Bernard McCOMISKEY
Bernard McCOMISKEY
Obituary
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Bernard McCOMISKEY Obituary
Peacefully passed away at his home with his family by his side on Saturday, January 25, 2014 at the age of 84. Beloved husband of Mary Ann for 62 years. Much loved father of Dave McComiskey (Monika), Joan Congdon (Rob) and Joyce Claridge (Andrew). Proud Bumpa of Alisa, Tanner, Darcy, Dylan, Spencer Ross, Jenna Victoria and Delaney McKenna. Son of the late Malcolm & Hazel McComiskey. Survived by his sister-in-law Ellen Whitaker. Uncle Bern will be sadly missed by many nieces and nephews. Special friend of Cora Rumley. Friends may call at St. Matthew's Anglican Church for a Come & Go Celebration of Bernard's life on Friday, January 31, 2014 from 12:30 – 2:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to St. Matthew's Anglican Church, SAH Cancer Care Clinic or the Kidney Foundation would
be appreciated by the family. Many thanks to the gentle care provided by Jennifer Smith, Dr. Wilson and the team from the Oncology Unit. (Arrangements entrusted to the Arthur Funeral Home & Cremation Centre 492 Wellington St. E., Sault Ste. Marie, ON
P6A 2L9 705-759-2522). Expressions of sympathy may be made at
www.arthurfuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
58 Entries
Captain Tony Vedecci
November 13, 2014
Only now learning of his passing. RIP bern (Captain Tony Veducci, former British Airways Concorde First Officer)
Joe LaRosa
October 29, 2014
It's with a heavy heart that I have heard of Bernie's passing. What a great inspiration he has been in all of our lives.
Thank you Mr. McComiskey.
Joyce McComiskey Claridge
July 23, 2014
To all of you that shared your words of love and respect and friendship with my father we thank you. Today would be his 85th birthday. It's hard to imagine a world without him. But today Dad I wish you blue skies and the wind at your back
It is your love, your strength, your courage, and your integrity that are my Compass through turbulent skies
You are in my heart and on my mind every day. I love you Daddee
Xoxoxoxox
April 23, 2014
I first met Bernie when he interviewed me as an Air Cadet in SSM and had the privilege of being his student at Sault College Aviation. Great guy. Huge presence. You'll always be in my logbook. Thanks for not chopping me from the program Bernie! ;-)
Gone but not forgotten.
James Allinson
Captain at Thomson Airways
Manchester UK
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Arthur Labbancz
March 23, 2014
I can't tell you how sad I am with this man's passing...he was a teacher, an instructor, a mentor and a friend. God...there are only a few like him that walk on this earth or soared like him. He taught with such logic and simplicity that only a few were privelged and privy to...myself being one of them. I taught others how to fly because of him, and I can only say that I was taught by the best...nobody proved me otherwise. He had a natural nack to debunk the math and to get your head out of the books and into the craft with an understanding of knowing and feeling the way of the aircraft and how to handle the surroundings. I thank him and I am truly sorry for the McComiskey family's loss...
Glenn West
February 9, 2014
I think very few people realize the effect one person can have on so many lives. Most of us were 18 or 19 yr olds with a dream to fly. We were naive and excited. We had no idea what laid ahead. The last thing we expected was a father figure who taught us that nothing comes without honest hard work. Any sense of entitlement, laziness and short cuts was replaced with accountability. Bernie taught us that nothing short of your best effort was expected, and pride in a job well done was it's reward. For many of us these were new concepts. What we didn't realize at the time was that these values would serve us well as we moved beyond Sault College. Bernie taught us how to fly, but more importantly, he taught us how to be responsible, accountable adults. A trait you won't see taught in any post secondary institution. Bernie always led by example. Every day you felt you learned something from him be it flying or life skills. He influenced hundreds of students and helped them achieve their dream of being an airline pilot. Every time I sit there at 35,000 ft with a coffee in my hand and the sun in my face, I can't help to think how lucky I was to have had Bernie steer me in the right direction.
Mary Anne, to you and your family, our sincerest condolences and thanks.
Glenn West (Swetlishnoff)
February 6, 2014
Erik Jensen
February 5, 2014
So sorry to hear of your loss, all of our loss.
I too have my memories of Bernie from Sault College. I was on my first prog ride in YOR, the 150 aerobat, and Bernie said "I have control" and proceeded to do a loop and a couple of aileron rolls before handing control back to me. Presumably he was assessing my ability to keep lunch down. The smile on my face satisfied him sufficiently.
Although I haven't seen him since I left YAM I have never forgotten about him and have told that same story many times over the years.
RIP Bernie.
