Obituary of Gary Bernard
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.