Chris A. Berna

Chris Alan Berna (Indian name Shuxsh Tumna, meaning "Good Heart") was born in Sherman, TX, June 6, 1962 and passed away at Sacred Heart Hospital after an illness December 29, 2011. He spent the latter part of his life here in the Pacific Northwest. He was preceded in death by his mother Patsy and father Marvin Stephens of Tekoa, WA. He meets in heaven with a new heart, no longer broken, the love of his life, Andrea Christine Tomeo-Berna. He lived his last days on the south hill of Spokane. He leaves in the care of loving family a daughter Lydia Tomeo-Berna and her fiancé Josh Olson of San Francisco, CA. He also has a son, Nick Berna and daughter, Jacque Berna both of Dalles, OR. His sister Jinni (Berna) and Delmar Auldous of Portland, Robert Berna and Patrick Berna both of Spokane Valley, WA will also miss him dearly. “The brotherhood of Berna” is a man down. Chris was an avid outdoorsman, he loved to fish, hunt and camping. Chris was very family oriented and could be found hosting dinners and BBQ’s at any moment’s notice. He was an EXCELLENT cook and kept a beautiful home before his illness. He was a proud homeowner and host. Chris was loved by so many. He truly exercised kindness, possessed a sincere gentle manner and practiced incredible generosity. He made such a difference in everything he did or was a part of. He lived his professional life caring for the elderly and disabled. He also provided complete care for his wife, Andrea, during a terminal illness until her passing in the summer of 2008. It was a touching illustration of the kind of person he was and the kind of care and love he had for his wife and those he was elected to care for. To speak of Chris was to speak of humanity in its best and truest form. He will be missed by a vast myriad of loved ones who called him dad, brother, uncle, grampa, and friend. We are comforted in the fact that he will be met as precious son and embraced in eternity as adored husband. We love you Chris and we will miss you. Arrangements were completed by Ball & Dodd Funeral Home, he was laid to rest at Fairmount Memorial Park. The family would like to specifically thank the chaplaincy and practitioners who treated him at Sacred Heart. Thanking especially the nurses and Intensivists in the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit and staff of the Comfort Care department. Finally, in lieu of flowers, Chris would have asked that you remember we are on this earth for only a moment and to let the ones you love know at every opportunity.