John A. Bertin

It is with profound sadness that the family of John A. Bertin announce his passing on Wednesday, December 21, 2022, at Passamaquoddy Lodge in St. Andrews, N.B.

Born in Jacquet River, N.B., John moved to St. Stephen with his parents, Maurice and Agnes (Daigle) Bertin and nine siblings. He married the love of his life, Theona (Arsenault) in 1960 and raised all eight of their children in the home he built with his own hands in Oak Bay, N.B.

John (aka Johnny Cash Bertin, in his younger days) was well known for his love of music. The guitar was never far away, and he was willing to play at any opportunity. While raising a family, John worked tirelessly. He was employed at Medjuck’s Furniture (later Phillips Furniture) during the day and spent his evenings repairing televisions and appliances. He was passionate about woodworking and spent much of his spare time building anything and everything. After retiring from furniture sales, John started a small renovation business. He could barely keep up with the demand for his handiwork. Eventually, due to age, he reluctantly had to let that go. He then spent his days enjoying what he loved to do most: going out to his workshop and building furniture. As he honed the craft of his work, custom orders came from far and wide.

John loved life and, above all, his family. With so many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, he cherished the noise and chaos that accompanied family gatherings. That was his happy place.

In addition to his wife, John leaves behind his daughters; Mona (Tim Sartain), Alice (Peter Scott), Carolyn, Donna (Allan Carson), Julie, Angela (Corey Sigvaldason), sons; John Paul (Tanya Smith) and Peter (Tina McLaughlin), as well as twenty one grandchildren and eight  great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother Armand (Cecilia Arsenault) and sister Ann (Donald Beaumaster).

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his sisters; Eveline (Abby Petrie), Gladys (William Casey), Lorinda (Gerald Casey), Audrey (Edward Bartlett) and brothers; Joseph (Cecilia Albert), Gerald, Eldon as well as Eddie and Victor, two brothers who died at a very young age.

John was the kindest, sweetest, most gentle person one could ever hope to meet.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at the St. Stephen’s Catholic Church, 407 Milltown Boulevard, St. Stephen, N.B. on Saturday, January 21, 2023 at 1 PM. A reception will immediately follow at St. Patrick’s Hall.

For those who wish, donations in John’s memory may be made to the Alzheimer Society or a charity of the donor’s choice. Condolences may be sent to the family online at mehanfuneralhome.ca