Roy Preston Bernard

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Roy “Preston” Bernard. Preston passed away on September 17, 2026, surrounded by family and friends at the QEII Hospital, Halifax NS, at 51 years of age.

Preston was the son of Veronica Jeddore and the late Roy Bernard. He was an ambitious man and worked hard to accomplish his goals. In 2000, he completed the Certified Protection Officer Program through the Cape Breton Regional Industry Training Council. He received his Bachelor of Arts in Community Studies (BACS) degree from University College of Cape Breton in 2000. He was an avid fisherman and, for much of his life, loved to spend time on the water. He worked at the Aberdeen Fish Farm and was a fisherman for Wagmatcook. He became a Captain and after receiving his Captain’s Certification, he was asked to come back to teach the next class.

Eventually, Preston became Wagmatcook’s Commercial Fisheries Manager. In this position he worked hard to ensure Wagmatcook’s Fishing operations were first rate, often working on proposals and agreements with DFO and government agencies. In 2014, he received the “Fisheries Manager of the Year” Award for his dedication, professionalism and exceptional performance, especially for being an asset to the community, increasing employment for community members, adhering to strict safety rules and “principles of the sea”. Preston was also the recipient of the 13th Annual Atlantic Policy Congress’ “Fisheries Businessperson of the Year”.

Above all, Preston was a father to two beautiful children, Ellis Bernard and Garrison Bernard with his wife, Andra Bernard. He was also an uncle to many nieces and nephews. Preston enjoyed long drives and traveling. Some of his favourite memories were driving to Disney World with his wife and children and spending time outdoors, camping and having bonfires. Preston was also a fan of rock and country music. Recently, he attended a Chris Stapleton concert in Toronto.

He is survived by his children, Ellis Bernard and Garrison Bernard, his mother, Veronica Jeddore (George), his wife, Andra Bernard, his brothers, Chief Norman Bernard (Sylvia), Gordon Googoo (Cammelia), Andrew Simon, sister, Brittany Fitzgerald (Jeff), stepbrothers, Randall Googoo (Melissa), Howie Jeddore (Audrey), stepsisters, Jessie Jeddore (Rick) and Fern MacAdam (Mike), godchildren, Daniela Bernard, Samantha Young, Nigel Hart and Mary Isabel Bernard, godfather, Gordon Hart (Annette), aunts Elizabeth Campbell (Doug), Nancy Bernard, Rita Pierro and Ethelyne Peck and Alice Charmichael, uncles, Eddie Campbell (Pauline), Tommy Peck, Bernie Peck and Peter Peck.

Preston was predeceased by his father, Roy Bernard, brothers, Corey Mackenzie and Herman Bernard, sister, Christy Bernard, stepfather, Howard Jeddore, grandparents Edwin and Victoria Campbell, Annie C. Bernard, Louie Bernard, great-grandparents, Elizabeth and James Peck, mother-in-law, Sylvia Googoo, sister-in-law, Vallie Jo MacAulay and godmother, Annie Prosper.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the RCMP and paramedics in Baddeck, staff and medical team at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital (Emergency and ICU departments), the EHS LifeFlight nurses and paramedics, and the staff and medical team at the QEII Hospital in Halifax. We would also like to thank everyone who came to the hospital to support the family during this time, especially to Molly Pierro for coming to pray for him and to the Mi’kmaw Indigenous Patient Navigators in Sydney and Halifax.

Visitation for Roy Preston will be held at the Wagmatcook Elder’s Centre, Fishery Road, Wagmatcook starting on Thursday, September 24, 2026 at 7pm.

Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, September 26, 2026 at 1pm at the Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha with Father Victor Ozonoah officiating. Burial to follow immediately after. Meal and salite’ will take place at the Wagmatcook Culture and Heritage Centre immediately following the burial.

“A life measured in love, not years.”