Obituary of Vernon Bustard

The family and church community are grieving the loss of a beloved pastor, devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, friend, mentor and Christian example. In the early morning hours of Friday, June 19, 2020, Rev. Vernon Bustard completed his earthly journey in the presence of his wife Judy at Hospice House, Fredericton. The Bustard family says this is not a story of defeat; it’s a story of victory. They have found comfort in knowing he is finally healed and no longer suffering. Born in Monument Settlement, NB, on March 8, 1936, he was a son of the late Raymond Charles and Beatrice Helen (Watson) Bustard. In addition to his parents, Vernon was predeceased by brothers Rev. William Bustard, Howard Bustard, Elmer Bustard, Clifford Bustard, Wesley Bustard and a sister Hilda Gray. Vernon was an ordained minister with the United Pentecostal Church International. His family says he has touched countless lives both inside the church and outside through the many years of ministry that he devoted his life to. His legacy of leadership, love and great compassion will know no end. Left behind to cherish his memory is the love of his life, Judy (Jackson) Bustard, his beloved wife of 60 years; daughter Joanie Stoddart (Rev. Tony) and sons David Bustard and Donald Bustard; four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; 12 siblings, Marie Lloyd, Rev. Arden Bustard (Betty Ann), Mildred Patterson (Brent), Carol Bustard, Katherine Williams (Eric), Joanne Post (James), Eugene Bustard, Gary Bustard, Janice Galbraith (Frank), Faith Galbraith (Wayne), Rev. Lloyd Bustard (Pamela) and Rev. Morton Bustard (Marilyn); a brother-in-law John Gray; a sister-in-law Joyce Hanson-Bustard; nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of friends. Vernon experienced immense love, joy and laughter with his family and considered himself a man most blessed. In the midst of our grief we have found a loving God. It is hard to forget someone who gave us so much to remember. The family wish to thank the Doctors, nurses and staff at Hospice House Fredericton for the excellent and compassionate care shown to Vernon. There will be a public visitation at Capital Community Church, 71 Downing St., Fredericton on Tuesday, June 23, 2020 from 2-4 PM and 6-8 PM which will allow friends and congregants an opportunity to pay their respects without breaking the social distancing requirements. Capital Community Church and McAdams Funeral Home will have staff available to advise church members and guests on procedures. A service celebrating the life of Rev. Vernon Bustard will be held at Capital Community Church, 71 Downing St., Fredericton on Wednesday, June 24, 2020 at 2:00 PM. Rev. Harry Lewis will officiate assisted by Rev. Raymond Woodward and Rev. Jack Leaman. A private interment will be held in Pennfield Rural Cemetery, NB. For those who wish to remember Vernon by way of a memorial contribution, the family has suggested Northeast Christian College, Missions or Hospice House Fredericton. Pallbearers will be Rev. George Nixon, Rev. Garth Hathaway, Rev. Mel Calhoun, Rev. Gary Bigger, Rev. Ralph Fowler and Rev. Brent Carter.