A loving husband, father, and grandfather, he will always be remembered for his generous heart, his storytelling, and his quick wit. He had a deep appreciation for his strong relationships with his family, friends, and colleagues.
In 1964, Bernard earned a degree in agriculture from Sam Houston State University. Upon graduation, at the age of twenty-two, he began a forty-six-year career in education. His first teaching position was in Victoria, Texas. He started as a high-school vocation teacher. In 1972, he moved to Austin, Texas to become a vice-principal at Smith Elementary. At Smith, Bernard was quickly promoted to principal, and he held this position for over two decades. In 1997, the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program recognized Smith Elementary for exemplarity academic achievement. Bernard continued to move up within the Del Valle Independent School District. In 2000, he became superintendent until his retirement in 2010.
Bernard enjoyed a well-earned reputation as a leader and mentor for students and colleagues. He possessed an immense collection of anecdotes, jokes, and lessons that he used to emphasize a point or to simply make you laugh. Each time these stories are retold, he will continue to influence generations of children.
Bernard’s love for children allowed him to shine as a father, uncle, and grandfather. He would be the first to suggest getting out of the indoors, going to Lake Travis, traveling, attending sporting events, and generally having fun. After his retirement, he received great pleasure tinkering in his garage and maintaining his beautiful, native plant landscape.
Bernard is survived by his wife of fifty-six years, Stella Henke Blanchard, son Jay Bernard Blanchard, son Joel Anthony Blanchard, daughter-in-law Laura Kolstad, granddaughter Katie Blanchard, and grandson Kevin Blanchard.
He is honored by six of his nephews as pallbearers: Shelby Blanchard, Steve Blanchard, Robb Lanum, James Sheblak, Kenneth Sheblak, and Matt Young.
Visitation will be from 5 to 7 PM Thursday September 2, 2021, recitation of the Holy Rosary to begin at 7 PM ,at the Weed-Corley-Fish South Congress Funeral Home, 2620 South Congress Ave, Austin Texas 78704. Mass of Christian Burial will take place Friday 2 PM at St. Boniface Catholic Church, 358 County Rd 220, Hobson, TX 78117. Interment will follow in St. Boniface Cemetery
In lieu of flowers the family request donations to the Parkinson's Foundation.
Due to the current outbreak both services will be live streamed if you are not able to attend. If you are in attendance we request that mask be worn.
