Sad indeed to hear of the passing of sibling Bernie. Sincerest sympathies to each of his 4 children & many grandchildren.
For info, eldest brother John led the way for numerous immediate & extended Andrea family members to attend St F. X. University in Antigonish NS.
But Bernie was the Andrea "clan leader" regarding entering the important Education Profession as a school Teacher/Administrator.
Brother Len spent several years in that profession and Eugene made a career of it. Many other closely related members currently continue in that regard.
As well, Bernie can be credited with leading the way for the eventual four (4) Andrea brother combination (Len, Bernie, Jake & myself (Tony)) to play hockey together for the St. F.X. Varsity Hockey Team during the 1957/58 season. The team won the Maritime Intercollegiate Championship that season.
They were "A Broadcaster's Nightmare" according to the hockey announcer (Al Graham ...who later became a Senator).
There is apparently no other known 4 brother combination to ever play together for a university hockey team.
After eldest brother John served with the Royal Canadian Air Force, sibling Theresa served with the Air Force for a few years.
That led to Bernie joining the military as an Officer Cadet with the University Naval Training Division (UNTD). He then served on a 3 year Short Service Appointment with the Navy.
After returning to St F X to earn his Education Degree ( 1958 ) he made a career out of being a School Teacher/Administrator... all the while continuing to serve with the Naval Reserves at the rank of Lieutenant Commander.
Following his example of joining the UNTD younger brothers Jake & myself did likewise.
During one of his final days at Carewest Rouleau Manor the staff entertained Bernie with guitar playing and singing of "Amazing Grace."
What was just as amazing (as depicted in the brief video of the event) was fact that Bernie was very happily joining in with arms waving Conductor style.
Truly wonderful that two of his children Bernadette & Jennitta (& J's hubby Jim & daughter Ava) were present to share that final happy event with him.
Again, sincerest condolences to each of Bernie's children & grandchildren.
