Jones Funeral Home, Sackville, NB, 506-364-1300
Bernard "Bernie" Gillespie
1922 - 2009
Service Information
Service Date
Sunday November 22, 2009
It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of our beloved
Bernie - a man who fought the good fight and finished the race - or as
he would say, "I got away." His passing was peaceful as he
was sung, by his family, into God's waiting arms early Tuesday
morning, November 17, 2009. He lived 86 memorable years.
Bernie spent his life devoted to Jackie, his wife of 63 years, his children, his church and his community. He embraced life fully and enjoyed the company of many friends and the respect of those who knew him. He loved all things Irish. Bernie was a true champion of the underdog and the needs of Veterans. Deeply committed to community service, he worked diligently over the years with various organizations, having earned numerous awards for service above and beyond, including the Queens Medal for exemplary volunteer service to his community and the Palm Leaf - the Meritorious Service Medal - the highest award presented by the Royal Canadian Legion. He was a veteran of WWII, an honorary life member of the PSAC, and a Life Member of the Legion. Bernie continued his commitment to his community to the end, attending the Remembrance Day Service on Nov 11 in Dorchester in his final days. We shall remember him; carry his words, his example and his love into our lives and hearts forever.
Along with Jackie, he is survived by his children Sharon (Rick), Mike (Deb), Eileen (Andrew), Sheila, Margie (Brian), & Kathleen (Darryl), grandchildren Michael, Mary Frances, Jennifer, Brian, Andrew, Katie, Jessica, Alex & Lucas; great grandchildren Alice & Lucy; brothers Don, Terry, Brian, and Pat, his sister Mary, and many nieces & nephews. He was predeceased by brothers Raymond and Vincent.
The family will receive condolences at Jones Funeral Home, 70 Bridge St in Sackville, NB (506-364-1300). Visitation will take place on Thursday evening from 7-9, Friday from 2-4 and 7-9 at Jones Funeral Home. Funeral Mass will be held at St Vincent's Roman Catholic Church, Sackville on Saturday, November 21st, at 11am. Burial will take place at the Roman Catholic cemetery in Dorchester followed by a reception at St Edward's Community Hall.
The Royal Canadian Legion Branch # 26 will hold a service on Thursday at 7pm. The funeral vigil will take place on Friday at 8:30pm.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, the Royal Canadian Legion, Extra-Mural Hospital or the charity of choice.
Bernie spent his life devoted to Jackie, his wife of 63 years, his children, his church and his community. He embraced life fully and enjoyed the company of many friends and the respect of those who knew him. He loved all things Irish. Bernie was a true champion of the underdog and the needs of Veterans. Deeply committed to community service, he worked diligently over the years with various organizations, having earned numerous awards for service above and beyond, including the Queens Medal for exemplary volunteer service to his community and the Palm Leaf - the Meritorious Service Medal - the highest award presented by the Royal Canadian Legion. He was a veteran of WWII, an honorary life member of the PSAC, and a Life Member of the Legion. Bernie continued his commitment to his community to the end, attending the Remembrance Day Service on Nov 11 in Dorchester in his final days. We shall remember him; carry his words, his example and his love into our lives and hearts forever.
Along with Jackie, he is survived by his children Sharon (Rick), Mike (Deb), Eileen (Andrew), Sheila, Margie (Brian), & Kathleen (Darryl), grandchildren Michael, Mary Frances, Jennifer, Brian, Andrew, Katie, Jessica, Alex & Lucas; great grandchildren Alice & Lucy; brothers Don, Terry, Brian, and Pat, his sister Mary, and many nieces & nephews. He was predeceased by brothers Raymond and Vincent.
The family will receive condolences at Jones Funeral Home, 70 Bridge St in Sackville, NB (506-364-1300). Visitation will take place on Thursday evening from 7-9, Friday from 2-4 and 7-9 at Jones Funeral Home. Funeral Mass will be held at St Vincent's Roman Catholic Church, Sackville on Saturday, November 21st, at 11am. Burial will take place at the Roman Catholic cemetery in Dorchester followed by a reception at St Edward's Community Hall.
The Royal Canadian Legion Branch # 26 will hold a service on Thursday at 7pm. The funeral vigil will take place on Friday at 8:30pm.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, the Royal Canadian Legion, Extra-Mural Hospital or the charity of choice.
www.jonesfuneralhome.ca