Bernard Joseph Montgomery

It is with profound sadness that the family of Bernard Joseph Montgomery announces his passing at home in Halifax on November 12, 2017 at the age of 74. Bernie endured with courage, grace, acceptance and dignity, a long struggle with Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) and Corticobasil Degeneration (CBD), which are both rare neurological diseases. He was born June 6, 1943 in St. Margaret’s, P.E.I., son of the late Joseph and Dorothy (Gallant). Though moving with his family to Halifax at the age of three, his heart was always in P.E.I.

Bernie graduated from St. Mary’s University with his Bachelor of Commerce Degree and spent a number of years in finance before entering into his long-term career. He was owner of Apex Homes Ltd. in Waverley and also Apex Homes in P.E.I. Over the course of 30 years Bernie was a respected man in his industry mainly due to his integrity, kindness and honesty shown to his colleagues, staff and customers alike. He was a true gentleman.

Bernie loved to travel and had the pleasure of seeing many beautiful places around the world, but nothing compared to the beauty he saw and loved in P.E.I. He spent many enjoyable and memorable days with his family at the ‘ole’ farmhouse. He loved his daily walks on the Cape, smelting with his grandchildren and taking them for hayrides. When Bernie was there the farmhouse door was always open with plenty of kitchen parties, music and laughter. There were mussels, barbeques, relaxing days spent on our “private beach” countless people (over four generations) who had the pleasure of visiting ‘the farm’ experienced friendship and formed wonderful memories. Before his illness, Bernie was active in a number of sports: golf, basketball, volleyball (until age 67) as well as tennis. He loved to tease friends and family, and had a wonderful memory that showed no mercy. Bernie never lost interest in the life around him and lived life to the fullest even in the advanced stages of his disease.

Bernie is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 51 years, Jeannette (Leblanc). He was a very proud and supportive father to Kerri-Lynn (Jay) Washington, Dartmouth; Craig (Mary Musgrave) Florida; Andrea (Laird) Montgomery Dowell, Oakfield; and Ryan of Fall River. He was blessed with grandchildren who gave him some of his greatest joy and held a special place in his heart – Marley and Maggie Washington; Brandyn Musgrave, Jake and Jensen Montgomery; Taylor Montgomery and Ronan Dowell; Landon and Jaxson Montgomery. He is also survived by two sisters, Joy Montgomery, Bedford; Darlene (Michael) Bailey, Annapolis Royal and his stepmother, Brenda Montgomery of Dartmouth. Bernie was predeceased by his parents and his brother, Wayne (Beth) Montgomery. His extended family includes sister-in-law, Jean Ann (Jim) Sullivan, Halifax; brother-in-law, Donald (Shirley) LeBlanc, Fall River and many nieces and nephews. As Bernie’s illness progressed there were many gatherings around his bed with music, prayers and an abundance of love.

A special thank you is extended to Natasha Kerr, the many special caregivers that provided such wonderful care and became like family, VON and Palliative Care. These groups enabled Bernie to complete his journey at home as he so wished.

Cremation has taken place and arrangements are under J A Snow Funeral Home, 339 Lacewood Drive, Halifax. Visitation will be held Wednesday November 15 from 6pm to 9 pm at J.A. Snow Funeral Home. A celebration of life will be held at St. Rose of Lima, 9 Jamieson Drive, Fall River on Thursday November 16 at 1:30pm with Reverend Duncan MacMaster officiating. A reception will be held in the church directly following the mass, with interment at the Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Sackville, following the reception. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Cure PSP at www.curepsp.org or by calling 800.457.4777 or to the V.O.N.