Kevin Fisher
February 4, 2014
Dear Mary Ann, Joyce and Family, I only just found out about the passing of your husband and father, and wanted to express my sympathies. Having met him so many times he never failed to make me smile or outright laugh until my sides hurt. He was a wonderful man.
David Mills
February 4, 2014
Bernie set the standard for professionalism and airmanship that many of us have spent a career trying to live up to. The scope of his influence on a generation of pilots is unparalleled.
Formation flight with Mr. McComiskey
Sasha Pejic
February 2, 2014
Anne and Evan Fowler
February 1, 2014
Our deepest sympathy goes to Mary Ann and all the children and grandchildren. We have such wonderful memories of Bern, Anne being his first cousin and Evan and Anne going through school with Bern.
Bernard's father, who was later Anne's stepfather, was one of the nicest guys anybody ever knew. Bernard was a chip off the old block.
God be with you all.
Anne and Evan Fowler
February 1, 2014
Our deepest sympathy goes to Mary Ann and all the children and grandchildren. We have such wonderful memories of Bern, Anne being his first cousin and Evan and Anne going through school with Bern.
Bernard's father, who was later Anne's stepfather, was one of the nicest guys anybody ever knew. Bernard was a chip off the old block.
God be with you all.
Anne and Evan Fowler
Steen Jensen
January 31, 2014
So sorry to hear of Bernie's passing.
He was my instructor at "The Sault" back in 1978 and I have never forgotten him and many of the flying and life lessons he taught. A no nonsense , straight up , yet compassionte man that sent many , many of us into the skies to live the lives we had dreamed of.
The McComiskey family can be very proud of his legacy.
Blue skies and tailwinds , Bernie...
Bruce Burgess
January 31, 2014
Mary Ann, I'm so sorry you have lost your love of 62 years. I remember Bernie's sunny disposition and unfailing sense of humour. He always had a little smile tickling the corner of his mouth.
I also remember how much he loved flying all his life.
You have had many adventures and many laughs with your love over the years. Those are good memories.
Love from Bruce
Bill Pratt
January 31, 2014
I am sorry I could not be there today. I carry with me the many lessons you taught, and I attempt to pass them on to the future generations of pilots. Your legacy lives on in many hundreds of pilots. Thank you Sir!
January 31, 2014
It is so hard when we lose a loved one but at this time I just wanted to let you know that my thoughts are with you. Remember the good times, have many fond memories of family and friends and think about the long and fulfilling life he had. I am thinking about you Mary Ann, Dave, Joan and Joyce.
Don Heal
January 31, 2014
Thank you Bernie. A generation of pilots are in your debt.
Joan and Alan Lawrence
January 30, 2014
To Mary Anne and your family....our thoughts are with you. While I met Bernard only once a few years back at my Aunt and Uncle's Anniversary in Knowlton, I could understand quite quickly why Uncle Pete and Bernard were life long friends. To quote my Dad (Alan) (reflecting on his child hood memories), " Bernard was a great guy and everybody would hang out at Bernard's house...everybody liked him"....
Randy Klassen
January 30, 2014
McComiskey Family,
So very sad to hear of Bernie's passing. I want to thank you all for sharing him with so many people. He was a very special man to me and I will keep those memories for as long as I live. Darlene and I give all of you a big hug. Thanks for the memories Bernie.
Earl Turner
January 30, 2014
Mary Ann, Dave, Joan, Joyce and the rest of the McComiskey family,
I had the privilege of knowing Bernie as a teacher, a co-worker and a friend. Best pilot I ever flew with and he was an inspiration to myself and, I'm certain, to hundreds of others.
Eva and I send you our hearts and our prayers.
January 30, 2014
Thinking of you, Mary Ann, and remembering many happy days at MooseJaw as neighbours of the McComiskey family.
So sorry to hear about Bernie.
Sincerely, Doug and Norma Hargreaves.
Tony Barker
January 30, 2014
I had the privilege of being a student of Bernie's and then working for him as an instructor. During those three years Bernie was a leader to the students and staff. He was a no nonsense guy who was fair and truthful. You always knew where you stood with him. Whether you were doing well or had a terrible flight he was not shy about telling you, which I think we all respected and appreciated.
His standards were higher than any pilot I have worked with over the past 32 years. Every time I'm flying 20 feet off my assigned altitude I remember when Bernie said to me "If you can fly 20 feet low consistently you should be able to fly at the exact altitude consistently !" Another time we were shooting the ILS in WHQ and he debriefed me for calling the beacon final too early as I did not take into account the 5 degrees of crab we had. Very fine point but very true. Did I mention his very high standards?!
