Mattie, Bernard, age 87, of Havre Boucher, Antigonish Co., passed away at home on February 26, 2017.
Born in Mattie Settlement he was a son of the late Fred and Charlotte (O'Neil) Mattie.
Bernard was sixteen when he joined , "The Order of Saint Augustinians" {OSA} at Monastery N.S., on May 20 1946. He was a candidate until he received his 1st habit on February 5th, 1947. He went into Novitiate February 15th, 1950 and received his Cowl a year later on February 16th, 1951 and took first vows for three years.
On December 21st, 1952 he was transferred to Marylake, King City, Ontario where he worked on the farm. In 1953 he was moved to Ladner, B.C. where he took over as head herdsmen. In later years it was acknowledge by Father Cameron, OSA former Brother Leo that Bernard built one of the wealthiest cattle Hoards in the complete region of the Okanogan Valley. In the early sixties is was transferred back to Mary Lake where he did the same thing with the farm.
On June 12th, 1978 after 32 years of service to Saint Augustine's he left the order due to lack of help and understanding. He was under stress and his health was been challenged.
His first job was as a civilian was a custodian with York County School Board. His sister Margaret of Dundas was always in touch with him. She included Bernard in a three day bus trip to Wheeling West Virginia on Good Friday, April 13 1979. It was on this group trip of 13 souls that Bernard meet Marie who became his wife April 17th, 1982. All 13 members from this trip were able to attend their wedding.
Bernard proposed to Marie on the first day of spring, as he often said spring represents the beginning of new life. After their marriage Bernard moved into a home that Marie had established in Hamilton. They lived there for 17 years before moving to Havre Boucher on May 3rd, 1999.
{Info copied from The Mattie Book 2001, which Marie was one of the co-writers}
The late Reverent Robert MacNeil once said "Bernie is the only person I, know who had two 25th anniversary's. "
When Uncle returned to Nova Scotia on May 3rd 1999 he stopped at the Nova Scotia border and in Pope style kissed the ground of his beloved birth province. If the truth was knowing he was home sick for nearly 60 years.
Long to short, Uncle is now home for good and will never be home sick again as from day one he lived a true Christian life and now the famous Mattie saying "God Bless ".
He is survived by his wife Marie (Fraser). He was the last surviving member of his immediate family.
He was predeceased by brothers: James, William Alphonsus, Lawrence, Raymond, Francis, William Alexander, Anthony, Pius and Aloysius; sisters, Mabel Delorey and Margaret DeCoste.
Visitation will be in St. Paul’s Centre, Havre Boucher on Wednesday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 pm. Funeral Mass will be in St. Paul’s Church on Thursday at 10:00 am with Reverend Allan MacPhie presiding. Burial in St. Peter’s Cemetery, Tracadie at a later date. Funeral is under the direction of CL. Curry Funeral Home, Antigonish.
Donations in memory may be made to SPCA, Antigonish, Havre Boucher Parish Luncheon Committee, VON Antigonish or Antigonish and Area Homemakers.
Online condolences: www.clcurry.com