In Memoriam
Wilma Edell Husband Burley
20 May, 1935 - 28 August, 2011
God Bless Her Memory
In Memoriam
Doris Bernhoft MacDonald
21 May, 1927 - 19 July, 2011
God Bless Her Memory
In Memoriam
Anna Haldora Bernhoft
"Amma"
April 19, 1913 - January 4, 2011
Anna Haldora Bernhoft, 97, of Tacoma, WA,
died on January 04, 2011, at Manor Care of
Gig Harbor while in hospice care.
Anna Haldora Olason was born April 19, 1913,
in Lillesve, Manitoba, Canada, the daughter
of John M. and Ellen (Thorlaksson) Olason.
Anna, was one of eight children. She grew up
on the family farm near Hnausa, Manitoba,
Canada in the Icelandic Community on the
shores of Lake Winnipeg. The family moved to
Akra, North Dakota, to the 80 acre farm
inherited from his father as part of the
original Olason homestead.
Mom worked for the Kenmare Hotel as one of
their cooks for many years and became the
cook most customers would ask for when
ordering their meals. She also worked as a
cook for the construction road crew and
never served a meal the line crews didn’t
enjoy or rave about.
While living in Akra, North Dakota, Mom met
and fell in love with the “love of her
life”, Johann Edward Bernhoft. After a
lengthy romance, they were married on
February 21, 1942, in Detroit, Michigan.
Anna and Joe had five children between 1942
and 1952 and moved from North Dakota to
Washington, back to North Dakota and finally
settled settled in Tacoma, Washington, where
Mom lived from 1956 until April, 2010. Mom
was an independent individual and lived by
herself in the family home until 2009, when
her youngest daughter Elaine, move back home
to care for her.
Mom’s greatest joy in life was her family
and being sure everyone was well taken care
of. Mom was famous for her cooking,
especially for her cookies and cinnamon
rolls. She could have been “ The Famous Amma”
of cookies, had she started the bakery
everyone wanted her to start, but family
always came first with Mother.
The first thing everyone would do when
coming home to see Mom was to say hello,
give her a big hug and then head for the
cookie jar. It was always full of her latest
batch of cookies. Growing up it was always a
special treat when we knew the cinnamon
rolls were in the oven and nearly ready to
eat. They didn’t last very long either with
five children. If you weren’t there when
they came out for everyone to have, Mom
would make sure some were always set aside
for you.
Mom always insisted on her children saying
“good-bye” and giving her a big hug before
leaving the house. It continues to this day
that everyone gets a hug and a “good-bye”
when the family gets together. You had to
plan ahead if you were leaving early from a
family gathering, because it took a long
time before you could leave, because
everyone had to get the hug and good-bye.
After Dad passed away in 1961, Mom opened an
in-home daycare, which she had for many
years. She would have as many as six babies
or young children running around the house
as we grew up. There was never a dull moment
helping mom with the children she cared for
because not all of the children were “little
angels”.
Mother was 100% Icelandic and she was very
proud of her Icelandic Heritage, which has
been traced back to names in the list of 400
original settlers of Iceland in the late 890
’s. Several of the Olason Genealogy books
contain information as far back as 31
generations into Norway. Whenever Mom would
forget a family members connection she would
tell me to “Look in the Book”. Mother’s love
for her heritage was passed on to me and all
my brothers and sisters. It continues with
the grandkids and I am sure it will be
passed to the great grandchildren as they
grow older.
Mom was always called “Amma” by the
grandchildren and everyone who knew her for
any length of time. Amma is the Icelandic
word for grandmother. The word Amma really
does fit mother to a tee because she was the
grandest mother of any grandmother, just ask
any of her grandchildren.
Mother was a member of Central Lutheran
Church for over 50 years and near the end of
her life, was the “oldest mother and oldest
member of the church”.
