Bernard P MacKinnon

March 16, 1935 – September 18, 2026

It is with profound sadness and deep love that we announce the passing of Bernard (Bernie) MacKinnon, who passed away peacefully at home on September 18, 2026 surrounded by loved ones. Bernard’s life was one defined by hard work, perseverance, pride, devotion, and an enduring love for his family. He was 91 years old.

Bernard was born in Sydney, Nova Scotia, on March 16, 1935, the youngest of three sons born to the late James and Catherine (MacDonald) MacKinnon. His Canadian roots remained an important part of who he was throughout his life.

Proudly serving his country in the Royal Canadian Air Force, Bernard was a dedicated member of the RCAF drill team, representing his unit with precision, discipline, and pride in national competitions. His time in the military reflected qualities that would remain with him throughout his life: dedication, determination, and an unwavering commitment to doing things well.

In the 1950s, Bernard made the journey from Canada to the United States and eventually made New York City his home. It was there that he built a remarkable life and career. Bernard was an exceptionally hard worker who took tremendous pride in everything he did. He began his professional career as an insurance salesperson in his twenties and through years of dedication and perseverance, rose to become a Vice President of the prominent insurance firm DeWitt Stern, Guttman, from which he retired in his sixties.

Retirement, however, never quite suited Bernard. He continued working well into his later years, joining The Home Depot, where he began in the phone room, and true to his nature, worked his way up to running the Pro Desk. His work ethic never diminished, and he continued to find purpose and pride in being productive and contributing.

Outside of work, Bernard had many interests that brought him joy. In his younger years, he enjoyed working on cars, and throughout his life he loved fishing, golf, movies, building quite the DVD collection through the years, and sports. He particularly enjoyed both watching and attending sporting events. Some of his daughter Michelle’s most cherished memories are attending New York Jets games with her father every year. Those weren’t simply football games. They were father-daughter days, shared traditions, laughter, conversation, and time together that became just some of the special memories she will carry for the rest of her life.

His love of football became a special bond that he shared not only with Michelle, but a love that would be passed down to his oldest grandson Charles as well—a love of the game honored throughout three generations.

Bernard was also an avid reader. Even in the final weeks of his life, he maintained the ritual of reading a physical copy of the newspaper every day. He especially loved books about World History, always curious, and interested in learning about the world around him.

While Bernard accomplished much throughout his long life, his greatest legacy will always be the love he gave to his family. He was a devoted father and grandfather, and he adored his grandsons, Charles and Matthew, who held a very special place in his heart.

Bernard was predeceased by his beloved wife, Barbara, who passed away in 2005; his brothers, Jimmy and Donald; and his parents, James and Catherine MacKinnon.

He leaves behind his daughter, Michelle; his beloved grandsons, Charles and Matthew, whom he cherished deeply; his devoted caregiver, Mia, whom Bernard affectionately called “his sweetheart”; and his nieces and nephews, who will forever carry his memory with them.

Although his final years brought illness and many challenges, they cannot define his life. His life was so much bigger than his illness. Bernard’s life spanned generations and two countries, and along the way he built a life filled with purpose, hard work, family, and memories that will never be forgotten. He will be remembered for his strength, his determination, his pride in a job well done, his love of sports and history, and most of all, for the love he had for his family.

RIP Dad/Grandpa ❤️

In lieu of flowers, baskets, food, etc., the family would very much appreciate donations to the go fund me set up to assist in offsetting some of the costs of the memorial service and the costs of honoring Bernard's final wishes to bring his ashes home to Sydney, Nova Scotia (which the family will do sometime in 2027).

Bernard built his adult life in America, but a part of his heart never left Canada.

Link) - https://gofund.me/1a903627e