Bernard "Bernie" Whitton

The pain and sorrow of losing my brother Bernie is overwhelming. Bernie was such a good guy generous, kind, and compassionate. His work for Pastors for Peace led him to drive to the Port of Montreal to ship relief aid for Cuba. He also once drove to Nicaragua with a shipment of school and medical supplies. He truly lived by his faith.
Bernie was a baseball fan by the age of 6. His favorite team was the Reds. We experienced so many happy times together riding our bicycles to Cincinnati for the Reds game. In the winter he could always tell you how many days till opening day of the baseball season.
On our way to see our Mom and Stepfather in Detroit we always stopped at the beach in Luna Pier, Michigan. It was one of his favorite places.
He was at his best when his family needed his support. He helped me through many surgeries and hospitalizations. Bernie, my sister, and I kept beside vigils when our mother and father passed away.
We both loved all animals. Bernie especially loved his cat Gorby.
Bernie and I carried mail together in Broad Ripple in the 80's. He was admired by his co-workers and loved by his customers.
Bernie was such a great and loving brother. I will mis him terribly until we meet again.
Heidelberg Haus Café and Gift Shop, a German restaurant was on of Bernie's favorite places to go in Indianapolis. Whenever he went there, he always brought me two big delicious German pretzels, a jar of jelly, and German chocolates. I finally had to tell him this past Christmas "Bernie, NO MORE JELLY! I have enough jelly to last me the rest of my life, but don't stop bringing pretzels and chocolates"!
Bernie was always such a good listener. One day I was ranting and raving about something, and I finally said, "I'm going straight to hell for that one!" His response "If you stop now maybe not, but if you say one more word you definitely are!"
As a young boy Bernie suffered terrible fall allergies. His morning wake-up routine was sneezing about 300 times in a row (exaggerated as possible!) It drove me crazy. I remember one morning my mother was trying to comfort him and I yelled at her "MAKE HIM STOP". Boy, did I get the evil eye from her. Well deserved, I must admit.
Yes, I could be the mean older sister. In our later years, we both remembered that day and had many laughs retelling the story. I always told him I was so sorry for being so mean.
I loved Bernie so much. He was such a kindhearted sweet soul. Th bond my two brothers and I shared during the last eleven days of our mother's life in the Michigan hospital was so special. Now, even though you are gone from this earth my beautiful beloved little brother Bernie, I will forever hold you in my heart. EV
To plant a tree in memory of Bernard "Bernie" Whitton, please visit our Tribute Store.