Thank you Bernie for having such a positive influence on everyone of us that you taught. Hundreds of us owe you for helping us get started in aviation and I'm sure none of us will ever forget you. Thanks again.
My thoughts also go out to your family. Please know that your husband, father, and grandfather was a great man that we admired and liked.
January 30, 2014
Thinking of all of you at this difficult time. May the special memories live on within your hearts and bring you comfort throughout the coming days.
Terry and Vicki Mitchell and family
Kim, Rob, Tyler, Mitchell Moreau
January 29, 2014
May all the love and memories you have, warm your hearts and make each day brighter. You are in our prayers and thoughts. Hugs
Bruce Miller
January 29, 2014
A wonderful man and a great pilot. He has had a hand in the start of so many careers. He will surely be missed.
How many remember the sides of his moustache twitching when he would smile, or this, "and there you were, Motor Motor Motor, i don't know what you were thinking." That was one of his all-time classic debriefing lines.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of his family.
January 29, 2014
Mary Ann and Family,
Gerry and I were saddened to hear of Bernie's passing. We have fond memories of our days in Germany and of you both.
Our hearts and prayers are with all of you.
Gerry and Pearl Langen
Mike Matthews
January 28, 2014
Very saddened to learn of Bernie's passing. We flew together on the Goldilocks team at Moose Jaw in the 60's. A fine pilot with a warm personality and keen sense of humour. Condolences to Mary Ann and Family. Mike and Edie Matthews
January 28, 2014
Mary Ann. I was shocked and saddened to hear about Bern tonight.I have a lot of fond memories of that time so long ago when we were all together in 434.
Bill Nichols
Neil MacEwan
January 28, 2014
Bernie was One of a Kind. I remember flying with him on a Video Shoot. We were sitting on the tarmac, and he said to me, I've flown big airplanes, fast airplanes and little airplanes, but I've never flown one with the doors off...We took off. RIP Bernie
tony barrow
January 28, 2014
my condolences Joyce, your dad was a great guy!
Barb Graham (nee Rumley)
January 28, 2014
Mary Ann, Dave, Joan, Joyce and the entire McComiskey family: I was so saddened to hear the news about Bernard. Bernard will live on in the memories of many for years to come. He was a very special man. Prayers to all of you during this difficult time.
Rose Caicco
January 28, 2014
I was privileged to work with Bernie at Sault College and to enjoy his company as a retiree. We will miss him at our functions but hope that Mary Ann will continue to join us. Bernie was well liked for his caring, no nonsense, professional attitude. He will be missed but his contributions and impact on many who knew him will always be with us.
Greg Noble
January 28, 2014
Joan, Rob, and the McComiskey Family,
My sincere condolences on Bernie's passing. He most certainly left a very positive impression on many. Enjoy the memories.
Kathy Shivers
January 28, 2014
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
Anthony Man Son Hing
January 28, 2014
Our sincere condolences to Mary Ann and family on Bernie's departure and start of a new journey. I have know Bernie for many years when he was an instructor at Sault College and when I worked for Air Dale I always admired ,hired and respected the training of pilots who graduated from the Aviation program .We were last together a few years ago on the college Advisory Board and he will be dearly missed .Take care my friend and may your soul be at peace as you fly West.
Tony & Barbara Man Son Hing
January 28, 2014
Mary Ann, Joan, Rob and all the McComiskey Family. So sad to read news of Bernard's death. I know you all will miss him very much. Our Condolences.
Maureen and Marty
Brenda Cline
January 28, 2014
Bernard touched so many in his life, whether it be family, friend's, colleague's, or student's. And in doing so, he achieved, what we all strive for, to be needed and loved. So glad, I knew him and shared a small part, of his wonderful life.
Brenda Cline(Barrie, Ont)
Michael Mehring
January 28, 2014
Mary Ann, Dave, Joan, Joyce, and family.
My thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
I must say though, I have a smile on my face when "Bernie" is mentioned for the past 30 years, and I will continue that smile for the next 30.
"Thank you", for sharing Bernie, for so many years with the Aviators of today. He was a great "father " figure to all of his students! Your family was a great inspiration to me, and mine, Mary Anne.
Hugs
Jeff Arbus
January 28, 2014
Bernie inspired me back in my early days as a Professor at Sault College. He was much beloved and incredibly well-respected by staff and students. He was also, with Mary Ann and their children, a warm friend to our family. Juanita and I send our deepest condolences, and our gratitude for having known a man like Bernard. May the family be blessed with good memories.