She was greatly loved by all of her
children, her grandchildren and her great
grandchildren. Mother was a glowing example
of a Mother’s love for her children. God’s
love for our Mother was returned by Mother
to everyone she ever met. If you ever had a
chance to meet Mom, you know the love that I
am talking about. She made you feel so
welcome by her friendliness, her warm smile
and her offer of hospitality. I think her
most familiar saying was “ Can I get you
anything?”, followed by “Would you like a
cup of coffee? ”
Mom was preceded in death by her husband
Joe, her three brothers and four sisters and
her grand-daughter Jennifer Bernhoft. She is
survived by three sons; Thomas E. ( Dee),
Leonard S., and Jeffrey J. (Paula); two
daughters, JoAnn P. (John Beckman) of
Aurora, CO, and Elaine S. thirteen
grandchildren and fourteen great-grand
children.
Mom you will be missed deeply by everyone
who loved and cherished being near you. We
rejoice this day knowing you have been
welcomed by Jesus and your loved ones to
your Heavenly celebration.
Bless, Bless until we are reunited with you
again when the Lord calls us home for our
celebration.
Your loving and devoted
son, Leonard.
In Memoriam
HALLBERA
GUDNADOTTIR
1915 - 2010
Hallbera Gudnadóttir was born on the farm
Midbyli in Skeidahreppi in Arnessysla on the
14th of December 1915.
She died in the hospital, Landakoti 27th of
October 2010.
Her parents where Gudni Eiriksson, farmer in
Votumyri, born 24th of December 1888, died
30th of October 1977 and her mother Gudbjorg
Kolbeinsdottir, housewife and teacher, born
26th of October 1889, died on the 27th of
July 1966.
Gudni her husband was born in Votumyri farm,
son of couple Eirikur Magnusson farmer and
Hallbera Vilhelmsdottir Bernhoft housewife.
Gudbjorg Kolbeinsdottir was born on the farm
Stora-Mastunga, Gnupverjahreppur, daughter
of Kolbeinn Eiriksson, farmer and Johanna
Bergsteinsdottir housewife.
Hallbera moved with her parents to Votumyri
farm when she was three years old when her
parents took over the farm from here
grandparents Eirikur and Hallbera.
Hallbera’s brothers where; Kolbeinn, born
19th of Mai 1914, died 1st of June 2001;
Eirikur, Hallbera’s twinbrother, born 14th
of December 1915, died 15th of June 2002 and
Tryggvi Karl, born 3rd of September 1918,
died 19th of August 1947.
Hallbera or Halla as she was always called
married 11th of October 1941, Bjorgvin
Steindorsson, born 4th of December 1918 in
Reykjavik, died 17th of February 1981 in
Reykjavik but he was the son of Steindor
Arni Olafsson carpenter, born on the 19th of
July 1874 in farm Tjaldabrekka, Hraunhreppur,
Myr., died 23rd of December 1952 and his
wife Gudrun Sigurdardottir, born 24th of
Mars 1885 in farm Akrar, Hrunhreppi, Myr.,
died 14th of November 1954.
Hallbera and Bjorgvin lived their first
marriage years in Odinsgata 8, Reykjavik but
moved soon to Reykjavikurvegur 25,
Skerjafjordur, Reykjavik. 1974 they moved to
Miklabraut 42, Reykjavik and lived there
ever since.
Halla worked on her parents farm common farm
work until she was 15 years old but then she
went to Reykjavik and stayed with her
father’s sister Agusta but she had a sewing
room and a embroidery shop, but there Halla
learned sewing with her aunt and went to
sewing courses in Reykjavik.
Little over 20, Halla moved totally to
Reykjavik . Until 1973 Halla worked at
sewing, mainly sewing dresses and worked at
it in her and Bjorgvin home.
1973 Halla started to work in the licorice
factory Drift which later on merged into the
candy factory Goa where Halla worked until
she stopped working last September because
of illness.
The Hallgerdur funeral will take place in
Fossvogskirkja today, 5th of November 2010
and the ceremony starts at 15:00. The burial
will be in Fossvogs seminary.
