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In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
McINNIS, Bernard LeRoy - We are sad to share that BL McInnis (aka Bernard LeRoy, The Bees, Mac, Uncle Bun) passed away at age 101 peacefully in his sleep at Camp Hill Veterans residence.
He lived a long life and was predeceased by his beloved wife Donnie, his parents, his brother and sister-in-law Roderick and Audrey MacInnis, his son-in-law David Manuel, his daughter-in-law Barbara McInnis, and his niece Fran Ross.
There are many loved ones that will continue to celebrate the family he created, the memories he shared and the love he gave including his children Donna Manuel (Peter Melnick), Calvin McInnis (the late Barbara) and Dale Mcinnis (Kathy McInnis), grandchildren Jennifer Martin (Wally), Leslie Manuel, Lindsay Manuel (Dennis MacDonald) Erin McInnis (Nena), Ian McInnis (Kathleen Ellis), Corrie McInnis (Kaylynn), and Kayla Neary (Peter), great grandchildren Jake and Emma, Kaitlyn and Paige, Violet and Cole, daughter-in-law Sherry (Clark), niece Janice Huffman (Richard) and nephews Al MacInnis, Ian MacInnis, along with many friends that feel like family. And when we can, we will all come together to share some memories and laughs over a cup of tea (or something stronger) and a piece of pie!
What a life he had packed into 101 years. He grew up in Parrsboro, a Town, along with the people ,that drew him back in adulthood where he and family spent much time at the cottage at Two Islands. He spent many hours clearing a section of woodland on his 200 acre woodlot on Long Hill, or scooping berries with Mom on his blueberry fields in Advocate. He learned a lot about blueberries from his pal Don Wheaton and he and Donnie spent many hours with Grace and Don and family as did all the kids. Looking for adventure as a young man, he left Parrsboro on foot, rode the rails, was satisfied when he had “three hots and a cot” (regardless of where it was) and worked on a tobacco farm in Tillsonburg, Ontario.
He joined the Royal Canadian Navy before the war as an Ordinary Seaman. He went to war and took part in the Battle of the Atlantic aboard the Assiniboine, (and as many of you know, he was full of stories about the friends he made, getting into mischief, Gibraltar apes and liberating embassy emblems – many not suitable for polite company). He met a Scottish lass in Glasgow in the winter of 40/41 at a dance – he said she was the most beautiful woman in the room and boy could she dance! Her name was Dolina MacKay MacIntosh, they married in 43 and she came to Canada (through Pier 21) in March 1946. They settled in North End Halifax and had a beautiful family (Donna, Calvin and Dale) and also had two stints in Victoria thanks to the Navy. BL retired as a Lt Commander, and went on to Mount Saint Vincent and Saint Mary’s universities to become a teacher.He and his son Calvin taught at Bloomfield School where Cal had a front row seat to see the Old Man in action…he said Dad was concerned about the students health, interested in their home life,love life, and education.It was during this time that Cal learned from Dad what a work ethic really was and during that time as peers they became more than father and son but best of all Pals.
BL was handsome, generous, charming, and witty. People were drawn to him and fast friends were made. His stories entertained and enlightened, and he often would follow it up with a little tune -always with a smile on his face and a glint in his eyes. He loved to tease, particularly Donnie who would respond “Come on Mac” and he would cajole her with an “Oh Jock” and soon they’d be dancing in the kitchen.
His zest for life was second to none – he was always “in the pink” and had passion for many things and found enjoyment in sharing them with family, friends, students…and anyone else he thought was kind to others. Most importantly to him at all times he conducted himself as the consummate Officer and a Gentleman.
He loved sports – he played baseball, hockey, soccer, and boxed, during his navy days, and was an avid golfer and curler. He was President of the Halifax Minor Hockey Assoc. for many years as well as CFB curling Club. He loved the Jays, watching FIFA and British soccer and of course hockey. He loved to give back and coached youth sports when he was teaching at Bloomfield and was always a willing community volunteer – whether he had to lead it or just pitch in and help out.
He was a wild blueberry farmer who loved and worked his crops – no one could scoop a field like Donnie and BL – particularly the areas that a machine would miss that might be wasted.
He loved his cottage and his home where he lived until he was 97 and still heated with wood from his wood lot that he cut, hauled and stacked (and sometimes obsessively numbered).
And let’s not forget, he did have a love of desserts. He always had room for pie or date squares. After his move, his acclimatization to Camp Hill was most certainly aided by his enjoyment of their pie – rhubarb in particular, in addition to the wonderful care he received there.We thank all the caring Doctors, Nurses, and staff on 4th Floor West.
He will be greatly missed by his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and many others who loved him too. The only consolation is that he will now be with his war bride who was the love of his life.
So BL, keep your fork, because the best is yet to come (Donald K. Walker Funeral Homes)
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