We the family of Philip James Bernard Jr. "Ju", 48 of Wagmatcook First Nation, Ns regret to announce his sudden passing on June 23, 2024 at the Halifax Infirmary ICU while surrounded by his family and friends. Ju was given an Honorwalk before he went off to donate his organs.
Born in Baddeck on January 22, 1976, Ju was the second son of Philip J. Bernard Sr. and Florence Googoo.
Ju was a great man with a heroic heart and a big smile. Ju would always be one of the first on call when his pager went off. He had a giggle you will forever remember, but will miss hearing. We will also miss his kind heart. Ju was a member of the Wagmatcook Volunteer Fire Department for over 30 years, rising to Captain.
Ju kept himself busy at the Fire Department with training and certifications in Search and rescue, Ice rescue, MFR. He was a level 1 firefighter and trained for wildfires and extrications utilizing the Jaws of Life. Ju was also active in the Atlantic First Nation Fire Fighters competitions.
In the summer you would find him with "Uncle Babe's Crew", fishing with his buddies, and hanging with friends and family. Ju also enjoyed playing cards, bingo and darts. In his younger days, he played ball with the Jr. Angels and then the Angels. He was a big Montreal Habs fan. He also enjoyed exploring the many waterfalls and trails around Cape Breton.
Ju is survived by his father Philip Bernard Sr. (Karen) and mother Florence Googoo (Wayne), sisters Cynthia (Terry), Charlene Bernard-Lafford (Mike) and baby sister Helen (Matt), brothers Curtis, Peter and Herman all of Wagmatcook and brother Rodrick of Eskasoni. He is also survived by his god parents Jean Googoo and Tommy Peck both of Wagmatcook, godson Tyrell Googoo, aunts, uncles nieces, nephews, grand nieces and grand nephew and best buddy Dre.
Ju is predeceased by his grandparents Peter Googoo (Helen Pierro), Frank Larry Bernard and Mary Susan (Isadore), brothers George Hamilton, Vincent Conrad, niece Charly Bernard-Lafford and many aunts, uncles and cousins. Ju will be sadly missed by all his family, parents, siblings, nieces, nephews, his second family (the Wagmatcook Volunteer Fire Department) and his many friends.
A visitation will start at 7pm on Tuesday, July 2nd at the Elder's Centre in Wagmatcook. A Funeral Mass will be held at 11;00am on Thursday, July 4 at Queen of the World Church, Wagmatcook with burial to follow in the community Cemetery. Memories and condolences can be shared with the family by visiting www.twcurry.com.
We would like to extend a heartfelt thankyou to the medical teams from the Inverness Emergency Department, the Halifax Infirmary, the Life Flight Crew, the Paramedics, the Crew of the Halifax Fire Station #3, the Organ Tissue team and everyone who had a hand in caring for Ju and our family.
If desired, donations in Ju's memory may be made to either your local hospital foundation or your local fire department.
