Gary Bernard

Gary Bernard

November 02, 1949 - July 13, 2025

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Obituary

It is with sadness in our hearts that we grieve the loss of our brother, Gary Bernard. Gary died on July 13, 2025, in Indianapolis, Indiana, having lived there for over 32 years with his loving wife, Susan Duche-Bernard, who predeceased him in December 2024. 

 

Gary was born in Bakersfield, California on November 2, 1949 to Harry M. and Gertrude Bernard. He attended Bakersfield schools, including a brief stint at Bakersfield Junior College, before marrying and moving to Los Angeles with his first wife, Kathy.

 

As a young teen he was the lead drummer in a garage band, The Avengers, and spent many years perfecting his ability with those drumsticks. In later years his band fronted for many famous artists including Sonny and Cher, and Ted Nugent, among others.  He also perfected his bowling skills, taking after our father and recorded several perfect games of 300, or so the stories go.

 

Gary held several jobs throughout his working life including a period at the Indiana Correctional facility working in the mailroom, inspecting the prisoners mail. He regaled me with many stories of what he would find in those packages. He eventually retired from work to care for both himself as well as Sue, as they both had cancer.

 

Our siblings and spouses were fortunate to spend a week with Gary and Sue last summer, 2024, sharing many memories of our youth. It is those memories that will sustain us, keeping him and Sue close to our hearts and forever present in our lives.

 

Gary's accomplishments during his life were expressed through his music, his bowling and his dedication to family, but perhaps his greatest accomplishment comes with his death. In honor of our mother, who was blind the last five years of her life, Gary's corneas will give light and sight to someone in need.

 

He leaves behind two sisters, Dorothy McKay Vaughan (David) of Bakersfield, Rosalie Strong (David) of Simi Valley and brother Rick (Bonnie) of Lake Shastina, in addition to several nieces and nephews.

 

He was our little baby brother who has left us way too soon but will now be joined with his wife Sue. And, at last, you will be back in California kiddo!

 

He has been entrusted to Stevens Mortuary, Indianapolis, Indiana.

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Ron Ball
Other •
My younger brother, John, called today and told me that Gary had passed away. It is sad for my brothers and I because we grew up with the Bernard boys and Gary was such a great guy. He was always smiling and laughing. Of course, as little kids, we had crushes on Gary’s sisters, Dorothy and Rosalie. We lived in Bakersfield next door to the Bernard family on Palm Street. We hung out with Rick and Gary, and we spent our summers at Beale Park and O’Hara Hill. I remember their Irish Setter and Chihuahua. In later years, my brother, Jim, and I spent a year at Bakersfield College. I got to hang out again with Gary and Rick. Seeing Gary play with his band, the Avengers, was a treat. Gary had a natural talent and was an outstanding drummer. Gary’s mom, Gertie, was like a second mom to us. His dad, Harry Bernard, didn’t smile much. However, I found a way to make him laugh by rubbing his bald head. We were fortunate enough to grow up living next door to the Bernard family. There are people that you will never forget. They hold a place in your heart. The Bernards were the best neighbors anyone could ask for. … And Gary, we will remember and love you forever!
JB
John Ball
Other •
Yesterday was a sad day. I was talking with a neighbor who had a just purchased a drum set. He mentioned that he had played professionally and wanted to start playing again. I immediately said my childhood next door neighbor in Bakersfield California played professionally and his band opened up for several famous singers and bands including the Beach Boys. I mentioned his name, Gary Bernard, and he said her knew of him. I then decided to google “Gary Bernard drummer” and his obituary came up. I read his heartfelt obituary and while I was sad, my mind went to the many memories and stories that the Ball family had with the Bernard family. When I got home I called both my brothers and told them the sad news that Gary had passed away. Both Jim and Ron had their funny Gary stories. Such a great guy who was always the cutup. Gary and I were the youngest in our families and the same age so we were buddies. Going to Beale Park, Dewar’s and using the backyard alley as our playground were our go-tos. The Ball boys send our love to Dorothy, Rosalie and Rick. Gary, you were loved and enjoyed and will always be with us. We were lucky to have you as a neighbor and a friend.
BD
Bill Duche
Other •
Gary was my brother in law and I thank him for taking care of my sister Sue when she was dying of cancer even though he was struggling with his own cancer. I take comfort in that he and Sue are together again...maybe playing bingo.Besides having a couple of 300 games in bowling he also had a couple of holes in one in golf. I never heard of anyone achieving both of those feats. especially someone with Gary's physical stature. Rest in peace Gary. You and Sue will always be in my heart. Bill Duche
AR
Ann Robinson
Other •
To The Family of Gary (& Sue): My deepest condolences & prayers go out you in your time of sorrow. I am gad I was able to visit him in the hospital a few days before his passing. We chatted, reminisced about Sue, I shared pics on my camera and made a few calls for him per his request. We even took a couple of pics together! It brought joy to bring smiles to his face during our visit. It was my pleasure in assisting Gary/Sue with their final estate paperwork/wishes (Thank you, Carol Anne). I take immense joy in knowing the two of them are together again….forever. Rest peacefully, Gary.
CF
Carol Farzetta
Other •
My deepest sympathies to Billy, Rick, Bonnie, Rosalie, David Dottie and all the cousins, nieces and nephews! Loosing Sue and Gary so close together is certainly a lot for anyone. My prayer is they are no longer suffering and that they are together. May their memories be a blessing to you all. With love, Carol
RS
Rosalie Strong
Other •
We are grateful to dear friend, Carol Frazetta of Indiana, for her continued commitment to Gary. In death, he had donated his corneas in honor of our mother (who was blind the last five years of her life) to provide light and sight to those in need. To further this wonderful act of kindness, Carol located a coach for the Indiana school for the blind who will be taking Gary’s custom bowling balls as well as his golf clubs and donating them to the blind team members. A wonderful tribute to our brother.

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