Bernard F. Hawco — HOLYROOD

HAWCO Bernard F. November 11, 1933 June 18, 2019 Bernard F. Hawco (85) of Chapel's Cove has torqued his last nut, drove his last nail and repaired his last scavaged lawnmower. A remarkable husband, father, step-father, grandfather, step-grandfather, neighbour and friend. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him. Born like a cat with nine lives he expired at least a dozen. A formidable worker even in his eighties he could make you tired just talking about work. In the last 6 months of his life he overcame chronic pancreatitis, kidney stones, a blood infection, double pneumonia as well as an accident that caused near critical blood loss. On May 14 his coveralls ignited in a brush fire that threatened amputation of both legs. His life was saved by the heroic action of neighbour Paul Fury. With assistance from the extraordinary staff at Health Sciences 4NB and especially the outstanding Dr. Donny Fitzpatrick and NP April he nearly made it through. But it wasn't the painful skin grafts that got him. After 35 days of immobility it was his old foe, pneumonia. He passed away comfortably in the loving presence of his family on June 18. Predeceased by his father Thomas; mother Bertha, Cecilia McCarthy the mother of his children; daughter Michelle; grandson Trevor; stepson Paul, sisters: Betsy, Bride, Mary and brother Bill. Left to mourn is Geraldine his wife of 37 years; her children: Mike (Bonnie), Danny, Michelle (Noel) Dianne; his daughters: Gerry (Gerard), Florrie (Richard), Sharon; sons: Wayne (Barbara), Keith, Bernie (Kelly), Gerard and best furry friend Gismo; fifteen grandchildren: Justin, Evan, Tanya, Melissa, Emily, Jeffrey, Jordan, Jared, Joshua, Gavin, Miranda, Keifer, Katie, Madeline, Michelle and three great-grandchildren: Abigail, Cameron and Chardanne. In addition, sisters: Angela, Madeline, Flo, Annie, Tess and Gert (Pete) as well as brother Tom (Debbie). Also, step-grandchildren: Ben, Sarah, Connor and Bernadette. He is also fondly remembered by family members: Tommy, Zack, Aaron, Billy and Jocelyn. Family and friends will gather at Dunphy’s Funeral Home, Holyrood from 2 - 4 p.m. and 7 - 9 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, June 20 and 21 with funeral service to take place at Sts. Peter and Paul Church, Hr. Main on Saturday, June 22 at 10:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Burn Unit, Health Sciences 4NB. The Hawco and Whelan families would like to thank all those who expressed concern and offered kindness for Bernard, and them, and who visited him while he tried to convalesce. To send a message of condolence or sign the guest book please visit www.dunphys.ca.