Alexander Joseph Bernard

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Alexander J Bernard (AJ), aged 38, on Friday, September 11th, 2026, at the Cape Breton Regional hospital with family and friends by his side. Born February 5th, 1988, to Jackie Drinnan (Vince) and Derrick Norton, AJ leaves behind a family who loved him deeply and will carry his memory with them always.

Above all, AJ was a father. His greatest legacy will be his three sons, AJ Jr., Jensen and Kingsley, who were the center of his world. The love he had for his boys was a special part of who he was, and his memory will live on through them. Though they will have to grow up without their father by their side, they will forever carry his love, his lessons, and the memories they shared with him. AJ’s sons will always have the stories of the man their father was-a man who worked hard, helped others, loved his community, and found joy in the simple moments of life. His greatest wish would be for his boys to always know how deeply he loved them and how proud he was to be their dad.

AJ is also survived by his dearest love and wife Katie, and his daughter by choice, Samera. He leaves behind his in-laws, Aulay & Linda MacLean, as well as several nieces and nephews, his godchildren, Hunter, Raiden, Xandru and Joseph.

He is also survived by his grandparents Rubina and Kevin Joy of South Carolina; siblings Greg Hart (Kaylee), William Drinnan, Cenwyn Drinnan, Michael Drinnan and sister Claire Keigan; aunts Jessie Christmas, Mary Simon, Denise Kilpatrick-Lynn Ott, and Debbie Nicholson, uncle Robert Simon; great-aunts Katherine Isadore and Molly Pierro; and aunt and godmother Jane Simon, all from Wagmatcook.

AJ was truly a jack of all trades. He dedicated about eight years as a volunteer firefighter for Wagmatcook, giving his time to help and protect others in his community. He was employed with the Wagmatcook band as a crab plant driver for approximately 9-10 years, working alongside his sidekick and best friend Andy Pierro. He and his other sidekick and cousin Ben Christmas, could often be found having coffee together, looking for yard sales and flea markets. Later, AJ worked with the We’koqma’q Board of Education as a bus driver and teaching assistant for 2-3 years. AJ was also an avid hockey fan and always enjoyed watching his favorite team, the Colorado Avalanche.

AJ will be deeply missed by all who knew him, especially his close friends, Lynn and Andrew, and by the many family members, friends and coworkers whose lives he touched.

AJ was predeceased by his paternal grandfather Walter Norton; maternal grandparents David and Susie Bernard and Francis Isadore; stepfather Phillip Drinnan; aunts Patty Young and Jackie Robertson; uncle and godfather John Andrew Simon; uncles Rene and Joseph Bernard, Dwayne and Franklin Norton, Roger Christmas Sr, Walter Isadore, Alfred Young Sr., and Felix Smith Sr; and niece Amy Urquhart.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the doctors and nurses at Victoria County Memorial Hospital, the ICU at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, Inverness Hospital and the nurses at the Wagmatcook Health Center for their care and compassion.

Visitation for AJ will be held at the Wagmatcook Elders Centre, Fishery Road, Wagmatcook starting Saturday, September 19th, 2026 at 7pm.

Funeral Mass will be held Monday, September 21st, 2026, at 11am at the Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha Church, with Father Victor Ozonah officiating. Burial will take place at a later date. The salite will take place at the Wagmatcook Cultural Center immediately following the service.

Rest peacefully, AJ.

Your boys will carry your love with them always. Your memory will live on through them.