William H. Bernard . . . Go Dodger Blue!
January 12, 1955 - February 1, 2021
Bill Bernard passed away peacefully at home with his family beside him in Pismo Beach, California on February 1, 2021 at the age of 66. He was born on January 12, 1955 in Los Angeles at the French Hospital near Dodger Stadium to William F. Bernard and Jennie Mitchell Bernard and brought home to Downey where he grew up with his family as Dodger fans!
He graduated from Warren High School in 1973 and to his last day had many dear friends from his school days.
He met the love of his life and best friend, Donna Wright Bernard on October 10, 1975, when she was just 16. They were married at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church on August 5, 1978 and were married 42 years. In 42 years, they have never been apart.
From an early age, Bill was the biggest Dodger fan ever! He lived and breathed the Dodgers. He knew every statistic about every player that had ever been on the Dodger team. He wore Dodger gear every day of his life. We were all so happy he got to watch the Dodgers win the World Series in October. Of course, he saw them win in ’63, ’65, ’81 and ’88!
Bill was Parts Manager for Utility Trailer in Los Angeles and Fontana and a Sales Manager at Golden State Fasteners in Whittier. He was a Sales Manager for Duncan Bolt Company in Santa Fe Springs the last 12 years of his career before retiring in 2016.
He had the “gift of gab” during his 40-year career. Upon his retirement Bill and Donna moved to their happy place, Pismo Beach, CA.
He found out in December 2020, at the French Hospital in San Luis Obispo that he had heart disease, and in January 2021, was diagnosed with kidney cancer, which took his life two weeks later. He was diabetic for 30 years and was legally blind for the last 15 years of his life. His wife was the best caregiver ever! She took care of him with a loving heart their whole married life.
Bill is survived by the love of his life, Donna, their two children; Jenalee Bernard Vesneski, Drew Bernard, daughter-in-law Heidi Aguilar Bernard, son-in-law Kevin Vesneski, and their grandchildren; Marley Vesneski (15), Elise Bernard (16), Colin Bernard, aka “Tater” (8), and step grandson Eddie Contreras (28).
He is also survived by his two sisters, Brenda Bernard, Rosalie Bernard (Casey) Czernek, brother-in-law, Mark Tanner, many sisters and brothers-in-law, and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sister Beverly Bernard Tanner by 46 days.
A celebration of life will take place this summer when it is safe do so.
He touched our lives with love, hugs, humor, and the knowledge of the Dodgers and we will miss him every day. He will be forever in our hearts!
Rest in Paradise!