At 104 years of age Bertram Ellwood Demmings, passed away peacefully at the Chaleur Regional Hospital, Palliative Care Unit. His loving wife of 49 years, Margaret, and his son, Michael were by his side. It was remarkable that until 2 months prior to his death, Bertram enjoyed his entire adult life living in the home he built for his family in 1957 on O'Neil Drive.

Bertram was predeceased by his first wife and mother to his children Carmella Buraglia in 1965.

Bertram is survived by his wife Margaret (Scott), son Stephen (Barbara Hanchard) of Winnipeg Manitoba, daughter Janet (George) Tooley, of Baie D'Urfe Quebec and sons John Demmings (Mike Zinck) of Lunenburg Nova Scotia and Michael Demmings (Laura Koyanagi) of Toronto: 4 grandchildren Christopher Tooley, Kathryn Tooley (Scott Stephens), Claire and Rebecca Demmings and great granddaughter Charlotte Stephens. They consider themselves extremely fortunate to have had Bert in their lives for so long.

Bert was born in Gaspereau Forks, near Chipmen in 1919 to his late parents Annie Glenn and Gamaliel Demmings. He was the last surviving member of his immediate family. His siblings were Greta Upton and Harold Demmings.

Bert and Margaret married in 1974 and together they enjoyed a wonderful life with family and friends. Together they supported Bert's growing family and as a team supporting their church and community. Bert was a devoted member of the Carleton Union Masonic Lodge Unit 8 and volunteered countless hours to raise money supporting Shriners Children's Hospital. Bert enjoyed block parties, Legion dances and playing cards with good friends. He also enjoyed animals and he never met a dog he did not like, including the family pet Wrangler, who was untrainable and went everywhere with Bert in his truck.

He was described as an incredibly industrious man who worked for over 30 years at Bathurst Consolidated as a industrial mechanic fabricator. If he was not in his work clothes blowing out someone's driveway, or up on a roof or ladder, he was busy in the kitchen making his famous jams, jellies, pickles, famous Italian meatballs and chicken soup. Bert was a terrific gardener and enjoyed the fruits of his labor. He generously gave away whatever he preserved.

Growing up during the Depression, he was a product of his time - nothing wasted, every material had usefulness and purpose. His entire life he could be counted on to have just what you needed when asked. He collected, saved, recycled, and repurposed. A penny saved was a penny earned was his mantra. Nothing gave Bert more pleasure than replicating the work of others, with his own ingenuity and skills, except doing it more cost effectively. He saw the possibility in many "treasured" items. Bert remained curious about everything and would take things apart to see how they worked. Putting them back together was optional.

Bert was able to help many in need during his long lifetime and derived great personal pleasure doing so. He was a humble man underestimating his contribution to the lives of many.

There are many memories, from downshore to various regions of Canada and the United States. Dad's 100th birthday was celebrated at Youghall Beach. Friends from 15-95 years of age joined Dad to celebrate his centenary.

The family wishes to thank family physicians Dr. Nathalie Cauchon and Dr. Jean-Pierre Arseneau, staff of Extramural Hospital, doctors, and staff of the Chaleur Regional Hospital for their tremendous care for Bert and family.

We also would like to thank Lise & Gaston Beaulieu, Danny Corkum, for their kindness. Homecare providers Sharon Garrett, Carole Koepke, Steve Maisey, Linda Leslie and Connie Jagoe. Additionally, the family would like to acknowledge Margaret Anne Cameron for her stead fast support.

The family will receive relatives and friends at Elhatton's Funeral Home (www.elhatton.com) on Tuesday, August 15th, 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, August 16th, 2 p.m. at First United Church St. Patrick Street. Interment will take place at the United Church Cemetery, on Bridge Street in Bathurst.

Donations in memory of Bertram may be made to the Shriner's Hospital for Children, First United Church, Bathurst or to a charity of the donor's choice.