Obituary of Bernard Henry DeCoff

Bernard Henry DeCoff, 80, of St. Andrew’s , formerly of Afton, occurred peacefully, Monday, October 24, 2016 in St. Martha’s Regional Hospital, Antigonish. Born in Antigonish, he was a son of the late Oswald and Catherine (Walsh) DeCoff. Bernie came from a large family of 10 boys and 4 girls, he and his wife, Florence went on to have a family of 4 boys and 5 girls, (one dying in infancy). He worked most of his early years in the forestry industry. Bernie was an avid gardener who grew and tended to very large gardens providing bountiful harvests for his family. His hunting skills were the best, always getting the big one every year. In his later years he could be found taking care of lawns for seniors throughout the St. Andrew’s area. He took great pride in his work which was admired by everyone. No job was too big for him to tackle. He was very proud of his children and grandchildren and always had time to teach them various things or give them a ride to school when they missed the bus. Bernie is survived by his wife of 58 years, Florence (Turnbull), sons Edward (Laura Lee), PEI, Joe (Alana) PEI, John (Angela), Lawrencetown, Francis (John) at home, daughters Darlene (Parker) Barkhouse, Dartmouth, Sharon (Dougie) Deon, Pomquet, Linda (Tom) Milum, Vancouver, Elizabeth (Bud) Moser, West River, 14 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren, brothers Mike (Mary), Pinevale, Gerald, Afton, Earl, Lower Sackville, Joe, Surrey, BC, sisters Lorraine Andrews, New Glasgow and Margaret Myette, Port Hawkesbury. He was predeceased by infant daughter Wanda Marie, brothers Billy, Jimmy, Normie, Frank and Charlie, sisters Anne and Mary. Visitation 2-4 and 7-9pm Wednesday, October 26 in MacIsaac Funeral Home, 61 Pleasant St, Antigonish. Funeral Mass 11:00am Thursday, October 27, 2016 in St. Peter’s Church, Tracadie, Rev. Allan MacPhie presiding. Burial in the parish cemetery. Donations to St. Martha’s Palliative Care or the Canadian Cancer Society.