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In Memoriam
Ragnar Vilhelm Bernhöft
1932 -
2010
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In Memoriam
Melvin G. Askew
June 17, 1930 - July 4,
2010
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Melvin Askew,
80, of Cavalier, ND died on Sunday, July 4, 2010 at
his home. Funeral services will be held on
Wednesday, July 7, 2010 at 10:30 a.m. at the
Cavalier Presbyterian Church, Cavalier, ND.
Visitation on Tuesday, July 6th from 5:00 p.m. to
7:00 p.m. at the Jensen-Askew Funeral Home,
Cavalier, ND. Burial in the Cavalier Cemetery.
Melvin G. Askew was born June 17, 1930, on the
family farm near Backoo, ND to Leslie and Edna
(Horsley) Askew. He attended the East Leroy School
and graduated from Cavalier High School where he was
active in football and track. After attending
N.D.S.U. for one year he served in the U.S. Marine
Corp during the Korean Conflict. After his discharge
from the service he returned to Cavalier. On
September 14, 1952, he married Bonnie Husband at
Hensel, ND. He farmed in the Hensel area and worked
for the U.S. Soil Conservation service until his
retirement. Bonnie passed away on June 18, 1989. On
November 22, 1991, he married Ileen Langerud at
Cavalier. Mel was a member of the Cavalier Curling
Club, Tongue River Masonic Lodge, and was active in
the Cavalier Presbyterian Church. He especially
enjoyed spending time with his family and sitting in
his scene porch during the summer months. He is
survived by his wife, Ileen; children, Linda (Ron)
Wagner, Champaigne, IL, Lana (Vern “J.R.”) Lee,
Cambridge, WI, Curtis Askew, Hensel, ND, Randy
Askew, Moorhead, MN, and Ken Askew, Minneapolis, MN;
grandchildren, Lindsey Wagner; Ryan and Megan Lee;
Haley and Cameron Askew; Ashley Askew Quamme and
Jordan Askew; great grandson, Jackson Askew;
siblings, Doreen Bahr, Chandler, AZ, Ivadel Rogers,
San Diego, CA, Russell (Maureen) Askew, Gordon
(Norma) Askew all of Cavalier, Grace Robbie,
Crystal, MN, and Adrian (Carole) Askew, Sioux Falls,
SD; Ileens five children, 12 grandchilden, and six
great grandchildren. Preceding him in death were his
parents. Clergy: Rev. Adrian Olson. Honorary
Pallbearers: Russell Askew, Gordon Askew, and Adrian
Askew. Casket Bearers: Jordan Askew, Jim Langerud,
Scott Langerud, Vincent Langerud, Ryan Lee, and Chad
Quamme. Music: Cleone Whelan, Organist; Doug Olson,
Soloist.
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In Memoriam
Bernice Elizabeth Ault Bernhoft
October 10, 1912 - December
30, 2007
Bernice E. “Bunny”
Bernhoft, 95, of Cavalier, ND died on Sunday, December 30, 2007, at
the Wedgewood Manor, Cavalier, ND.
Bernice Elizabeth Ault was born October 10, 1912, in Lodema
Township, Pembina County to Martin and Marie “Mary” (Millar) Ault.
She lived her entire life in the Cavalier area, except for the years
she lived at Parkwood Place in Grand Forks.
On July 19, 1940, she married Bennie Bernhoft in Hallock, MN. Bennie
died on January 26, 1977.
Bunny was a lifetime member of the Cavalier Presbyterian Church,
where she taught Sunday school for many years and acted as treasurer
for the PWC for 25 years. She was Pembina County Clerk of Court for
40 years, retiring December 21, 1990.
“Grandma Bunny” was a loving mother, grandmother, and great
grandmother, who would do anything for her grandkids.
