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BRIAN DAVID "SHACK" BERNHART

BRIAN DAVID "SHACK" BERNHART obituary, Fort Wayne, IN

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BRIAN BERNHART Obituary

BRIAN DAVID "SHACK" BERNHART, 49, of New Orleans, formerly of Fort Wayne, passed away on Wednesday, May 4, 2011, at his residence. Born April 15, 1962, in Fort Wayne, he was the son of the late Gerald J. and Sonya L. (Turner) Bernhart. He worked as a musician and bartender. He was a member of Bethany Lutheran Church. He enjoyed music and traveling which eventually led him to reside in New Orleans for the past eight years. "He enjoyed spending time with his friends and will be missed by many." Surviving are his sisters, Heather (Tim) Klage and Heidi (Matthew) Densel, both of Fort Wayne; brother, Scott (Carol) Bernhart of Arlington, Texas; one niece; and six nephews. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Burial in St. John Lutheran Cemetery. Preferred memorials may be made to the family. For updates or to leave condolences, please visit www.elzey-patterson-rodakfuneralhome.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Fort Wayne Newspapers on May 8, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for BRIAN BERNHART

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Bruce Brown

May 2, 2020

I think of Brian and his parents often, along with great memories of the times I spent with the Bernhart family. Bruce Brown

Paul Krotke

May 28, 2011

I'm sorry to hear of Brian's passing. Although I haven't seen him in years, I remember him as very funny and friendly. He was a great guy. My sympathy to his family.

Michael Mitchell

May 22, 2011

My heart goes out to your family and friends, Brian, who hurt for the missing of you.
Peaceful crossings.

Keith Marlatt

May 16, 2011

Dear Family,
We are saddened to learn of Brian's passing. Our Condolences are to all of you. So glad that you got to visit him in New Orleans. It is one do our favorite places, and we know why he would have loved it there.
Kay & Keith Marlatt

Matt Lauer

May 13, 2011

Everyone who knew Brian would agree that he was someone that could have a good time wherever he was, no matter what the circumstance. His home was always open to his friends, and he always shared that good time that surounded him with whomever was around. He was a catalyst for good friends and good memories of better days. Brian isn't gone, he is still with us reminding his friends to enjoy life everyday.

Doug and Denise (Richey) DeFay

May 13, 2011

" I read the news today oh boy..."
Truely disheartening, rest in peace BB. We already sense the void. The friendship, the humor, and of course the horn. Great times were had with tons of memories, music, and mischief.
"If I don't see you anymore in this world, I'll meet you in the next one..." Save us a few seats!

Vicki Ballinger-Franklin

May 12, 2011

I was very shocked to hear the news of Biran's death. I went to Junior and High School with him. He was always so much fun to be around. And what a musician he was! My prayers go out to all of you who knew Brian. May he rest in Peace.

Dee Densel

May 12, 2011

"God Saw You"
God saw you getting tired, and a cure was not to be. So he put his arms around you and whispered, "Come to me."

With tearful eyes we watched you, And saw you pass away. Although we loved you dearly, we could not make you stay.

A golden heart stopped beating, Hard working hands at rest. God broke our hearts to prove to us, He only takes the best!

Rest in Peace, Brian

Heather Klage

May 10, 2011

I've been having trouble leaving a message but trying again. These memories and wishes from everyone are so healing. Our brother was obviously very loved and will be so missed. He lived life to the fullest and didn't hesitate to show his feelings. We are so happy we went and reconnected in March. He was concerned we wouldn't get some sightseeing in between our hospital visits, but we did.
Thanks to everyone in New Orleans for their giving spirit and caring hearts. We will treasure you forever!
Memories I will treasure include his visits to see his little sisters at IU, including a UB40 concert. He was unofficial DJ at my wedding, no bad music allowed by him. He made countless birthday parties for my boys and Heidi's kids. He was so happy when his gifts were a big hit, I remember a simple plastic bowling set was once. He remained a big Colts fan even among all the Saint fans.
I'm really trying to remember all the good times...he wouldn't want us to be sad. It hurt him to see Heidi and I get upset on our visit. He was very much the life of the party...and I'm sure he still is!!
We are glad you are at peace now.
Love, Heather and Tim

Troy Hershberger

May 10, 2011

Although I haven't seen Brian for many years, I have great memories of the times we spent racing our Soap Box Derby cars. We were just kids but I still remember his sense of humor and craziness. I'm so sorry to hear of his passing but pray for peace for his family and an eternal celebration for Brian.

