Obituary of Bernard Francis Yetman
Bernard Francis Yetman Jr. (68) passed away suddenly on Sunday, November 17, 2024, at the St. John Regional Hospital in St. John, New Brunswick. Bernard was also known to family and friends as “Bernie”, “Barney”, and “Barn”.
Bernie grew up in Dorchester, MA before moving to Plymouth, MA with his family. Bernie graduated from B.C. High and then Bentley College. He went on to work in the nuclear field with the Boston Edison Co. before completing law school and becoming an Immigration attorney. As an Immigration attorney he spent most of his career working in Massachusetts until he decided to move to his mother’s birthplace Rock Barra, Prince Edward Island several years ago. PEI always held a special place in his heart since he would spend every summer at his family’s cottage on his maternal grandparent’s farm with his family growing up.
Bernie loved life. He was happiest when he was spending time in the place he called home for the past few years. It was here where he met his soul mate, Judy Smith. Bernie welcomed everyone with a big smile, open arms, and a warm heart. He loved playing host at his beautiful property in Rock Barra, PEI. Many a sunset was shared with his friends and family sitting on his deck as he blared his favorite music that he felt set the mood for what we were all taking in on his majestic ocean view farm on the ”Northside”. He had an expansive music playlist that brought smiles and laughter to all who enjoyed his company. His sense of humor and quick wit will be missed by all. As one of his dear friends said, “Bernie took joy in the simple things in life”.
Bernie loved the outdoors whether it be swimming, kayaking, snowshoeing, camping, golfing, or working on the “farm”. He cherished his time spent with his daughter Kate, his son-in-law Bob, and grandchildren, Brooke and Ryan. His legacy will be creating a summer home for them to enjoy. He had very dear friends from his time at Bentley college, living in White Cliffs, Plymouth, and those he met on PEI.
Bernie will be dearly missed by his father, Bernard Francis Yetman Sr., daughter Kate Sullivan (Bob), grandchildren Brooke and Ryan Sullivan, siblings Geraldine Townsend, Joe Yetman (Julie), Susan Brenner (Greg), Mary Ellen Yetman, and Kathy Killion (Mike) and lots of nieces and nephews who loved him dearly. Bernie was predeceased by his mother Sarah and the mother of his daughter Eileen Prendeville Yetman. Bernie was very blessed with the love of a very special woman, Judy Smith and her sweet dog Franny, during the last years of his life.
Arrangements are under the care of Castle Fallsview Funeral Home, 309 Lancaster Ave, Saint John, NB E2M 2L3. 506-634-1701. In keeping with Bernie’s wishes cremation has taken place and a celebration of his life will take place at a later date on PEI. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to a charity of the donor's choice.
