Craig Bernard Obituary

Craig Steven Bernard

March 10, 1951 - July 4, 2023

Shell Beach - Craig Steven Bernard passed away peacefully on July 4, 2023 in Oahu, Hawaii while on vacation with his family.

Craig was born on March 10, 1951 in Los Angeles, CA to Wayne and Myralu Bernard. He was raised alongside his sister Laura MacEwan. He graduated from Arroyo Grande High School before going on to graduate from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo with a degree in Business. Craig worked for three years in Santa Barbara at Berti,Duncan, Hilliard and Co. During this time he earned his Certified Public Accountant License. In 1977 he moved back a little closer to his hometown and started his own practice in Santa Maria.

Craig was a long-time member of the Rotary Club of Santa Maria and the Boys and Girls Club of the Central Coast. He loved to give back to his community. He valued family and friendships. When he was not working at his CPA firm he would spend his spare time doing what he loved-golfing, snow skiing, boating, traveling the world and attending his grandchildren's functions and sporting events. He resided in Shell Beach alongside his wife Kelly Boland. He found joy in tinkering around the house and yard, organizing his sheds, washing his windows, refinishing his teak patio furniture and visiting all of his neighbors.

Cherishing his memory are his son Garrett Bernard and Daughter Brooksley Jones and Husband Evan and grandchildren Hayden, Gracie, Parker and Christian Jones and Bowen, Declan, Rennon and Evington Bernard.

We will miss you Papa Craig. We find comfort in remembering all of the guidance, strength and love that you shared with us. We are all so blessed to have had you a part of our lives.

In Lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Boys and Girls Club of the Central Coast and the Rotary Club of Santa Maria.

Those we love don't go away...they walk beside us every day.

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

Published by Santa Maria Times on Jul. 28, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Craig Bernard

10 Entries

DENA VAN NORMAN

July 14, 2024

I can´t believe that it´s already been a year since you joined your beloved Kelly and buddy Ned!! I cherished our friendship and support after Ned passed away.... Thank you for being such a great friend!! I am so happy that you and Kelly met at Costco!! You really were made for one another!! I have such great memories that you, Ned, Barbara and I had back in the day!! Your kids were always number one for you and Barbara!! You both are to be admired for that!! Until we meet again!!

Rick Mason

August 29, 2023

I've known Craig for almost 37 years. He not only gave me my first accounting job, starting at his firm in 1987, he also recommended me for my last accounting job at the Boys and Girls Club. I worked for him for almost 9 years before moving out of the area to pursue other interests. When I returned to Santa Maria in 2002, he called me and asked if I'd be willing to help out at the Club while their bookkeeper was on maternity leave. Well, that person decided not to return and they offered me the position, where I stayed for almost 21 years before retiring a few months ago. Because of his long, continuous involvement with the Boys & Girls Club and its Foundation, I was fortunate to be able to maintain my relationship with him for all those years. He was my mentor and taught me almost everything I would need to know to be a good accountant, as well as a valuable resource and supporter of mine during my career at the Club. He is a person who can never be replaced in my life and I will miss him a great deal for a very long time. I offer my condolences to his family, friends, clients and staff.

Michael McGandy

August 24, 2023

CB
Nice making FUN with you, in our teens....and re-connecting the last few years. My condolences to your family. Gonna miss you, see you on the other side. Wiloby Blue.

Roger Hall

August 24, 2023

As a client of Craig for tax preparation for more than twenty years, I was always reassured by his efficient professionalism, and sound financial advice. I learned much from him. Moreover, I enjoyed his wide-ranging interests and knowledge on many subjects and looked forward to our annual meetings. My condolences to Craig's family. He touched many people and will be deeply missed.

David Wilhite

July 29, 2023

I worked with Craig at the B&G Club for several years and always enjoyed his professionalism and humor. Later, we had Craig be our CPA for a holding company, and again, his professionalism was sincerely appreciated. I know he will be missed greatly by his family, his clientele, and by the many people around Santa Maria he helped through the years. RIP my friend.

Arthur and Gail Bowen

July 26, 2023

sympathies to our Grandchildren's grandfather's family, as well as our grandchildren, Bowen, Declan, Rennon, and Miss Evington.

Dena Van Norman

July 24, 2023

So many wonderful memories and such a great friend to my late husband Ned and me.... My deep condolences to his family. You will be missed my friend....

Kaylynn Tims

July 23, 2023

Craig was my CPA for years as well as a good friend who gave me his wisdom and caring friendship more times than I count. I never met anyone who could read a person better than Craig. I valued his imprint on my life. I send my condolences to the family. I will see you agin good friend!!

Rick Gillespie

July 21, 2023

Rest in Pease my fiend. You went to soon. I´m sure God has a plan. I´m gonna miss you.

Mike Wegemer

July 20, 2023

I only had the pleasure of knowing Craig for the last four years as a regular golfing buddy with our GOTA (golf on Thursday afternoon) group. He was always upbeat, caring and helpful. He had a way of making you feel better from just talking to him. Craig was always interested in what was going on with my life and family and always had a good anecdote or story to share about his life experiences. We shared a lot of common traits regarding organization, planning, and gadgets and it was always fun comparing our latest Costco purchases especially sharing the big bag of Cheetos! I´ve never seen someone besides myself who was impressed with a collapsible camping trash can or battery operated lantern. I´m going to miss golfing with Craig and his friendship on and off the course.
Loving condolences to his family and many friends, The world was a better place with Craig in it.

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