May 10, 2011

I knew Brian as a friend of my brother Kevin. Last I saw him, and it's been yrs.
was at Cleveland for a Packers- Browns game.Packers won!! he was a great fan of them as am I.
Life is short, I'm sure Brian is in a better place right now.
Sorry for your loss.

Bruce Brown

May 10, 2011

I am so sorry to learn of Brian's passing. Although it had been many years since I had spoken to him, he meant a great deal to me. The years I worked with him in Soap Box Derby are some of my best. Brian worked very hard for his success and was a most deserving champion.

the Bernhart family always made me feel welcome. I will always appreciate their friendship.

My prayers are with you all.

May 10, 2011

Will miss you Brian !

Brittany Wolfe

May 10, 2011

I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your brother. I will keep him and your family in my prayers.

Janet Prader

May 10, 2011

To Brian’s family - I’m very sorry to hear about Brian. I have many fond memories of the times we spent together in high school. Brian was a talented musician and was always upbeat and happy. I remember when your Mother painted the Supertramp cover “Even In The Quietest Moments” for Brian. It was beautiful and he was very proud of it. I still have a small piece that she drew of a raccoon, it hangs in my kitchen! Rest in Peace Brian. I send my deepest sympathy and hope you all can find strength during this difficult time.

Chris Spinazzola

May 10, 2011

This is unbelievable.Unreal.
Brian was always my friend, we had some great times !
I had lost touch after his first couple of years in New Orleans,but never worried, I knew he was having a blast, I looked forward to seeing him again, always thought that one day, we would catch up.
He played "Always Something There to Remind Me" by Naked Eyes when we got together,it was our song.
Music..Music..Laughs..Good Times...

Ashley Wolfe

May 10, 2011

I am very sorry to hear of Brian's death. Everyone is in my prayers and daily thoughts. Take care and God Bless!

Amy Wolfe

May 10, 2011

We are so sad to hear about Brian's passing. I have such vivid memories of Brian when you all would visit us in West Virginia. The best one was Brian getting stuck in Aunt Marilyn's clothes chute. Brian was such a wonderful, fun loving person. We will continue to keep your entire family in thought and our daily prayers. Brian, you will be missed by all.

Love Amy

Kevin Schey

May 9, 2011

I am very sorry to hear of Brian's death. We hung a lot, traveled to sporting events and concerts, and exchanged music for years. The first song I played after seeing his obit was "Hourglass" by Squeeze. I think I will be listening to some of his favorite bands for a long time to come in his memory. His fun loving, generous, and carefree attitude stands in contrast to his untimely death. My deepest sympathy to his family on the death of your brother and uncle. He was a great guy and I will miss him a lot.

May 9, 2011

I've known Brian since high school. We played in band and partied together. This is a shock to us all. My prayers go out for you and your family, you will be missed Brian.

Steve Cross

Heidi Densel

May 9, 2011

Heather and I are so glad we had a few days with Brian in New Orleans back in March. We got to go through some old photos with him of Soap Box Derby days, times with our mom and dad and Scott, and visits he made when we were at IU. We also caught him up on pictures of our kids. Even though he was in the hospital he told us some of his favorite places in New Orleans to check out. After spending some time there I realize why he loved it. It was just the place for him- laid back, great food, great music, and lots of history. The people there are some of the nicest I've ever met. No wonder he went back even after Katrina! I wish he could've showed us around in person but even from his hospital bed he arranged for Heather and I to have a great meal at the Iris on him for our last night there. That's the kind of guy he was. We also got to meet some of his friends who were more like family- Zoe, Brian, and Erik. And we got to see a familiar face again- Jennifer. We can't thank you all enough for being there for him when we were so far away. He was so lucky to have you in his life.
Brian wanted to know all the details of our kids and what they were like. Matt and I were hoping to go back this summer with Owen and Renee to visit. When I told them I wish they could see Uncle Brian again, Owen reminded me that they will someday.
We love you Brian and miss you already.

Janet MacKay-Galbraith

May 9, 2011

I am so very sad to hear of Brian's passing. As one of the Indian Village gang, Brian is forever part of my childhood memories. I vividly remember one late night dare to touch the back fence of the very cemetery where Brian will be laid to rest. My heart is with his siblings and loved ones at this time of sadness.

Tim Berry

May 9, 2011

My memories of Brain date back to Indian Village Elementary, Elmhurst Little League and riding bikes through the village. My prayers are with you all!

LINDA

May 8, 2011

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

Molly Mochamer Kankel

May 8, 2011

I am so sorry and shocked to hear of Brian's death. I have known him since I was 17 and went all through Ball State with him as a friend. God bless your family. Much love and sympathy to your family.

Sincerely, Molly Mochamer Kankel

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