Obituary of Ray Bernard
It is with great sadness that the family of Raymond Maurice Bernard of Kars, NB, announce his passing which occurred on Friday, September 30, 2022, at the Saint John Regional Hospital, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Saint John, NB, on December 7, 1946, he was a son of the late Tom and Amelia (Elliott) Bernard of Saint John, New Brunswick.
Ray is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Sally (Saunders) Bernard; sons: Dwayne (Pam) Bernard and Kevin (Heather) Bernard; grandchildren: Brittany, Colton, and Miya Bernard; sisters: Debbie (Rick) Farren, Heather King (Fred Lawton), and Cheryl (Ian) Clark; brothers: Wayne (Charlene) Bernard, and Bryan Bernard; sisters-in-law: Suzie (Stewart) Chestnut, Linda (John) Robertson, and Molly (Chris) Delaney; brothers-in-law: Barry (Donna) Saunders, Mike (Marie) Saunders, Bob (Chris) Saunders, Johnny (Karen) Saunders, and Donald Byers (Yvonne). Ray is also survived by several nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family members.
In addition to his parents, Ray was predeceased by his grandson, Kyle Raymond Thomas Bernard; brother, Jack Bernard; brothers-in-law, Roger King and Art Skanes; and sister-in-law, Ann Byers.
Ray was a loved family man. He enjoyed spending many weekends surrounded by family and friends, if family weren’t at their house, they were at someone else’s home having a great time. Many Halloweens were spent all decked out in elaborate costumes and partying with loved ones. In the last moments of his life he still needed to make sure he gave his loving wife of 52 years a few kisses. Ray enjoyed being outdoors and using his hands. He would spend much of his spare time hunting, fishing, camping and enjoyed doing so with his boys. Typically if you couldn’t find Ray he would be out tinkering around in the yard or the garage. He enjoyed watching NASCAR, if you stopped to visit on a Sunday you knew there would be a race on. He also enjoyed attending concerts with his brother-in-law and niece(s), and was a big fan of country music, especially his Shania Twain. He enjoyed watching the variety of birds that came to perch on the feeders and trees in the front yard. He was an inspiration, mentor and teacher of many skills and overall a wonderful man.
Ray will be greatly missed by everyone who had the pleasure of getting to know him.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Sherwood’s Funeral Home and Life Tribute Center (506-839-2156), 18 Scovil Road, Norton, NB. Celebration of life details will be available on Ray’s obituary page in the coming days, and a private interment will be held at a later date.
Donations in memory of Raymond Bernard can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or to the charity of the donor’s choice. Personal condolences to the family and donations may be made through: www.sherwoodsfuneralhome.com
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Ray
Bernard 1946 2022..
Death notice for the town of: Norton, Province: Nouveau-Brunswick
Ray, so many wonderful things to say to you dear brother. Thank you so much for marrying such a wonderful woman for one. The two of you always made us feel as if we were at home. I spent so many summers with you that I’ve lost count as to how many. When Dad died you were our strength, you taught us so much along the way. How to be hard working, responsible adults. You guys gave us love and the attention we really needed. As we got older, not only were your doors opened to us as family, your doors were opened to most of the people we grew up with. It wouldn’t be anything to have thirty people drop in with tents to camp out for the weekend. We always felt welcome. We also knew who was in charge. ;). Take care my dear brother. We will all miss you so much. Thank you for being there for us when we needed you most, always. Much love.