Survivors include her daughter, Karen Restemayer, Grand Forks;
grandchildren, Michael Restemayer, Hensel, ND; James (Jennifer)
Restemayer, Bismarck, ND; Jerrod (Ingrid) Restemayer, Minneapolis,
MN and Susanne (Marty) Dornheim, Grand Forks; great grandchildren,
Ashley, Allison, and Gabriel; sister, Deanna (Joe) Carik, Cavalier
and a number of nieces and nephews.
She was also preceded in death by her parents, sisters, Eliza
Leedahl and Evelyn Hornung; and brothers, Austin “Bus”, Mervyn, and
Ronald Ault.
Clergy: Rev. John Werth.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, January 3, 2008, at 2:00
p.m. at the Cavalier Presbyterian Church, Cavalier, ND.
Burial in the Cavalier Cemetery.
In Memoriam
Otto Lawrence Bernhoft
November 11, 1915 - November
28, 2007
Matthew 25:21 "His lord said unto
him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been
faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things:
enter thou into the joy of thy lord."
Otto Lawrence Bernhoft was born in
Hallson, North Dakota, on November 11, 1915, the 13th of 15 children
of Icelandic immigrant farmers. He attended Hensel High School and
Mayville State Teachers' College. After his first year of teaching
at Harvey High School, Otto married Irene Viola Ralston on June 13,
1941. He then served as Superintendent of Schools at Thompson, North
Dakota. After one year of teaching and coaching at Thompson, he was
drafted into the US Army and became a non-commissioned officer
(staff sergeant) instructor in artillery at Fort Sill, Oklahoma;
Camp Polk, Louisiana; and other locations.
After WWII, Otto began a 40 year career
in teaching and administration in the Fargo Public School System,
completing his Master's Degree at North Dakota State University. He
taught chemistry at Central High School in Fargo, functioned in the
roles of Dean of Boys, Vice-Principal, and Principal at Central High
School and South High Schools, and as Assistant Superintendent,
Director of Personnel. He retired in 1980 as Principal at McKinley
Elementary School.
His students will remember Otto's
favorite aphorism: "There is only one way to coast, and that's
downhill" as this statement reflected his belief in hard work. Forty
years of students and teachers benefited from Otto's high standards,
clarity in teaching and leadership, and excellence in
administration, tempered by kindness.
Otto was instrumental in lobbying for
and securing retirement benefits for the North Dakota retired
teachers and often filled leadership roles in organizations such as
The Gideons, the Circle K, the First Lutheran Intercessors, and the
Icelandic Klub.
He was a Phi Delta Kappa Emeritus
member and in 1984, received the Mayville State University
Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award. In 1984, he was inducted
into Who's Who in North Dakota.
In 1988, 1991, and 1992, he was awarded
the AARP Certificate of Merit for Outstanding Community Service.
In 1989, Otto was the North Dakota
State Retired Teachers Association President and in 1990, he
received the organization's Golden Apple Award.
Otto and Irene Bernhoft had four
children, Larry, a Northern Minnesota wildlife biologist who dies
from cancer in 1982, leaving his wife Pat and two daughters, Kari
and Krista; Dr. Franklin Bernhoft, a psychologist in Lodi,
California, and his wife Dorothy, his son Brady, and two daughters
Kimberly and Heather; Dr. Robin Bernhoft of Ojai, California, a
surgeon and environmental physician, his wife, Alison, three sons,
Iain, Andrew and Evan, and three daughters, Fiona, Deirdre, and
Sheila; and Dr. Ruth Hansten of Port Ludlow, Washington, an RN and
hospital consultant, with her husband Philip and two sons, Matthew
and Kirk.
Otto died November 28, 2007 at Elim
Care Center, Fargo, North Dakota. Otto was preceded in death by his
wife, Irene in June of 2007, and his son, Larry. Otto's three
remaining children, thirteen grandchildren and five great grand
children celebrate Otto's life and legacy of honest and integrity.
Funeral service will be
held at First Lutheran Church on December 11, 2007, in Fargo, North
Dakota. Otto will be buried at the Sunset Memorial Gardens, Fargo,
North Dakota.
