Bernard “Bernie” Kane, 94, of Ashland passed away at home on Wednesday, Oct. 27, surrounded by his family. Born in Framingham, he was the son of George J. and Bertha (Ellis) Kane and the husband of Marie B. Engel for 66 years.

When Bernie moved to Ashland, he became a well-known figure around town due to his town involvement. He was a member of Ashland Post #77 American Legion; a member and past president of the St. Vincent de Paul Society of St. Cecilia’s Church; a lay minister of the Eucharist and served as the coordinator for many years at St. Cecilia’s Parish; a Third Degree member and Life Member of the Knights of Columbus; past chairman of the Ashland/Holliston Relay for Life; and a “Friend of Bill W” member for 54 years. One of Bernie’s greatest honors was when he was Ashland’s Citizen of the Year in 1987. He received citations from the Massachusetts House of Representatives and the Massachusetts Senate recognizing his years of public service. (www.mataresefuneral.com/obituary/bernard-kane)

Kane was perhaps best known, according to the Metrowest Daily News, “for assuming the mantle left by his son, Kevin, who raised questions about the effects of the Nyanza Superfund site, and the subsequent number of cancer cases in Ashland.”