacLeod (deceased).
With a grade 8 education, staring down a potential life long
career in the Sydney coal mines, Bernie joined the Canadian Forces in
1954 at the age of 17. He served with the Royal Canadian
Regiment (RCR) and was proud to tell anyone that
asked.
Shortly after joining the Forces, he met the love of his
life, Mary Alice (MacGillvary) Hurley (deceased) – also from
Glace Bay – and the two were married on August 15,
1960.
Bernie and Mary had two children, Bernie Hurley and Mary Jane
Sullivan.
Coming from humble beginnings, Bernie had a tremendous career
in the Canadian Forces, retiring in 1990 as the Base RSM of CFB
Gagetown.
Bernie is survived by his children, Bernie (Diane) and Mary
Jane (Mike – deceased); grandkids, Damian Hurley, Taylor
Hurley and Chad Sullivan (Kim); as well as his great grandkids,
Aubrie, Lydia and Eli Sullivan. He was predeceased by grand-daughter,
Jennifer Sullivan-Snow.
Having unwavering commitment to his faith, Bernie rarely
missed a Sunday Service.
Bernie was tough as nails – going 85 years with
only going to the hospital (or to see a doctor) on a couple occasions,
and even then – only when forced to go by
family.
His toughness was only matched by his kind heartedness and
generosity towards his family, friends and strangers. He
found happiness in giving to others and helping those in
need.
While many would remember Bernie for his outstanding
contributions to the military, his family are proud to call him dad
and grandpa and they remember him as a caring, loving and selfless
father and grandfather that he was. Anyone can be called a father but
it takes someone special to be called dad. He was the
perfect combination of strength and kindness. He will be
missed greatly.
There will be a memorial mass for Bernie Hurley at St.
Mary’s Chapel, CFB Gagetown, on Tuesday, June 21, 2022, at
10:00 am. A Royal Canadian Legion, Branch #93, tribute will take place
prior to the memorial mass at 9:45 am. In accordance with the
church’s policies attendees must wear masks.
In lieu of donations or flowers, Bernie’s family
would ask that people perform a random act of kindness.
www.oromoctofh.com
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Bernard Joseph Hurley 19372022..
Death notice for the town of: Oromocto, Province: Nouveau-Brunswick