GROVER, James Bernard CDR
Passed away on Sunday August 27, 2017 surrounded by his family at his side at the age of 74. Beloved husband of Christine, née Conelley. Loving father of Heather Diane and Christopher Bruce (Tiffany). Cherished brother of Leo (Mary Claire), Ira (Sheryl), Melvin (Angela), Brian (Bonnie) and Nicky (Maureen). Predeceased by his parents: James Hugh and Catherine Ellen and his sister Mary Frances.
Hailing from Dingwall, Cape Breton, Bernie served as a Naval Logistics Officer in the Canadian Armed Forces and onboard HMC Ships Iroquois and Nipigon. He also had postings in Lahr, Germany and Washington, DC where he served as an award-winning professor at National Defense University, specializing in acquisition reform and shipbuilding. After his military retirement, he continued to serve in various capacities with the Logistics Branch Association. Active all his life and with a love of the outdoors, Bernie took up endurance walking after his first experience participating in the famous Nijmegen Marches in the Netherlands. Bitten by the marching bug, he went on to complete walks across Europe, in Morocco and Israel, making many enduring friendships along the way. Family was central to his life and he remained a devoted husband, father and brother. Bernie lived life to the fullest, summed up by his final words: "Life doesn't get any better than this!"
Family and friends are invited to visit at Beechwood, Funeral, Cemetery and Cremation Services, 280 Beechwood Avenue (East of Vanier Parkway), on Friday September 1, 2017 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Full Requiem Mass will be held at St. Barnabas Church, 70 James Street, Ottawa, on Saturday September 2, 2017 at 11 a.m. Special thanks to Dr. Sabloff, the Hematology staff and the palliative care unit of the Ottawa Hospital - General Campus. In memory of Bernie and in lieu of flowers, donations to the Canadian Blood Services would be appreciated. Tributes may be send via www.beechwoodottawa.ca