Browse the obituary of residing in the province of Nova Scotia for funeral details
Obituary
Bernard L. Blinkhorn (Bernie)
Dec 23, 1941 – Feb 3, 2023, Age 81
Sydney Mines / Sydney
It is with great sadness that we, his children, regret to announce the passing of our dear father after a short but courageous battle with cancer. Like the man he was, he had a gentle and peaceful passing surrounded by his loving family. He chose to be at his daughter Sharon’s home in the last few weeks of his life, so he could be close to all and pass with dignity and comfort.
He was the son of the Late Annie and James Blinkhorn. Dad was lucky to have had a second father, a man who raised him and loved him, Joe Miller. He was the youngest of 8 children, born and raised on Ocean Street in Sydney Mines.
At a very young age he learned what hard work was and the value of a dollar. He, among others from Ocean Street picked apples in the valley and potatoes in PEI to earn some cash. He got his first truck at age 14 (1946 Ford) and began working with it. This was the beginning of his trucking career. He drove for 2 years before getting his actual driver’s license. He sold coal and wood all over Cape Breton Island and had many trips driving his truck over Smokey’s Mountain in the winter. He hired many neighbors from the Road to work with him.
Dad got his entrepreneurial spirit from his mother, Annie, who ran a store for many years on Ocean Street. She also had one of the biggest bingo games around at the time. Dad helped and worked with her in all her endeavours.
Dad eventually turned his trucking business into Blinkhorn’s Paving & Trucking Ltd. In addition to operating his own business, in the early years, he also worked other jobs for several years, operated the store, owned taxi cabs and stevedore at CN Marine.
He has worked for the past 67 years of his life. He only stopped working the last few months when his illness progressed to the point that he had to stop. This bothered him more than the illness, he actually had to stop work, stay at home, watch TV and let others take care of him.
Anyone who knew him, knew Dad was a hard worker, he was the most simplistic, humble and un-materialistic person ever. He lived to work, make money but never spent it on himself. He was always very giving to others and anyone in need. He made sure us children were well taken care of and never said the word “No” to the girls. He had a big heart, throughout his life he always “slipped money” to family, friends, neighbours and others. Many, many times throughout his life he gave wood and coal to families who couldn’t afford to pay.
He always told the best stories, he had a million of them about the old times, good times and bad times. He was an avid reader and had great sense of humour till the very end. He met and knew so many people from all his years of work, he either knew you, your parents or grandparents and always had a story about them.
He was a great father. He had a special relationship and bond with his son Bernie with whom he worked along side of for over 40 years.
Dad loved all of his nieces and nephews. He had a close relationship with his sister Greta’s children of whom he thought of them as his own, James, Bobby, Ella, Patricia and Joseph Woods, and often thinking about Calvin.
Dad is survived by his children, Bernie Jr. (Debbie), Florence Rose, Wanda Bond (Chuck) and Sharon Matthews (David). His long-time friend and companion Betty Cass. Also, the mother of his children, Donna Blinkhorn and his sister Doreen Samson, sister in law Marie Blinkhorn.
Grandchildren Jacob (Crystal), Mason, Thomas, Summer and Paige. Great grandchildren Lily, Joseph, Jaydan and Godchild Fabian Woods.
Besides his parents he was predeceased by his son in law Gordie Rose, whom he thought of like a son, his siblings James Blinkhorn, Wanda Canavan, Annie Mae Tremblett, Greta MacLean, Joseph Blinkhorn and Kevin Blinkhorn. In-Laws Sadie Blinkhorn, Stanley Canavan, Wally Tremblett, John Archie MacLean, Mary Blinkhorn and several nieces and nephews.
The Family would like to thank Continuing Care Services, VON, Northside Homemakers and The Palliative Care Team including Julia Penny, RN for all their care and support. You guys were all wonderful and God Bless the work you do everyday. Dad loved to see you coming for a chat, a smile and some laughs.
Visitation will be held Tuesday, Feb 7 from 4-6 pm at J.M. Jobes Funeral Home, Main Street, Sydney Mines. A funeral mass of celebration will be Wednesday, Feb 8th at 11 am at Holy Family Parish Church, Luncheon to follow in the hall. Burial to follow at a later date. In Lieu of flowers, please send a donation to the Canadian Cancer Society.
Go Rest High on that Mountain, your work on earth is done. Rest in peace Dad and See you Later
Read More
December 23 1941 February 3 2023 81 Years Old
Death notice for the town of: Sydney-Mines, Province: Nova Scotia
death notice Bernard L Blinkhorn December 23 1941 February 3 2023 81 Years Old
obituaries notice Bernard L Blinkhorn December 23 1941 February 3 2023 81 Years Old
We offer our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Bernard L Blinkhorn December 23 1941 February 3 2023 81 Years Old and hope that their memory may be a source of comfort during this difficult time. Your thoughts and kind words are greatly appreciated.