Michelle Larose-Blanchette
January 28, 2014
My condolences to your family. I grew up a close friend of Alisa, and was fortunate to spend time with her at Mr. & Mrs. McComiskey's lovely cottage in Eastman. They are some very cherished memories. You are a wonderful loving family, and I am sorry for your loss. Sincerely, Michelle Larose-Blanchette
Ann Piscopo
January 28, 2014
Mary Ann, Dave, Joan, Joyce, and family,
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your beloved husband/father. I have great memories of gatherings with your family and feel privileged to have been included in such a loving, fun group. Bernard was such a nice man and surely made his mark in the world.
Ann Piscopo
Mark Hellmann
January 27, 2014
While I have many memories of my 2 years at College, 28 years ago, my favourite memory of Bernie was talking with him and Mary Ann in their living room last November! I had the opportunity to share my favourite memories and express my gratitude. Bernie was so intrigued while I took a selfie of us, finally I showed him something! I am so grateful to know you!
john labine
January 27, 2014
Thinking about you Joyce and family take of your mother ,,,,,parents are a very important part of our lives....john labine
Mike Delfre
January 27, 2014
I remember Bernie as a tough, fair , no-nonsense kind of guy that everyone admired. He was his own man and, if he paid attention to you, he made you feel special. No doubt he left this world with no regrets. I'm just glad I got to know him.
January 27, 2014
could not find a nicer gentleman and a great pilot.
my condolence, RIP Bernard>
Larry Davies
January 27, 2014
I only had the prilvedge of spending time with Mr. McComiskey a couple of nights, yet it was all it took for him to become someone I won't ever forget.
Although this world lost a great man, I am fortunate that I was able to meet him.
His family is in my thoughts during this difficult time and I would like to send my appreciation to Mary Ann, Joan and Joyce for their hospitality and allowing me into their home and never making me feel like a stranger.
I'm deeply sorry for your loss.
Dave Butler
January 27, 2014
An incredible pilot, instructor and man who helped shaped so many young pilots lives. I had the pleasure of being one of those pilots. It was an honour to have learned from such a great man. RIP Bernie you will be missed by all of us. Thank you for all you have done over the years.
Dave Butler
(Barrie, ON)
Ken Mihan
January 27, 2014
Bernie was such an inspiration. It is because of him that I was able to fufill my dream of Aviation. Sault College was the place,but Bernie was what made the program such a success for all that attended. He will be missed ! My thoughts and prayers to Maryanne and family.
January 27, 2014
Bernie was such a super fella! His Sault College friends think the world of him. He was the "pioneer" of the Aviation Program at Sault College and is held in high esteem by students, teachers, and friends. You will be missed! Hugs, Marg. Simpson
January 27, 2014
Dear Mary Ann,Dave,Joan&Joyce
Just want you to know that are thoughts are with you all at this terribly sad time. Dad called to tell us last night. While heart broken, he said how thankful he was to have had the chance to speak to Bernard last week.Best buddies for over seventy years.
Our love to you all. Kirk&Walter
Bernard expertly flying formation, 2010.
Steven Hause
January 27, 2014
Steven Hause
January 27, 2014
Bernard brought joy and love to everyone that knew him. It was my honor to have learned, laughed and smiled with Bernie. He has done so many things and was always willing to share.
The McComiskey family is one to be envied.The obvious love amongst them is rare.
God Bless all those who were lucky enough to know Bernie.
Ed Torres
January 27, 2014
I am very saddened to hear about the loss of this great man. His contribution to Canadian aviation can not be understated. He demanded excellence in a profession that requires it. I am blessed to have known him and he will always live through those of us who he helped to shape.
Scott Lawrence
January 27, 2014
Mary Ann, Dave, Joan, Joyce & family--
Just wanted you to know how deeply saddened we are by the news. I can't tell you how much those summers at Silver Lake with our family and yours meant to us; in so many ways these really were the best days of our lives. Mom and Dad are broken-hearted, as are we; our love and prayers go out to you all. Scott & Nancy
Illo Neri
January 27, 2014
Dear Mary Ann and family, Mr. McComiskey gave me and many others the gift of wings and the love of flight. He continues to be my inspiration as I enter my 23rd year of military service, and I know he will be missed by so many. My sincere and heartfelt condolences. Illo Neri (Sault College Aviation Program, 87-89)
Laurel Young
January 26, 2014
Dear Mary Ann,Joan Joyce and all the family:
We were so sorry to hear about Bernie.He was such a friendly guy and always a pleasure to chat with and we know he will be dearly missed by all of you!
Thinking of you all.We are sorry we will be out of town on Friday.
Tom and Laurel Young
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492 Wellington Street East Barton & Kiteley Chapel, Sault Sainte Marie, ON P6A2L9
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