Bernice (Bunny) McIntyre

by **Spider** Sun 21 Mar 2021, 9:17 am

McIntyre in her wartime uniform in 1942 or 1943. (Submitted by JoAnn Cunningham)

BERNICE "BUNNY" MCINTYRE

08-Aug-1921 - 16-Mar-2021

Bunny’s Last Hop

Bernice “Bunny” Doreen McIntyre (nee Neill) 99 years of age was born on August 8th 1921 on a small grain farm in Dauphin Manitoba, the daughter of the late Edward James and Maggie Edith (Hassard) Neill.

Bunny left school after grade 8 when her school Principal told her education was a waste of time for a woman and she would do well to marry a farmer. Instead, she attended Business College. Then joined the Royal Canadian Navy in 1942, following the service of an Uncle who served in “the great war”, to as she used to say “to win the war and see the world”. After Basic Training in Galt, Ontario, she was selected to be a Wardroom Assistant and personal Steward to the Commanding Officer. She was promoted to Leading Wren in a month. She served in Halifax and St John’s Newfoundland where she spent VE day celebrating for two days. The trip to St John’s was harrowing as they were hunted by a Nazi U-boat. She detailed standing on the deck of the troop carrier in a life jacket in preparation to abandon ship if necessary while the escorting Corvettes dropped depth charges to protect them.

After the war, she worked in an office for a company that sold farm equipment in Winnipeg. Always looking for adventure, she traveled from Winnipeg to Las Vegas by bus and pulled a few slots. She also took a road trip with her good friend Audrey from Winnipeg to Toronto and back to Winnipeg, over 4500 kms, in her 1939 Model A Ford Roadster much to the amazement of those they met along the way. The lure of the Navy was too strong and she rejoined in 1951. Selected in 1953, she was the only Wren on continuous naval duty sent by the Navy to attend Queen Elizabeth’s Coronation in London and march 10 miles in the parade, one of only four Canadian Wrens to do so. She served in Halifax and Coverdale, NB where she met and married Arthur McIntyre a CPO of the RCN. In 1957 finding she had become pregnant she informed her CO who told her she could remain in the Navy until she could no longer button her uniform as the Navy considered her “medically unfit” to serve, something she never really got over. She loved to jokingly chide her eldest son that he was the reason she had to end her naval career.

Arthur and Bunny built a home on the Waverly Road where they raised three children. She remained in her home she built in 1961 until March 16th 2021 due the care and love of her dear friends Laura Campbell and Joyce Griffin.

Bunny did many things over the course of her life. In 1968, she purchased and ran a small grocery store on the Waverly Road for years; later, Head Cashier at Woolco at Penhorn Mall, and Commissionaire at the Grace Maternity Hospital and Dartmouth General Hospital. She volunteered with a special needs bowling league. She was a member of the Somme Branch # 31 Legion and was an enthusiastic supporter of the annual poppy campaign pinning poppies on people until the age of 97, thanks to the help and friendship of Paul O’Boyle. In 2012, Governor General David Johnson requested her presence at Rideau Hall for a reception to honour her for service to Canada. At the time of her death, she was the oldest member of the Nova Scotia Wrens Association, oldest member of the National Wrens Association and oldest member of the Canadian Veterans Association. She toured Europe at the age of 93 on a river boat and recounted exciting rides while being wheeled through the streets of the various cities. One particular thrill-seeking downhill ride earning her the nickname” Runaway Granny” for the remainder of the trip.

Bunny was proud to wear her two wartime medals as well as the Coronation Medal, Queens Diamond Anniversary Medal and the Canadian Corps of Commissionaires Medal to Remembrance Day and other ceremonies. She was also a recipient of the Memorial Cross.

She was predeceased by her husband Arthur and brother Ted Neill; sister in-law Jean Neill and nephew Jimmy Neill. She is survived her son Ian (Michelle), son Barry (Mara) and daughter Noreen Nause (Paul); grandchildren Jillian (Justin), Kevin (Teresa), Logan (Jaden) and Cameron (Lana); her nieces and nephew who were so dear to her. Special friends Laura, Joyce and Howard, Vera her oldest friend, Florence, Bell and Dave.
Special thanks to JoAnn Cunningham for her friendship and documenting Bunny’s life, Peter Stoffer for his friendship and support over the years, Dr. Samad who worked for years helping her maintain her sight, Dr. Moriarity for keeping Bunny running all these years, Stephan Shryver for his kindness and many visits and Robby for keeping her steps and walkway free of snow.

Bunny’s funeral is guided by the Atlantic Funeral Home. A graveside service will take place at 1100 hours on Monday March 22nd for close family and friends in Dartmouth Memorial Gardens Cemetery, 767 Main Street, Dartmouth. For those who wish to view this Live-Streamed service, please use the link on this online memorial page.

A memorial service will be held at a later date. If inclined, donations can be made to The Mission to Seafarers in Halifax.

Bunny is remembered as a loving mother, grandmother and friend but she would most like you to remember her as a Sailor who served her country with honour and great pride.

No more a Watch to stand, Old Sailor
You are outward bound on an ebbing tide.
Eight Bells has rung, and last Watch done.
Now a new berth waits you on the other side.

Your Ship is anchored in God's Harbor.
And your Shipmates, sailors of the Lord.
Are Mustered on the deck to greet you.
And pipe you as you come aboard.

Her boilers with full head of steam.
Cargo stowed and Galley stored.
Just waiting to get underway.
When the last Hand comes aboard.

Look sharp, that Hand is you, Old Sailor.
And you'll be sailing out on Heavenly Seas.
May the wind be ever at your back.
Fair weather, and God speed!

-Richard John Scarr

https://www.arbormemorial.ca/atlantic-dartmouth/obituaries/bernice-bunny-mcintyre/63725