In Memoriam
Örn Guido Bernhoft
April 23,
1923 - October
22, 2007
Örn Guido Bernhoft was born
on April 23, 1930. Örn was the oldest child of Guido and Johanna
Bernhoft. Örn was married on 20 January, 1961 to Svava Johanna
Petursdóttir . Örn studied Electrical Engineering in Munich, West
Germany. He worked for a long time for the City of Reykjavik drawing
and planning electricity in Reykjavik and also the country.
In the years around 1982, he started to
work at H. Olafsson and Bernhoft, his father and cousin´s Company.
After his father died the Company was split between Olafur Haukur, a
cousin and Örn. When Örn became ill, his son Sigurdur and Svava
kept working
the Company. The name of the firm is H.O.B. Vin. He passed away in his sleep on Monday October 22, 2007.
Örn Bernhoft is survived by his wife Svava and their son Sigurdur Örn, and three grandchildren,
Petur Mar, Sigridur Kristin, and Svava Ros.
The funeral for Örn Guido Bernhoft was
held on November 1, 2007 at the Domkirkjan in Reykjavik. The church
is next to the house his grandfather Wilhelm Georg Thedor Bernhoft
had his Dental and Doctor Practice.
Örn's funeral service was very
beautiful with great psalms and Arias from several operas. One of
Iceland´s best Tenor and an all male choir sang.
In Memoriam
Irene Viola Ralston Bernhoft
August 20, 1917 - June 19, 2007
Irene Viola Ralston was born August 20,
1917 in Crystal, North Dakota, the daughter of Frank and Ruth
(Coker) Ralston, and granddaughter of pioneer homesteaders. She grew
up on a farm in Pembina County.
Irene graduated from Hensel High
School, obtained an AA Degree from Mayville State College and taught
English in Brockert, ND, until she married Otto Bernhoft on June 13,
1941. during World War II, she and Otto lived on various military
bases in the South, where Otto instructed field artillery gunners.
After the war, they moved to Fargo,
ND, when Otto took a job teaching Chemistry at Fargo Central High
School. He was later Principal of Central and South High Schools,
Assistant Superintendent for Personnel and Principal of McKinley
Elementary School.
Irene was a devoted wife and mother.
She loved the flow of well-written prose and poetry, watching videos
of her grandchildren in action (until her vision went) and was very
active in First Lutheran Church.
She had a delightful sense of humor,
was an avid painter of watercolors, did a hilarious impression of
Eleanor Roosevelt, and was quick with a joke or a word of
encouragement. Her response to nastiness invariably was to say "I'm
sure he meant well."
She was greatly loved by many friends
and family and her cooking efforts for the First Lutheran Ladies'
Aid were greatly appreciated by two generations of parishioners.
Irene and Otto had four children,
Larry, of Baudette, MN, a wildlife biologist who died of cancer in
1982, leaving his widow, Pat and two daughters, Kari and Krista; Dr.
Frank of Lodi, CA, a psychologist, his wife, Dorothy, son,
Brady and two daughters, Kimberly and Heather; Dr. Robin of Ojai,
CA, a surgeon and environmental physician, his wife, Allison, three
sons, Iain, Andrew, and Evan, and three daughters, Fiona, Deirdre
and Sheila; and Dr. Ruth Hansten of Port Ludlow, WA, author and
business woman, with her husband Phil, and two sons, Matthew and
Kirk.
In the last five years, with failing
health, Otto and Irene lived first at Riverview, then Elim Nursing
Home, where Otto still resides.
Irene was preceded in death by her
parents; two siblings; and her son Larry.
Irene is survived by her husband,
Otto; her three remaining children; thirteen grandchildren; and five
great-grandchildren.
Irene is buried at the Sunset
Memorial Gardens, Fargo, ND.
In Memoriam
John William MacDonald
October
1, 1927 - March 16, 2007
John
William MacDonald was born on October 1, 1927 in Machiasport, Maine
to Rev. and Mrs. George R. MacDonald. John graduated from the
University of Oregon in 1951 and remained an avid Duck fan until his
death.
