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Ernest Bernard Obituary
He was born on November 14, 1915 in Esmond, RI, a son of the late John and Lydia (Fortier) Bernard. After his birth mother succumbed to Tuberculosis early in her married life and passed away when he was only 12, he got a new family and besides his older brother, Lucien and his newest brother, Joseph William.
Ernest was one of the few American survivors of the Death March of Bataan during World War II and was also a prisoner of war of the Japanese for over four years. He was later awarded the Rhode Island Cross.
Besides his wife, those left behind to remember him are his most beloved sons, Richard R. and Ronald D. and Dawn, Richards companion; his four grandchildren, Richard P, Joseph, Dennis, Julie Bernard Andrews; great grandchildren, Mikayla, Jonathon, Amanda, and Molly Mae; his brother, Joseph Bernard and wife, Claire; and many other relatives across North America. He was the brother of the late Lucien and his wife, Gina of Chicopee, Ma.
A Memorial Mass will be held on Saturday, July 26, 2008 at 9 am in the St. Gregory the Great Church, 360 Cowesett Road, Warwick. Burial with military honors in the Rhode Island Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Exeter. Donations in his memory may be made to the VNA Care of New England Hospice, 51 Health Lane, Warwick, RI 02886.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Ernest Bernard
Alphonsine Bernard
July 27, 2008
My Dearst Husband
Dear, had I known it would be the last time that I would see You. I Would have put your favorite socks on your Feet.
And pray the lord his soul to keep.
Had I known that, your tomorrow, would never come, and today Was all you had left, I would have told you that I Love you again
And hope We never forget.
Tomorrow is not a promise to everyone young and old alike, and Yesterday was all that was left, I would have Held You longer and Very Tight.
So hold Your Loved ones close Today and wisper in there ear, that You will never forget them and always hold them dear, take the time To Say, " I'm sorry, please forgive me, and thank you or, or it's OK ".
And Finally there would be No regrets left to say today.
Your Loving Wife,
Alphonsine
The Chesneys
July 14, 2008
You lived one very rich and exciting life, you will be surely missed. Our sympathy and best wishes go out to your family from our family.
Wendy & Mike Touchette
July 14, 2008
Francine and Family,
My deepest sympathy to you and your family. I know what a difficult time this is for you.
I will miss my sweet friend. I am so glad we got to visit the last time I was in Rhode Island. He was such a special person to all who knew him. A true gentleman.
May he rest in peace.
Wendy Touchette,
Past Manager of Sparrows Point III
Ashley & Victoria-Lynn Honnetter
July 13, 2008
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Carl & Tonya Honnetter
July 13, 2008
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man."
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2008
Maureen "Moe" Nangle
July 12, 2008
Dear Grandad- You and Memere were so very special to me for so many years. You were such a grounding force for those who's lives you touched. You will definitly be missed and you were very much loved by SO many people. May you rest in peace.
With MUCH love!!!
Jeanne Richard-Leandro
July 12, 2008
Dear Mrs Bernard, Richard and Ronald
I am so sorry to hear about your husband and father. He was such a great man. He was loving, caring, genorus, a good father. Your lost is a great one. He will truly be missed.
Jeanne (Richard) Leandro
Julie Andrews
July 12, 2008
Granddad,
We are sad to see you go. Your stories were always entertaining and I will miss those. I am proud to call you my grandfather. You will be missed.
Richard Bernard
July 12, 2008
Granddad I will always love you with all my heart. You were the greatest grandad a grandchild could ever want. You were a great husbean,father, and grandfather. As you begin your new journey with the Holy father an our family in heaven and share eternal life which you deserve remember all the love we gave you on earth .......and help the Sox and Pats once and a while.
Love always and forever Ricky
dawn batten
July 12, 2008
dad i will miss you dearly and keep you in my heart forever til we meet again with our father god. i want you to enjoy the wonderful life of peace in heaven it must be so beutiful there and i cant wait til we meet again.
I LOVE YOU DAD DAWN
Richard Bernard
July 12, 2008
Hi Dad
You know i will miss you so much & i also know that mom & Ronnie will also. You where a great father & I thank you for all your help. You surved you country well by being in that aweful Death March of Bataan & also being a POW for 4 years. You know that I will take very good care of Mom & do whatever I can for her & Ronnie & all your Grandkids also. I will miss all we did together (Mon Garcon) & the good times also. Rest in peace Dad. We will all miss you Dearly.
Your Loving Son forever.
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