Early Saturday evening on January 4, 2025, John Bernard Power, aged 88, left his family peacefully to be with God. He was born to the late Richard Power and the late Bertha Lelievre on December 26, 1936 in New Waterford, Nova Scotia and was the second oldest of 5 children: sisters, Laura Fortune, Bertha; and brothers, Richard & Raymond, all deceased.
Johnny is survived his wife, of 29 years Betty Ann (Aucoin); and his 5 children, Wendy (John Desrosiers), Keith (Joanne Morehouse), James, Cheryl (Kevin Poirier), and Meagan; and daughter in law, Gail (Oliver). He was blessed with 9 grandchildren, Ryan Desrosiers, Ashley (Meyer) Schoeman, Danielle Desrosiers, Lindsay (Matthew) Gillis, Lucas, Finn and Julia Power, Spencer and Sam Poirier; along with 8 great-grandchildren, Ashten, Maverick, William, Ane, Olivia, Mia, Isla and Flynn. He was predeceased by his oldest son, Wayne and his great grandson, Jonathan. He is also survived by his four stepchildren, Johanne (Alvin) Doucet, Natalie (Rick) Aucoin, Jean Guy (Velda) Aucoin and Sylvie (Allan) Aucoin.
Energetic all his life, Dad became known for his non-stop hard work and entrepreneurial spirit. Two of his greatest passions were commercial fishing (Lobster, Crab, Cod) and building. His interest in fishing began as a child with his father and brothers and talked excitedly about watching lobsters crawl on the ocean floor through a piece of glass in an old dory. He built lobster traps and learned to build traditional wood plank lobster boats from Joe Odo. Over time, he built 12 wooden boats with the first one named “Wayne & Wendy”. Later he learned to work with fibre glass and finished several other boats. Johnny was a Captain for over 50 years, fishing off the coast of New Waterford and later the coast of Grand Etang till he was 82. He loved fishing and got to do it with his sons Wayne, James, son-in-law John Desrosiers, grandson Ryan and his longtime crewmate/friend Jimmy MacIassc who worked with him for nearly 40 years. Besides fishing he worked as a young coal miner in the No.16 & No.12 Colliery in New Waterford for almost 15 years while also fishing lobster during some of those years.
From his hard work in the mine, he bought his first new car, a Buick in 1956. He loved cars and would later buy several ragtop convertibles throughout his life, one of which (Red Corvette Convertible) he truly enjoyed. He loved music, especially dancing, ice skating in his earlier days and hockey (Montreal was his favourite team). As a teen, he enjoyed hunting with his father, raising pigeons and later raising prized colourful pheasants as an adult. He had fond memories of visiting his Lelievre grandparents’ home in Grand Etang during coal miners’ vacation and especially enjoying fresh strawberries and cream from their homestead. Dad built his first family home in New Waterford in 1968. He would go on to build several other homes including 2 more family homes in St. Joseph du Moine and his cousin Patricia Lelievre’s house.
From his success in fishing and building he branched out into tourism to build Pilot Whale Chalets in Cheticamp. Eventually he acquired and renovated 2 more tourism properties, Ocean View Motel and Soleil Chalets. He was passionate about creating businesses: left to carry on that work and legacy are his children Keith, James, Cheryl, Wendy, Meagan and his wife Betty Ann. He was proud, hard working, spoke his mind, loved his family and had strong faith in God and the Catholic Church. He will be missed and always remembered; we love you….
A special Thank You to Dr. Amelie Maillet and the nurses at Sacred Heart Community Health Centre for the wonderful care he received. Johnny was very appreciative of your dedication and professionalism. Memorial Donations can be made to the St. Joseph du Moine Parish or Sacred Heart Hospital Charitable Foundation.
Visitation will be held on Friday, January 10, 2025 in St. Joseph’s Church, St. Joseph du Moine from 9:30 am until time of funeral mass at 11:00 am with Father Silvichan Dominic officiating. Burial to follow in the parish cemetery.
Condolences
Johnny often took time from his busy day to chat with us while on our daily walks. Fondly remembered – RIP.