John passed away on Friday morning,
March 16, 2007 at the Daniel Freeman Emergency Hospital in Marina
Del Rey due to pulminary failure.
John worked as a Welfare Administrator
for Los Angeles County, retiring in 1986. John and his wife Doris
loved to travel the world together.
John is survived by his wife Doris, and
his daughters Cyd and Elizabeth and three grandsons, Mark, Adam, and
Aaron.
In Memoriam
Aunt Josie
Johanna Lucinda Maria Bernhoft Walker
June 07, 1912 -- November 06, 2004
Johanna (Josie) Lucinda Maria Bernhoft Walker was born on June 07, 1912 in Akra
North Dakota, Pembina County. She was the eleventh child of fifteen children born to Edward Larus Adolph Bernhoft and Sigurbjorg Sophia Olafsdottir Brynjolfsson. She passed away on Saturday, November 06, 2004.
Josie grew up in the Akra area along with her 14 other siblings. She married the love of her life, Winfield (Winn) Walker on December 31, 1940.
Josie and Winn were blessed with 3 children, Johanna, Janet, and Jane. They lived in Walnut, California until their deaths. Winn preceded his wife in death on March 16, 1996.
Josie was laid to rest next to her husband at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Covina, California on Friday, November 12, 2004.
In Memoriam
Aunt Mabel
Gudney Kristjana Mabel Bernhoft Magnusson
May 09, 1909 --- July 04, 2004
Gudney Kristjana Mabel Bernhoft Magnusson was born May 09, 1909 in Akra, North Dakota, Pembina County. She was the ninth child of fifteen children born to Edward Larus Adolph Bernhoft and Sigurbjorg Sophia Olafsdottir Brynjolfsson. She passed away on Sunday, July 04, 2004. She was surrounded by her family at her bedside, when she opened her eyes, quietly acknowledged everyone with a look, and then peacefully entered into the presence of her Lord and Savior.
Mabel grew up in the Akra area along with her 14 other siblings. She met and married Magnus William (Bill) Magnusson in Hallock, Minnesota on May 01, 1940.
Mabel had 4 children, William, George, Janice and Phyllis. George was given up for adoption at birth and would reunite with his mother before she passed away. George's adopted named was Flamer. William died at birth. Janice preceded her mother in death on May 06, 1987.
Mabel and Bill farmed just East of Hensel, North Dakota. Their farm was across the highway from her sister Runa and her husband Wilfred's farm. They farmed there for many years and when it was time to retire in 1982, they moved to Cavalier, North Dakota. While in Cavalier, Mabel worked as a waitress, and worked at the Jack and Jill Market. She also worked at Sally's Shop.
Her husband Bill passed away on December 15, 1989. Mabel continued to live in the home in Cavalier until about 2003, when the house was sold. She lived at Wedgewood Manor until her death on July 04, 2004.
Aunt Mabel was loved dearly by her family and her nieces and nephews.
In Memoriam Wilhelm Edward Bernhoft
February 11, 1929 --- February 22, 2003
Bill w/ his faithful dog Shane 
Bill during his tour of duty in Korea as a U.S. Marine Corp Sergeant
Proud member of the Chosin Few
Bill Bernhoft WILHELM E. "BILL" BERNHOFT A longtime resident of Santa Monica, California, Bill was born
February 11, 1929 in Grand Forks, North Dakota, and passed away February 22, 2003 in Northridge, California, with his lifelong companion, Cynthia Cooper, by his side.
Bill grew up in Fargo, North Dakota. He spent most summers at his aunt and uncle's farm helping with the chores. Dad drove the tractor and his sister Colleen, fed the pigs.
Bill and his family moved to California when he was 8. They lived in Santa Monica and West LA. He attended University High School, SM City College, and UCLA, where he was a Business Administration Major. He enjoyed traveling to Mexico with his friends, Dave Moore and Roger Kenmore. Sometimes the girls came along. If they were not at the bullfights they would look for trouble elsewhere.
