Julian Frank Bernat

Julian Bernat, born April 8, 1917, in Chicago, to Gisela and Frank Bernat, died in Cambridge, MA, on September 23, 2014, at the age of 97. He attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison (journalism) and graduated from law school at UT Austin. His wife of sixty-five years, Elayne, preceded him in death by six years. His brother, Louis, of Chicago, also preceded him in death.

In 1944, Elayne, Julian and daughter, Juli, moved to El Paso where sons Marc and Andy were born. Julian leaves behind his three children, Andy's wife, Valerie, seven grandchildren, Robin Bernat Latour (Derek), Bree Bernat Shems (Ed), Josh Furgeson (Anjani), Seth Furgeson (Shaila), Drew Bernat (Jenn), Lindsey Gremont (Evan) and Jill Tayeh (Sameer), and twelve great grandchildren. He is also survived by nephews, Mike Mervis, Jeff Mervis and Robert Bernat, and their families.

When he retired in 2011, Julian was the oldest practicing lawyer in El Paso. He began his business-related practice with Potash and Bernat, which became Bernat & Bernat, and spent his last ten years of counsel with Gordon Davis Johnson Shane PC. Loyal and tenacious, he well earned the pinnacle title of "a lawyer's lawyer."

Elayne and their family were number one on his list. His word was his bond, he was grateful for what he had, he looked forward to sharing with others, he listened well and worked hard with honor and integrity and expected others to do the same, and was forgiving and thoughtful. Folks took his advice and were grateful. Outside the office, Julian and Elayne loved to travel and watch sports. Golf and his golfing friends provided Julian with many years of pleasure.

Eager to help others, he enthusiastically entered community service. He was Chairman of the Board when KCOS was organized; Chairman when Emergency 911 was organized; Member of the Executive Committee and Board of First City Bank in El Paso; Officer and Board Member of the Jewish Community Centers Association of N. America, the El Paso Jewish Community Center (founding President), Secretary to the National Jewish Welfare Board, and founding President of the Federation Housing of El Paso (Chai Manor) and the Jewish Federation of El Paso.

Julian and Elayne were especially involved with UTEP. They endowed two education scholarships. Julian was a long-time member and Chairman of UTEP's Development Board and President's Association. He co-led UTEP's first large Permanent Endowment Campaign and helped organize its Planned Giving Counsel. Julian received UTEP's El Gran Paseno award and the Hannah G. Solomon award from the National Council of Jewish Women.

In 1960, Elayne and Julian became original franchisees of Budget Rent A Car for West Texas and all of New Mexico. The franchises were sold in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

A Graveside Service will be held on Sunday, September 28, 2014 at 10:00 AM at Temple Mt. Sinai cemetery, 3911 Gateway West. A Memorial Service will follow at 11:30 AM at Temple Mt. Sinai, 4408 N. Stanton, El Paso, TX 79902. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to UTEP, 500 W. University, 79968, Temple Mt. Sinai Cemetery Fund or other fund, 4408 N. Stanton, 79902, Jewish Community Foundation of El Paso, 405 Wallenberg, 79912. Services entrusted to Martin Funeral Home West, 128 N. Resler Dr., El Paso, TX 79912 (MartinFuneralHomeWest.com).