Bernard Emile Quesnel

HAMPTON - Bernard Emile Quesnel, 86, beloved husband of Betty Neal Quesnel, left this life on Nov. 5, 2014. Bernie was born on March12, 1928, in Rutland Vermont to Lida and Henry Quesnel. During his childhood the family moved to Virginia and settled in the Buckroe Beach area of the Peninsula where Bernie spent his teenage years. He was a Vietnam veteran and also had postings in Japan, Korea, France, and Germany during a 27 year career with The United States Air Force. He retired from the Air Force in 1975 with the rank of Chief Master Sergeant. Bernie was a master craftsman, loved working with his hands, and spent much of his time in retirement doing projects for himself or for friends and family. Bernie was devoted to his family and loved spending time with them, especially the grandsons, and loved good political discussions and spending time on his boat in the Chesapeake Bay. Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 65 years Betty Neal Quesnel; a son, Neal Quesnel (Nellie) of Hampton; a daughter, Debra Pearson (Tom) of Franklin, Va.; three grandsons, Neal Quesnel, Jr. of Hampton, Michael Quesnel (Michelle) of Powder Springs, Ga., and Carter Pearson of New York City; and two great-granddaughters, Alexa and Amanda Quesnel of Powder Springs, Ga. A graveside service with full Air Force honors will be conducted at 2:00 PM Saturday, November 8, 2014 in Parklawn Memorial Park. Arrangements by R. Hayden Smith Funeral Home.