Richard J. Bernick

1929 - 2021

Bernick, Richard J.
"Dick"
1/12/1929 - 9/30/2021
Attorney; University of Colorado Emeritus Regent; Lieutenant Colonel, USAF (Retired)

Richard (Dick) Jesse Bernick was 92 when he passed away at Rose Memorial Hospital in Denver on September 30th, 2021, surrounded by his children. He was preceded in death by his parents, Philip and Ethel (Milstein) Bernick, and his sister Marjorie (Bernick) Grimes. He is much-loved, truly missed and survived by his four children; Philip Avery Bernick, Amy Elaine Bernick Sheridan, Margaret Lee Stephenson, and Andrew Richard Bernick. He also leaves behind six grandchildren; Wesley Spencer Sheridan, Zachary Lee Stephenson, Nathan Jesse Sheridan, Nicholas Jay Stephenson, Galen Philip Bernick, Tess Margaret Bernick, and one great-grandchild, Gracelyn Alyssa Guzman.

Richard is fondly and widely remembered by many in Colorado: he was born in Denver and remained in the region throughout his life. He served as a Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Air Force Reserves and received both his Bachelor of Arts and Juris Doctorate degrees at the University of Colorado, Boulder. Admitted to the Colorado Bar in 1952, he began his practice with Rothgerber & Appel, subsequently practiced as a partner with Gould, Moch & Bernick and later Bernick & Moch. While he eventually reduced his practice, he never fully left his vocation. He maintained his license and continued to perform pro bono legal work for an extensive network of generational family members and friends.

Dick was active in state and national politics. While he served on numerous boards, his most notable pursuit was in service, over thirty years, to his alma mater. He was elected to the University of Colorado Board of Regents (as a Democrat) for five terms: 1958-60; 1960-66; 1974-80; 1980-86; and 1986-92. He served as Chair of the Board in 1976-77 and as Vice Chair in 1975, 1982, and then from 1984 to 1988. He was a politically astute leader, good-natured, fair-minded, and respected by his colleagues (Go Buffs!).

All of these accomplishments pale in comparison to his role as a family member (son/father/grandfather), and friend to many. He played tennis, skied, hiked, cycled, swam, and loved to travel. Well-read and a great conversationalist, Dick enjoyed discussing articles, movies and current events, and sharing good food and drink. He had an astonishing memory and a quick wit. Puns were a game to him, and while he was frequently the most nimble with them, he always made you feel good for your attempts to keep up. He was very patient, some would say stubborn at times, but certainly principled and kind.

In lieu of anything else, Richard would encourage you to donate to any (and every) progressive cause you think worthy. A memorial service will be planned when all can gather safely, likely early in the new year, and will announced via the Drinkwine Family Mortuary legacy pages: https://www.drinkwinemortuary.com/obituary/Richard-Bernick