Obituary of John Bernard 'Bernie' White, New Waterford

It is with broken hearts we, the family, announce the sudden passing of Bernie White, age 64, of New Waterford on December 8, 2020 at home. Born in Scotchtown on July 20, 1956, he was the youngest son of the late Senley and Margaret (Coakely) White. Bernie is survived by his “high school sweetheart” and wife of 42 years, Noel (Hines), and his twin daughters, Chrissy (Mike) Matheson and Courtney (Jonathan) Stevens. In his words, in a letter he left for his family, these three women were “the great loves of my life”. He was also very proud of his two sons-in-law, (Mike and Jonathan) and would often say how happy he was with the partners his girls chose. Bernie is also survived by five granddaughters, Ellie, Lucy, Rylee, Amber and Hayley who brought him immense pride and joy since the day they each came into his life. He was their loving Papa. If you were ever near Bernie, within a few moments, he would proudly show you the many pictures and videos that he had of all his girls. Also surviving are three of his four brothers, Kevin (Donna), Father Gerry and Sen (Mary Ann) White. His older brother Brian (Rose) passed before him. In the letter Bernie left behind he called the bond he had with his brothers deep and everlasting. He loved them dearly. Bernie graduated from St. Francis Xavier University with a Bachelor of Arts (BA) and also has a Bachelor of Social Work Degree (BSW) from Dalhousie University- Maritime School for Social Work. He is a Registered Parliamentarian (RP), and he holds the designation as a Certified Municipal Manager (CMM). He also has the Master Municipal Clerk (MMC) designation from the International Institute of Municipal Clerks (IIMC). Bernie was a devoted public servant for close to 40 years and held many executive and leadership roles throughout his career including the Town Clerk/Treasurer for his hometown of New Waterford. After amalgamation, he became the first Municipal Clerk of the Cape Breton Regional Municipality and retired in that position in 2013. After his retirement, he continued his public service consulting as one of the only Registered Parliamentarians in the country. He spent many years serving on multiple boards and committees, most notably, serving on the Board of Directors for the Institute of International Municipal Clerks. During that service, he was awarded the Quill Award, the highest international honour that is bestowed on a Municipal Clerk. He always spoke very highly of all of his colleagues over the years and enjoyed a good joke and laugh with many of them. Bernie traveled a lot throughout his life, and in retirement, him and Noel enjoyed their wintering on the beach in Florida. A highlight of those trips was playing on the beach with his grandkids when the girls and their families would come to visit. Bernie loved to golf, and he especially enjoyed his golf games and trips with “the boys,” Bobby, Charlie, Billy and Allan (Wool). He also enjoyed the uncountable family moments he shared with Noel, the girls, nieces, nephews, friends, and family around the backyard pool. Many of the kids even called him “Papa Sharkie” as he was known for loving to chase and throw the kids around in the pool. In his letter, he also gave a special mention to many others. To Donna, Mary Ann, Rose, Judy, Marilyn and Fern: “You were the sisters I never had.” He had brothers, but considered Tommy, Sandy and Martin the same. He also made a special mention to his “surrogate daughters” Lindsay, Melissa, and Aimee. He was very proud of the special friendships they had with his daughters and the special memories they made through the years. Aimee coined him “The Bern” many years ago, and it was a term of endearment that has stuck to this day. There will be no visitation or service due to the ongoing pandemic. Any other arrangements will be made at a later date. Cremation has taken place under the direction of V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home in New Waterford. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Heart and Stroke Foundation. Online condolences to the family may be expressed at: www.vjmcgillivray.ca “Don’t be sad, I will be with you always” Bernie.