Celebration of Life
Obituary of Berton Wesley Cosman
Berton Wesley Cosman of Rothesay, died peacefully on March 14, 2024. Born on November 17, 1927, in Saint John, he was the son of Robert Wesley Cosman and May Ella Clark. After graduating from Saint John High School, Bert and his father founded East Saint John Hardware. Bert later attended the University of New Brunswick graduating as an Electrical Engineer. Bert enjoyed a long and rewarding career in the telecommunications industry, including roles as an Engineer with Bell Canada, Chief Engineer with NB Tel, and Secretary-Treasurer of Bruncor where he retired in 1989. Upon retirement, Bert offered his expertise in various underdeveloped countries as an advisor for Canadian Executive Services Overseas (CESO). Bert was active in his community, serving as Councillor and Mayor of East Riverside-Kingshurst. He was a leader on various executive boards including the United Way, Rotary Club, Lions Club, Boys and Girls Club, Saint John Power Boat Club, Rothesay Yacht Club, Union Club, Imperial Theatre Foundation, and Rothesay Collegiate School.
Bert enjoyed life to the fullest. He was known for his inquiring mind and his generous nature. He loved to sing and dance, flirt with the girls and had a great big smile for all those he met. He loved the ocean and spent many happy years on the family boat cruising the Saint John River and the Fundy and Maine coasts. He enjoyed skiing until his early 90’s and golf until as recent as his 96th year.
Bert was predeceased by his wife Shirley, with whom he shared 64 loving and adventurous years. His brother Gary Cosman, his sister Ruth Askeland, son-in-law David McCormack and grandson Jonathan Cosman, also predeceased him. Bert is survived by his children, Dawn McCormack-Craig (Robert) of Halifax, Peggy Cosman (Stewart) of Kingston Peninsula, and Michael Cosman (Lauren) of Rothesay; his brother Donald Cosman of Ottawa, and sister-in-law Nancy Brittain of Rothesay; grandchildren, Scott McCormack (Sarah) of LaHave, NS, Michael McCormack (Yolanda) and Robert McCormack of Halifax, NS, Emily Whitfield and Katherine May (Sheldon) of Quadra Island, BC, Meaghan Balzer of Moncton, NB, Justin Cosman (Jessica Portinari) of Halifax, NS, and his great-grandchildren, Ruby McCormack, Jari Keefer, Deo Balzer, Iyanu Balzer-Calixte, Quinn May and Jade May, and many nieces and nephews.
The family would like to extend its heartfelt appreciation to caregiver, Annie, and the staff of the Saint John Regional for the warmth and thoughtfulness of care given to Bert. Arrangements are being made by Brenan’s Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John (634-7424). There will be no visitation, however, a celebration of Bert’s adventures in life will be held for family and friends from 2-4 PM on March 30th at the Riverside Country Club. Interment will take place in Fernhill Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to a charity of the donor's choice.
