November 18, 1923 – September 7, 2012
After a struggle with cancer, Bernie McCarron died at age 88 in Royal Jubilee Hospital with his beloved wife, Mary at his side. Bernie was born within an Irish-Canadian family to Charles and Phyllis McCarron in Chatham, Ontario. He served as a navigator in the RCAF near the end of the Second World War, grateful he was never called upon for a bombing mission. After attending St. Michael’s College, University of Toronto, and the Ontario College of Education, he went on to a career as an English high school teacher at St. Mary’s Boys School in Calgary, later becoming its principal. In 1968 he moved to Victoria and ended up teaching 15 years at Victoria High School. After retiring in 1984, he intensified his involvement in the community of James Bay, serving as an editor and writer at the James Bay Beacon, as well as being chairman of the board of the James Bay Newspaper Society. When he left the Beacon in 2000, the newspaper ran a full page tribute to him. In the tribute, writer Tim Padmore opened his profile on Bernie this way: “Poet, teacher, reluctant warrior, community historian, listener, photographer, observer, always-willing helper, gentleman, friends, humorist, wise advisor. What a lot of people for the Beacon to lose all at once!” Bernie loved his James Bay neighbourhood, and self-published several books of his poems illustrated by photos he took as walked daily down its richly interesting streets. Bernie took interest in local, regional, and national issues and often wrote activist letters to the editor to the Times Colonist. Bernie is survived by his “cherished” wife, Mary; cousins, Miles (Jean) of Vancouver and Michael (Irene) of Wallaceburg, Ontario, nephews, Kevin and David McCarron; sister-in-law, Donna McCarron of Wallaceburg and niece, Maureen of Vancouver. He also predeceased a longtime family-like circle of friends, some of whom were once his students in Calgary. They are Bryan McGill, Penny and John Farrell, Glynnis and Lou Violini, John and Linda Driscoll, and Bill Cleary. He is predeceased by brothers, Pat and Charles and his sister, Theresa. A few days before his death, Bernie wrote his last haiku poem about a photo of a pilot boat heading back to Victoria Harbour within a gathering twilight:
Diligently, the Pilot
heads back to harbour.
Night, solemn and assured,
gathers in all.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
-
Sean Byrne
-
Ted Anderson Bernie’s quiet, stable mentorship is a valued part of my early years as a teacher when we lived in a community in Calgary.
-
Mary Wilson & Bernie Campbell Dear Mary – We were so sorry to read of Bernie’s passing. We so enjoyed our only too brief months with you both in Clarence St. Bernie was, for me, a window back into my youth in Calgary, with memories of Violinis, Farrells, Billy Cleary…so long ago! And to meet up again with him, in such different circumstances, was to learn about his kindness, gentleness, and Irish humour. We regret that circumstances did not allow us to grow closer and find a deeper friendship with you both. It is our loss, but we console ourselves with the memories we have. We celebrate with you Bernie’s life and many contributions to James Bay. and we extend our condolences to you in this time of loss. Mary and Bernie
-
Helen Raptis Bernie McCarron was my English teacher at Vic High in 1979. He was a compassionate gentleman and a scholar. I loved his class. It’s because of teachers like him that I decided to devote my life to education.
-
B. McCarron Bernie was an inspiration to me, both in the courageous way he handled the challenges of life and in the quiet dignity and dedication of his life. The impact of a good teacher lives on, long after the class has ended. RIP
-
Pamela Madoff Dear Mary:
I was saddened to learn of Bernie’s passing but grateful for having had him as my journalism teacher at Vic High. Bernie’s quiet passion, encouragement and humour made him such a wonderful teacher.
Later in life I was fortunate that he was part of our James Bay community. His love of people, poetry and beauty resonated through everything he did.
I will miss his writings in The Beacon and I will miss seeing him in the village.
Very best regards,
Pamela Madoff
-
Darlene Chan Dear Mary,
Bruce and Bernie were both teachers at Victoria High School many years ago. We have fond memories of this wonderfully kind, gentle and sweet man who touched so many lives. He will be deeply missed. We send you our sincere condolences on your loss.
Thinking of you,
Bruce and Darlene Chan.
-
David McIntosh I also had Mr. McCarron as my English teacher in 1971-72. I remember him very well and enjoyed his classes. I particularly remember him playing Tom Lehrer records and discussing them with the class. He was a fine teacher, and I still listen to my Lehrer CD’s, thanks to him.
Thank you, Mr. McCarron.
-
Carolyn Taylor-Sly To the family and friends of Bernie McCarron,
I was an English student of Mr. McCarron’s at Victoria High School in 1980 and he has had a lasting impact on my life. I remember him sharing the lyrics of John Lennon’s song ” Imagine” with our English class after Lennon had been killed in 1980. It had a huge influence on me at the time as I had never really heard the lyrics of the song until then. Every time I hear the line in the song “Imagine all the people living life in peace”, it reminds me of him. He was a wonderful teacher and very thoughtful person. May he be at peace, and his family find peace, knowing his spirit lives on, as we remember the things he taught us.
-
Heidi and Pat McCarron and Family That Bernard shared so much of himself while here makes his passing easier on all, as his words and wisdom remain. That being true, he will be no less missed.
What an amazingly kind and understanding person he was. He was a delightful English teacher at Vic High and I’m sure he inspired many people to be better people.