Bernard McCarron

November 18, 1923 - September 7, 2012

On the editorial page of the November, 2000, edition of the Beacon, Tim Padmore paid tribute to Bernie McCarron, on his resignation from the newspaper. He described Bernie as a "poet, teacher, reluctant warrior, community historian, listener, photographer, observer, always-willing helper, gentleman, friend, humourist, wise adviser."

The volunteers, past and present, of the James Bay Beacon, and the board of directors of the James Bay Newspaper Society, mark with sadness the death of Bernie McCarron.

Bernie and his wife Mary lived in James Bay since they moved to Victoria, 45 years ago. He joined the Beacon at its inception in 1992, becoming the "reluctant" but very respected chair of the board upon the resignation of Tim Padmore, the James Bay Newspaper Society's first chair. Bernie remained at the helm until the year 2000.

While Bernie was with the Beacon he contributed many well researched and thoughtful articles. He continued to submit many poems and photos of James Bay. It was Bernie who came up with the idea for the Mystery House, which we still do today. The gift of his time and thoughtful attention will always remain with us.

Late Autumn walk

Fall's the time

            to kick some leaves around,

to walk beneath the trees

            which stretch bare arms

towards soft clouds -

            gathering them about

as blankets against approaching cold.

Through Beacon Hill Park

            trudging, kicking

aided by a gusty wind

            kaleidoscope, rotating

according to its whim

            the browns, the reds

the golds of Autumn.

Pause. Silence!

            The only sounds are mine

my boots against

            The Autumn droppings

of the park's permanent residents.

            I tread more softly

upon their rest.

By Bernard McCarron

Originally printed in the James Bay Beacon November 2000.