With sadness, we announce the death of our dear brother Bernard Gerard MacDonald (Bernie). Born June 28, 1958, Bernie passed away on December 6, 2025. Bernie was the son of the late Allan Francis and Mary Ann (Beaton) MacDonald of South West Mabou. Bernie is survived by his long-time partner Janice DeCoste, as well as his sisters Betty and Margie, brothers Alex, Angus, Stanley (Catherine) and Kevin (Margie) and brother-in-law John MacInnis. Bernie will also be missed by his numerous nieces and nephews who loved how he made them laugh.
Bernie was predeceased by his sisters, Alanna, Anne and Joan as well as brother-in-law, Wayne and sisters-in-law, Brenda and Marjorie.
Bernie attended Radio College of Canada in Toronto in 1976, studying to be an electronics technician. He later enrolled at the former Vocational School in Port Hawkesbury (presently NSCC Strait Campus) graduating in Instrumentation Technology and progressing in his career to obtain his red seal. Bernie worked many years across the country on construction sites, mainly in the resources sector, recently retiring in Port Hawkesbury. Bernie’s knowledge and approach to his work earned him a great deal of respect within the industry.
Bernie, known affectionately by his many good friends as The Big Bopper, had a wonderful wit matched with great intellect and good humor. If you ran into Bernie, you smiled as soon as you saw him coming towards you. You knew you would, at some point in the conversation, laugh out loud and very often learn something new. And having him on your team for Trivial Pursuit meant certain victory. He loved sports and in his early years spent many hours keeping statistics on games of every type of sport played, especially those of the Montreal Expos. The Expos and major league baseball statistics were his first passion. As a young boy, he would spend many late nights listening to baseball games on the radio from distant locations. If Bernie gave you a stat, from any sport, it was usually correct. Bernie was drawn to Toronto after high school, mainly due to his passion for the Toronto Maple Leafs and then, while there, the newly minted Toronto Blue Jays. He continued his passion for the sports teams in that city for his entire life.
Bernie was a kind, much-loved brother and friend who will be missed.
Visitation will be held from 2-4pm and 7-9pm on Friday, December 12, 2025, in Port Hood and Area Resting Place with Funeral Mass held at 11 am on Saturday, December 13, 2025, in St Peter’s Church, Port Hood, with Father Sunny officiating.
Memorial donations may be made to Port Hood and Area Resting Place, Heart and Stroke Foundation or to a charity of choice.
Online condolences may be made to: www.invernessfuneralhome.com
