BERNARD, John Wayne – Age 72, We’kogma’q First Nation passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family and the room was filled with music on Monday, April 28, 2025, in the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, Sydney. Born in Sydney he was the son of the late Charles and Annie Mae (Sylliboy) Bernard.

John Wayne was a traditionalist, sun dancer and pipe carrier. He was a grandson of the late Grand Chief Gabriel Sylliboy. He was a pipefitter by trade. He was a blueberry picker in Maine for many years. He also worked for Mi’kmaq Family, Nova Scotia Power. He was a fisherman and hunter and was noted for catching the biggest tuna and the biggest moose. He enjoyed eel fishing with his brother and enjoyed fishing trips on the Windy Lady and the Ostria. Above everything he was proudest of his family and all their accomplishments. He always said when I die, to bury me in my Cadillac with a bottle of Jack Daniels a pack of Export A and a lighter, but due to his years of sobriety that’s not happening!! As this states, John Wayne had a great sense of humor, which will be greatly missed. He loved playing a good game of cards and always said “I’m the best there is, the best there’ll ever be!”

Surviving is his daughter, Lana Bernard, We’koqma’q; sons, Phillip “Bucky” and Liam, both of We’kogma’q; sister, Ducy (Bob) Paul, We’koqma’q; grandchildren, Sequoyah, Savanna, Tyra, Elijah, Isaiah, Louie, Brodie, Nevada, Nolan, Jacob; great-grandchildren, Jayden, Dakota, Nyla and Everliegh, many nieces, and nephews and great nieces and nephews and godchildren. He was predeceased by twin sons, Christian and Justin; great-grandson, Keni; brothers, Frederick, Lawrence “Lunch”, Walter, Alan, Chuckie, Peter “Seven”, sister, Julena.  

Visitation will be after 6 p.m. on Sunday, May 4 in the We’koqma’q Community Centre, 15 Reservation Rd. There will be a sacred fire outside the Community Centre during the visitation. A traditional service will be held at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, May 6 in the We’koqma’q Community Centre. Cremation will follow with burial at a later date. A Salite will be held after the service in the We’koqma’q School. Words of comfort may be forwarded to the family at www.haverstocks.com