Obituary

Richard Thomas Bernard, age 74, passed away in Bellingham on January 7, 2020.

Rick was born in Bellingham to Thomas and Dorothy (Childers) Bernard on October 28, 1945. He graduated from Sedro-Woolley High School and then served in the Vietnam War. He later made a career as a safety supervisor at Intalco. Rick married his wife Julia (Judy) on April 13, 1963 in Mount Vernon, WA, when they were just sixteen and seventeen years old. They shared 56 beautiful years together.

Rick was a kind, loving person with a wonderful sense of humor. He enjoyed traveling, gardening, and spending time with his loved ones. He treasured all of his children and grandchildren, but he had a special bond from the very beginning with his youngest grandson Harrison, whose first word was “Papa.” Rick loved the Lord and truly embodied the commandment to “love your neighbor as yourself.”

Rick was pre-deceased by his parents Thomas and Dorothy Bernard. He is survived by his wife and best friend Julia (Judy) Bernard; daughters Kristy Jones (Greg) and Tricia Daniel (Matt) and son Jason Bernard (Melanie); grandchildren Hannah, Jacob, Alexander, and Harrison; and dear family friend Jennifer Pritchard (Jason).

Rick was buried in a private graveside service at Bayview Cemetery in Bellingham. He will be missed every day by all those who knew and loved him.