Bernie C. Edwards

1932 - 2015

Bernie was known as the best mechanic in South Texas, building Fast Hot Rods, Dragsters and Wheel Standing cars during the 1960s. Bernie traveled with his family to Alaska on vacation during the fall of 1969, and six months later became a full time resident of Chugiak. While employed by Equipment Services Ltd. he was invited to join the Local 302 Operating Engineers Union, where his Mechanical and Welding skills became well known at several companies such as Green Assoc., Taylor Rigging, Alagco and Wilder. He was regarded as the mechanic who could fix everything. Upon retiring from the union, he then worked Civil Service at the D29 Shop on Elmendorf Air Force Base before retiring once again. He then continued building classic cars: a 1937 Packard, 1935 Ford Pickup, 1934 four-door sedan chopped four inches and too many others to list. Among them was a non-running, bullet ridden wreck of a truck completed as a work of art that purred like a kitten. As a Korean War veteran he earned numerous medals, most recently the Korean War Veterans Memorial Thanks and Honor medal from the Ambassador of Korea in 2014. He was preceded in death by his wife of 43 years, Jackie Fave Roberts; and infant daughter. Survivors include a son, Bernie M. Edwards; two daughters, Lynnda J. Edwards of Chugiak and Beverly Edwards-Cathcart of Comanche, Texas; grandsons, Wayne D. Mackey and Christian A. Mackey; plus numerous great-grandsons; as well as his lifelong friend, Freddy Hall of San Antonio, Texas. His infectious laugh and homemade raspberry jam was loved by all. He was a loyal friend with a willingness to share his time, knowledge and skills. A Memorial Service will be held at the Chugiak Senior Center located in Chugiak, Alaska, on Sept. 22, 2015, at 6 p.m. Friends are invited to bring pictures and memories to share with the family. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to either the Chugiak Senior Center or the Chugiak Volunteer Fire Department.