Creativity and community were guiding lights in the rich life of George Bernard Jr. An avid painter and accomplished photographer, Bernard died last May at the age of 77. A new exhibit pays tribute to his work, while also welcoming everyone who comes through the doors of Dartmouth General Hospital.
“He carried his camera everywhere he went, and he found joy every day,” says Senator Wanda Thomas Bernard, George’s wife of 49 years. “He never wanted to keep joy to himself; he wanted to share it. He lifted other people’s spirits.”
Senator Bernard fondly remembers “wedding dates” with her husband, where she would travel with him on the weekends to assist with wedding photography. George also worked doing portraits at a department store, and as a freelance event photographer. His many subjects included the likes of Barack Obama, Tina Turner, Bishop Desmond Tutu and several Canadian Prime Ministers.
“He was the first African Nova Scotian professional photographer,” says Senator Bernard. “Other people were inspired because of his photography.”
George’s health challenges began over two decades ago, with a diagnosis of stage 4 colon cancer. In the years that followed, George made many trips to Dartmouth General Hospital to seek care.
“We used to call ourselves frequent flyers,” says Senator Bernard, reflecting on those hospital visits. “He was always treated so well. I have no complaints about the services he received at the Dartmouth General. He felt so good about the treatment he received there.”
In 2019, the four communities of North Preston, East Preston, Cherry Brook and Lake Loon held the Preston Township Reunion and hired George as the official photographer. As part of the project, he took pictures of street signs in each community and created posters with those familiar names on display. After George’s passing, Senator Bernard and their daughter Candace Roker decided to donate those posters to be displayed at Dartmouth General.
“We want people from the Preston communities to feel that the hospital space is their space,” says Senator Bernard. “We want them to feel a greater sense of belonging and connection when they go there. And we believe the street signs help to make that possible.”
Senator Wanda Thomas Bernard has been part of an action-oriented project for many years, viewing health care through a culturally responsive lens. She says when she thinks of culturally responsive care, she thinks of the care her husband received.
“I know the Dartmouth General has been working really hard to address the systemic barriers and the systemic racism,” says Senator Bernard. “I appreciate any opportunity I have to shine a light on what they’re doing because it’s important.”
“Senator Bernard has been such a valuable advisor to us through the years at Dartmouth General,” says Stephen Harding, DGH Foundation President and CEO. “We want everyone to feel welcome at the hospital and know that George’s photographs will definitely help with that.”
In the few months the photos have been on display, Senator Bernard says she’s received several appreciative comments. One woman reached out to say seeing the photos helped her through a stressful day of tests at the hospital.
“It’s very touching and George would be very, very humbled,” says Senator Bernard. “Our daughter and I both recently had day surgery at the Dartmouth General. Each of us, on our respective trips to the day surgery unit, paused to view George’s photo display. It gave us peace as we went into our surgeries. We hope that the photos give others peace and comfort as they go to the Dartmouth General Hospital for care, or to visit family members.”