Sincere condolences to Johnny’s family. He was a good neighbour to the LeVert family.
To Johnnie’s children and their children we are sending our condolences.Thinking of you all as you go through these tough times!
Betty Ann and Family; We were saddened to learn of Johnnys passing. Please accept our sincere condolences on your loss.
Roger and Karen MacIsaac and Family
I want to wish my condolences to my friend Meagan and her family . May your happy memories give you peace and comfort during this challenging time.🙏🏽🤍
Sorry for the loss of one fine man to all the family
Sorry for the loss of a great man. Johnny certainly left his mark.
I’ll always remember the important generous impact Johnny had on my Acadian discovery Journey 2005-2012. A larger than life figure. Always faithful, never forget.
My Uncle was always kind to me I remember watching him make a boat and him telling me about what he was doing loved just watching him he would always say don’t get too close because of the fibreglass will make you, itchy lol .. it has been a while since I seen my uncle Johnny since I live in Ontario, but it will be sad to go down east and not see him to go to dinner at his house we all love you and you will be missed love you 💕❤️
I am so saddened to learn of Johnny’s passing. I told a friend of mine about what a wonderful neighbour he was just a few days ago. So many times he came to my rescue after a snow storm, or hiring me to do some gardening. To his children and Betty Ann, I offer my deepest sympathies. May you find comfort in your memories of Johnny.
Wayne & I want to send our deepest condolences to Betty Ann & all her family. May he rest in peace.
Our deepest condolences to Johnnie’s family…may he rest in peace
Sincere condolences to the family. Johnny was a very nice man.
Sorry to hear on the loss of your father Wendy. Sending condolences to you & all the family during this difficult time. My parents & your dad were good friends.
Condolences to both families that his life impacted.
So very sorry. I got to know Johnny while I was working in cheticamp. We shared many a laugh and he was always so kind to me.
I have always had the utmost respect for Johnny. He certainly lived his life on his own terms, and he did so honestly.
One of the toughest, busiest, hardest working and kindest men I have ever known, I am happy to have called him my friend.
RIP ol’ Buddy.
Cheryl & Kevin, and indeed to all of Johnny’s family, our deepest sympathy on your loss. We talked with Johnny a few times a year during our many trips to Cheticamp and got to know him as we spent so much time in his various accommodation businesses. Hard working man with a good sense of humor. We shared a few good chuckles over the years. He will be missed.
Much love and affection, Brad & Diane Warner and our family, Barbara, Andrew, Janet, Richard and Ainsley
Our sincere condolences to you Betty Ann and family/families. God Bless From the Cormier families
I like many others admired and respected Johnny. His work ethic was legendary. At a time when most are looking forward to retirement he moved to Cheticamp and built a fishing and tourism business through hard work and determination. Even during those busy days he welcomed people into his home often leaving with a full belly. I’d say Rest Easy John but I know those words aren’t in your vocabulary. My condolences to all his family. Go Habs Go.
Please accept my condolences on Johnny’s passing. Although it has been years since I have seen Johnny, I have many great memories.
Sincères condoléances à Betty Ann et la famille
Please accept my heartfelt condolences. In this time of sorrow, may you find comfort in the loving memories you shared with your loved one. Thinking of you during this difficult time. May “Johnny” Rest in Eternal Peace and watch over all of you.
Sincere condolences to the family and friends of Johnny. He had vision and passion that shone in his many activities. He was a kind man. May his spirit lift you and remain near to your hearts.
My deepest sympathies to all; remember and treasure the memories made..
Love
Mary
Sincere condolences to Betty Ann and family
So Sorry for your loss, He was a great man
My condolences to the family.❤️
My Dad (his Uncle Conrad) and Johnny had a special Family bond that lasted beyond Dads passing. He was always so kind to Mom, Aunt Lucy May and Aunt Dyney. I will miss you🙏
My deepest condolences to Betty-Ann,Wendy,Keith,Jimmy,Cheryl,Meagan ;the lost of a loved one is painful hoping the messages will ease your pain💔
Condolences to Betty Ann and all the family.