Bob Bernhoft

BERNHOFT

Robert "Bob"

Robert "Bob" A. Bernhoft, 82, of Queensbury, passed away Wednesday morning, September 4, 2013, at his home, with his loving family by his side.

Born April 4, 1931, in Peekskill, NY, he was the eldest son of the late Arthur and Gladys (Cole) Bernhoft.

Bob graduated from Fayetteville High School and attended Houghton College for one year before joining the U.S. Navy at age 19. He served as a hospital corpsman during the Korean War. He was honorably discharged in 1954.

After his military service, Bob attended Syracuse University. He graduated cum laude with a bachelor's, and master's degree in education and Doctorate of Education and Counseling. He followed Syracuse athletics faithfully.

For seven years, he taught high school social studies and coached football in the Syracuse area. He moved to Ohio, and for 6 years he taught guidance and counseling at the University of Toledo. During the next 20 years, Bob was not only a psychologist in private practice, but he also owned Vintage Farms in Temperance, Michigan, where he raised, trained and bred several champion Morgan Horses.

Music was one of Bob's greatest joys in life. He shared his beautiful voice with the Toledo choral society, the Toledo Swiss singers, and the Teutonia Maennerchor. He was known as the "Yodeler," sharing his talent for yodeling at parties, restaurants, and family weddings. He also played the harmonica, button box, and ukulele - all self-taught. After retirement, Bob and his wife, Betty, returned to upstate NY, so he could once again pursue his passion for downhill skiing, which he did well into his 70s. In December 2001, he was a relay torchbearer for the Salt Lake Winter Olympics.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a sister, Marilyn Carlisle. Bob is survived by his wife of 23 years, Betty (Beyer) Bernhoft of Queensbury, NY; and his five children, Robert Bernhoft Jr., Susan (Kevin) King, Dr. Hans Bernhoft (Richard Stanish), Kimberly (Peter) Holzberger, and Thomas (Jean) Bernhoft. Also two stepchildren, Kevin (Stephenie) Shaw, and Carrie Shaw. He was blessed with 15 grandchildren, and 9 great-grandchildren. Also surviving are his brother, Donald Bernhoft (Catherine Thompson); a sister, Marian Morse, and several nieces and nephews. In 2006, "Chipper," a little black cat, entered Bob's life and his heart.

Interment, with military honors, took place on Friday, September 13, 2013, at Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, Duell Road, Saratoga, N.Y.