Obituary of Joseph Bernard Helle, New Waterford

With sadness, we announce the passing of Joseph Bernard 'Bernie' Helle, 59, on Monday, Feb. 7, 2022 at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, Sydney. Born in New Waterford, he was a son of the late Frank and Lucy Ann (Bourgeois) Helle. Bernie was employed at various places starting in a bakery then working at several service stations in town including Russell's Garage, Ross' Esso and MacDonald's Ultramar in River Ryan. He also worked out west, Ontario, at a fish plant in Cheticamp and most recently, A & L Seafood in Louisbourg. Bernie thoroughly enjoyed woodworking and could always make something out of nothing. He also loved spending time with family and friends and was known by many for dressing as Santa Claus to visit with the kids at Mayflower Mall. Surviving are his wife, Joan (Sharpe); sons, Mason, Jeremy, Nathan (Megan); brothers, Frankie (Linda), Charles; sister, Flortine (Robert); Poppy's girls, Autumn and Noelle; his cat, Midnight; nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by a brother, Ricardo (nine months). There will be no visitation. Cremation has taken place under the guidance and care of V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home, New Waterford, where a private chapel service will be held with Father Peter McLeod officiating. Donations in his memory may be made to the IWK Children's Wish Foundation. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at: www.vjmcgillivray.ca.