Bill was a United States Marine, serving in Korea as a proud member of the Chosin Few. He joined the Marine Corp after leaving UCLA, enlisting in the USMCR, in Santa Monica. He did his basic training at Camp Pendleton. He was called from inactive duty from the Reserve District on July 31, 1950. He became a Sergeant. He was based in Japan, then went to Korea. He fought along side his fellow marines to escape the Chinese entrapment at the Chosin Reservoir. The Marines were out numbered 5 to 1, but the causalities incurred by the Chinese were about 25 times the number of Marines killed. The bravery displayed by these men was immense. He received an Honorable Discharge on May 21, 1951 in Oceanside, earning the Korean Service Medal. He married Joan Kenmore in 1956. They had been friends since high school. We can thank Roddy, Joan's brother, for playing matchmaker. Roddy and Bill were the best of friends growing up and continued to be extremely close.
Bill and Joan found a house in the Mid San Fernando Valley, and settled down to raise 6 kids, which ultimately rewarded us with 13 beautiful grandchildren.
Bill was a wonderful father to his kids growing up. He would put in a hard day's work at Best Way Distributing Co, where he was cherished by everyone who had the privilege to work with him. He drove everyone to work hard, but he did this in a way that made one enjoy the work place rather than loathe it. He always had a unique spin on everything. He had a way of making the most mundane or difficult task seem enjoyable.
In the evening when he returned from work, he was always there for his kids. They looked forward to the nights when he would come home from work with a handful of coloring books. Somehow they managed to pick the one we wanted and would stay busy for hours. Some nights would be spent either relaxing in front of the 13" black and white TV watching Bonanza, Get Smart, or McCloud. Others would be spent out practicing for the next Big League Little League baseball game. Bill instilled a fierce spirit of competition in everyone. There was nothing more worth looking forward to than Dad coming home to go throw the ball around. He managed Little League teams that his sons played on for around 10 years. He made every game count. He loved to watch his kids compete and enjoy playing baseball. He also enjoyed watching his children compete in AAU Swimming, High School Swimming and Water Polo as well as College Swimming.
Bill was a huge sports fan: he was particularly fond of Dodger Baseball. Vin Scully, the perennial Didger icon, made every game a lasting memory. A summer day did not go by without swimming in the backyard pool listening to Vinny at the mike. Lets not forget his UCLA Bruins! He never missed a Bruin Basketball game, and during the Wooden Years, winning 10 out of 12 NCAA championships, he was in his full glory.
Bill's marriage to Joan ended after 26 years: shortly thereafter Bill met his beloved companion Cynthia Cooper, spending the next 20 years with her at his side. Bill was a sun worshiper, a military history buff, and a true gentleman. A teacher of sorts, you never had a conversation with Bill that you didn't learn something. In his later years he enjoyed painting military miniatures, reading this many military history books, and listening to his beloved big band jazz collection. His collection of hand painted Miniature soldiers are beyond belief; the detail he was able to attain on such small scale is incredible.
Bill was always there for his loved ones, through thick and thin. He was so steady and level headed, it gave confidence to everyone he came in contact with.
Bill is survived by his five sons and one daughter; Michael O'Connor (and Sandy), Neil Bernhoft, Kurt Bernhoft (and Yvonne), Keith Bernhoft, Scott Bernhoft (and Teresa), Dana Bernhoft (and Gary Gross); the children's mother Joan Kenmore; 13 grandchildren, Micheal and Timothy O'Connor, Christian, Sean, Megan, Jackleen, Alexandria, Thomas, Paige, and Caitlyn Bernhoft, and Ian, Jennifer, and Jaime Gross. He is also survived by his sister Colleen "Keenie" Conn (and Bob), 2 nieces, 2 nephews, as well as numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, very dear friends and his best buddy, his faithful dog Shane.
Bill was much loved and will truly be missed by many. |
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