Bernard Archibald Delaney

Bernie was born in Antigonish, NS, the 4th child to the late Bernard and Theresa Delaney. He is preceded in death by his sisters Mary and Veronica and brothers Hugh, James, Jack, George, Douglas, Howard and Roderick. He is survived by his sisters Barbara and Stella and brothers Daniel and Martin.

Along with his loving wife Sandra, Bernie is also survived by a devoted family – the children Marc (Melanie), Bernard, Jason (Pam), Jeannine (John), Anthony (Stephanie), Nicholas (Amanda) and Ashley along with seven grandchildren – Owen, Gage, Brynn, Marc-Olivier, Gibson, Sadie and Walker. He is also survived by many sisters and brothers in law, numerous nieces and nephews, and friends that he cherished.

While Bernie was successful in business enjoying a lifetime of different careers then as a master floor-layer throughout the US and across Canada, his true love rested firmly with his family and friends. There is no denying he had a way with words and he was known far and wide as a charmer from anyone that met him. He had a passion for meeting people and for telling stories (some more embellished than others). He loved being the centre of attention wherever he went and never shied away from a chance to take the spotlight, so saying his final goodbye on Christmas Day was in true Bernie style – reminding us to remember him as we gather to celebrate year after year.

Bernie grew up in the rural Nova Scotia countryside and always had an endless volume of stories and tales from his childhood – which he often recounted with great fondness and at times dubious details. Sometimes it seemed as though he and his brothers, sisters and cousins were responsible for causing as much trouble as they solved. And while he told his tales, they seemed to change slightly, often growing more fantastical upon each re-telling – but you loved hearing them nonetheless, wondering where they would go each time. From getting the schoolhouse warm in the winter to looking after horses in the timber camps, to his job bronzing in Hamilton Ontario to trucking in PEI, to the camping and motorcycling in upstate New York while working the in the World Trade Centre replacing carpet from the 80th to the 86th floor, to his trips “over the mountain” to his time playing baseball with the “Landry’s Strikers” in Pomquet. Then boating and fishing on Great Slave Lake outside Yellowknife, to gardening and his stint as a Security Guard in Red Deer, Bernie had great stories of his life. He shared these with the people he chose to spend time with, who were rewarded with a life long friendship.

If you had the fortune (good or bad is subjective) to sit down and play cards with Bernie, you saw a different side of him. For Bernie, there were no friends or family at the card table (unless you were his team mate) and he pulled no punches when it was game time. But, as much as he loved to win, it was all in good fun and at the end of the day, he was happiest spending time with those around him regardless of whether he won or …. “almost won”

Son, Brother, Husband, Father, Grandfather, In-Law, Friend….cook, soft-ball pitcher, singer, baker, plumber, gardener, guitarist, provider, teacher. These are just some of the many roles Bernie enjoyed over his lifetime. While he was something different to everyone, he will be missed by all. So long Bernie, until we meet again.

A Celebration of Life will be held on January 18, 2025, in the common amenities room at 3150 Gladwin Road, Abbotsford BC beginning at 2:00pm. Parking is provided in the Pentecostal Church across the street, in the southwest corner by the Canada Post mailbox. Pot luck dishes are gratefully accepted. Bernie loved bright colours, especially red, so please wear something bright to celebrate him. There will be a chance to speak about your memories of him if you so choose