Luis Eduardo Bernal

Luis Eduardo Bernal was born on July 8th, 1949 in Bogota, Colombia. He grew up in his family home with 4 sisters and 1 brother. He was educated all the way through college in Colombia. He was always an energetic, spirited man who always spoke his mind and did what he wanted. Since he was young he loved to dance and socialize and he thrived on being around many people. Before he was married he had many girlfriends. One of them worked in a circus that he joined and he was planning to join her and leave the city. When his mom found out she told him that she was going to take him to the military office to take pictures and get an id. When he got there his mom told the officer to talk to Luis. He was enlisted that day for military service without him realizing. He was in the military for about 3 years. After leaving the military he continued working in the air force. In an air force party where there was one of his cousins he met Marlene Mora. After 28 days of dating they decided to get married despite the disapproval of both families. The only ones in attendance at the wedding were her sisters and brothers and from his side just two sisters. They were married for two years before having their first daughter Sandra. Three years later they had their second daughter Ibethe. After a very difficult decision plans were made to move to Miami, Florida. He lived there for 1 year and did not enjoy it after one hurricane. Arizona became his next home and lived here for 32 years with his wife and daughters. During those 32 years he worked at various food related industries including the Arizona Club and the Biltmore. He also worked briefly with John McCain. Since 1993 he helped establish and continued to support the Casa de la Cultura Colombiana which promoted the Colombian culture, food, artists and folklore. In the 43 years that he was married to Marlene both sides of the family grew to love and consider him an integral part of the family.

He built many friendships everywhere he went and was always the first to help out in any situation and at any time. He was loved for his humor, his energy, his enthusiasm and his organization. He was strict in making sure things were done correct and right away and always double checked everything. He made sure to stay in contact with all of his family and called them weekly and sometimes nightly including his aunt Maria, his cousin Connie and her family, his cousin Argemiro. He was the one that made sure to keep everyone up to date on what was going on with both sides of the family. His phone calls to Colombia will be dearly missed by everyone. During his last year of life he was able to learn more about patience and was forced to depend many times on others. He was very fortunate to have amazing neighbors and friends that always came to his rescue and aide anytime he needed it. All the doctors and nurses that took care of him also grew to love him for his positive attitude. Despite being sick he was able to say his goodbyes to everyone and decided up to the very last minute how his life was going to go.

He is survived by his wife Marlene, daughters Sandra and Ibethe, mom Dora, sisters Pilar, Christina and Martha and Jim and brother Oscar, his beloved grandkids, Nathan, Troy and Catalina, his son in law Bobby, cousins Humberto and Doris and his kids Andres, Paola and Emilio. He also leaves behind Krisy, a third daughter by friendship. Tony, one of his best friends since moving to Arizona will always be in his heart. He will always be remembered by many friends and family all over the world and he will be dearly missed. He died in his sleep with his wife watching him take his last breath on March 2nd, 2014.

Arrangements under the direction of A.L. Moore-Grimshaw Bethany Chapel, Phoenix, AZ.