Bernard Leonard
| Town/City | McKinnon Victoria |
|---|---|
| First name | Bernard |
| Last name | Leonard |
| Country of Origin | England |
| Date of Birth | 18/07/37 |
| Year of Arrival in Australia | 1951 |
| Submitted by | Hunter Leonard |
Story
Bernard(Bernie) came to Australia with his mum, Ellen and stepfather in 1951. He had spent time away from his parents during the london bombing raids being sent to Wales. Bernie and his family were amongst many post war migrants from England searching for a brighter future in Australia.
About the Journey – Apparently Bernie spent most of the time badgering the crew of the Strathaird on the bridge and other areas of the ship. He took part in the ritual of King Neptune crossing the equator and the family still has his certificate from that day.
We don’t know his thoughts on arrival but Bernie endured some typical teenager taunts for his British accent at school, grew up, became a husband to Jean in 1961. Soon after they moved to Canberra and had a son Hunter in 1965 and daughter Penny in 1969.
Bernie ran his own floor covering business in Canberra for several years, tiling the Tumut Power Stations amongst others. Bernie was best known for his booming tenor voice which was either used to call the kids home to dinner two suburbs away and also to outsing everyone in the Castle Hill Baptist Church.
Bernie passed away in 1987 aged just 50 years. It is appropriate given his time in Canberra that he is remembered on this bridge.