John F. Bernard's Obituary
John lost his battle with lung cancer late Monday evening, February 1, 2021. John was born to Frank and Jean (Crecos) Bernard in Muskegon, MI on March 7, 1943. He joined the United States Navy in 1961 and served for four years. He met his future bride, Karen Jeanne “Kay” Reid, just before entering the service and they were married July 13, 1963. After returning from naval duty, he worked for E & B Motors in Muskegon and later went to work at Reid Tool Supply Company where he had a forty-year career prior to his retirement in 2005. He retired as Chief Operating Officer and President of the Company and had also served on the board of directors for several years. He was active in the Muskegon Kennel Club as he and Kay raised Irish Setters and Bedlington Terriers for show. John was a motorcycle and car enthusiast all his life. He loved cars and drag raced for several years. John raced on the ice with his motorcycle. He later joined the West Michigan Street Rod Club and traveled with his family to many shows. He became an avid snow boarder with his sons and loved the Colorado Rockies where he and Kay had a mountain home for twenty years. His greatest passion came to life after his retirement when he restored vintage motorcycles. His true talent and artistry was painting, restoring and fabricating parts no longer available for these bikes. His sons will carry on the tradition. He leaves behind to cherish his memory; his wife, Kay; his sons, John (Rosanne) and Andrew; beautiful grandchildren, Sydney, Nicole, Bryce, Lybby, and Benjamin; his Friday night friends, garage buddies and many friends and family. He was preceded in death by his parents, two nephews, two sisters-in-law, brother-in-law, and his parents-in-law. Please consider donations to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, Harbor Hospice Foundation, or the Kids Food Basket. The family thanks the doctors and nurses at Mercy Hospital, Johnson Family Cancer Center, and Cancer & Hematology Center of Western Michigan for their guidance and care. At this time, cremation has taken place. A celebration of John’s life will be announced at a later date. Arrangements by The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 6291 Harvey St., Norton Shores, MI 49444.
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