Obituary of Bernard (Bernie) Thomas Henry GALLANT

October 1, 1934 - New Waterford, Nova Scotia
June 29, 2021 - Calgary, Alberta

Bernie Gallant, beloved husband of Frances Amelia Gallant (nee MacDonald) of Calgary, AB, passed away on Tuesday, June 29, 2021 at the age of 86 years.

Bernie was born second into a large family of eleven children in the coal mining town of New Waterford, NS. Bernie graduated from St. Francis Xavier University in 1955 with a BSc in Geology. Shortly after graduation he moved to Dawson Creek, BC, to work for Imperial Oil. Frances followed Bernie to Dawson Creek, and they married in 1957. Bernie and Frances made many lifelong friends in those early days in Dawson Creek. Bernie and Frances moved to Calgary in 1962 and Bernie continued his successful career in both oil/gas and mineral exploration. This career led to many travel adventures to places like the Yukon and Northwest Territories, South Africa, Niger, Chad, Ivory Coast, Australia, Dominican Republic and Columbia, to name a few. Bernie’s love of travel led to interests of food, art and wine. He loved to share his knowledge of these hobbies with friends and family. Bernie was king of the BBQ often grilling steaks and ribs. Of course, seafood - especially lobster - were staples as well. Bernie loved the mountains, and Canmore became a second home. But Bernie never lost his love of the Maritimes. “You can take the buoy out of the Maritimes but can’t take the Maritimes out of the buoy”. Bernie was dedicated to many charities and causes and was very generous but did not seek out recognition.

In addition to his loving wife Frances, Bernie is survived by daughters, Denise Woofter (Matt) of Calgary, and Susan (Garry McComb) of Vancouver; sons, Mark (Terri) of Sherwood Park, and Paul (Tracey) of West Vancouver; grandchildren, Danny (Alanna), Lachie, Clara, Connor (Ariana), Lucas, Kira, Ethan, Isabel, and Angus; and great-granddaughter Hallie. Bernie is also survived by his siblings, Rose, Celeste, Claudette, Vince, Netzie, Alvin and Andy. Bernie was predeceased by father Charlie Joe born in Cheticamp, NS, Mother Helene (nee Desveaux) born in St Joseph du Moine, NS,  and sisters, Pauline, and Marg; and brother Nummy.

The family would like to recognize the caregivers at Unit 81 at the Foothills Hospital who made Bernie as comfortable as possible before his passing. The family would also like to recognize a very special care giver, Honefa, who was very dear to Bernie’s heart.

If friends so desire, a donation for scholarship funds to St F.X. may be made at: https://www.stfx.ca/alumni/ways-to-give. Hit the donate button, check off ‘student financial aid’ and you can mention Bernie’s name in the donation as a gift in honour of him.

A Private Memorial will be held at a later date. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed here.