Obituary of Bernard Joseph Hurley

It is with great sadness that the family of Bernard Joseph Hurley announce his passing on June 16, 2022. Bernie was born on January 20, 1937 in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, to parents Gertrude and Ben Hurley. Bernie grew up in Glace Bay with one brother, Jerry Hurley (deceased); five sisters, Bernadette Hurley (deceased), Colleen Cathcart (surviving), Elizabeth Toulouse (deceased), Deloris Scott (deceased), and Maureen MacLeod (deceased). With a grade 8 education, staring down a potential life long career in the Sydney coal mines, Bernie joined the Canadian Forces in 1954 at the age of 17. He served with the Royal Canadian Regiment (RCR) and was proud to tell anyone that asked. Shortly after joining the Forces, he met the love of his life, Mary Alice (MacGillvary) Hurley (deceased) – also from Glace Bay – and the two were married on August 15, 1960. Bernie and Mary had two children, Bernie Hurley and Mary Jane Sullivan. Coming from humble beginnings, Bernie had a tremendous career in the Canadian Forces, retiring in 1990 as the Base RSM of CFB Gagetown. Bernie is survived by his children, Bernie (Diane) and Mary Jane (Mike – deceased); grandkids, Damian Hurley, Taylor Hurley and Chad Sullivan (Kim); as well as his great grandkids, Aubrie, Lydia and Eli Sullivan. He was predeceased by grand-daughter, Jennifer Sullivan-Snow. Having unwavering commitment to his faith, Bernie rarely missed a Sunday Service. Bernie was tough as nails – going 85 years with only going to the hospital (or to see a doctor) on a couple occasions, and even then - only when forced to go by family. His toughness was only matched by his kind heartedness and generosity towards his family, friends and strangers. He found happiness in giving to others and helping those in need. While many would remember Bernie for his outstanding contributions to the military, his family are proud to call him dad and grandpa and they remember him as a caring, loving and selfless father and grandfather that he was. Anyone can be called a father but it takes someone special to be called dad. He was the perfect combination of strength and kindness. He will be missed greatly. There will be a memorial mass for Bernie Hurley at St. Mary’s Chapel, CFB Gagetown, on Tuesday, June 21, 2022, at 10:00 am. A Royal Canadian Legion, Branch #93, tribute will take place prior to the memorial mass at 9:45 am. In accordance with the church’s policies attendees must wear masks. In lieu of donations or flowers, Bernie’s family would ask that people perform a random act of kindness.