Bernard "Bernie" Chase

May 16th, 1942 - July 12th, 2018

Bernard Chase, known to most as Bernie, was a dedicated veteran, devoted husband, and loving father. After struggling with health complications from an operation to remove plaque from his jugular for over 2 ½ years, he passed gently from this world at about 7:55pm July 12th, 2018. In February of 2016, Bernie had an operation to clear his jugular of plaque buildup to prevent severe cardiovascular problems. The operation put him on bed-rest with a tracheotomy, at which time he was cared for by family at home. After a lengthy battle against various infections, the strains of a hard life, and old age, he passed away at 76 years old.

A career Marine, Bernie graduated High School in his hometown of North Branch, Michigan, in 1960 and enlisted in the Marine Corps the same year. He was married to his now deceased wife Sandy January 5th, 1963 in Redondo Beach, her hometown. Later the following year, they had their first child, Larry Chase. As part of his military life, the happy family moved constantly from place to place, eventually expanding again in 1969 with the birth of their second son, Steve. In 1974, while stationed in Fresno, Bernard was diagnosed with throat cancer. After surgery, he was medically discharged after 16 years of service, with the rank of Gunnery Sergeant. Since then, he did all he could to help others in any capacity and tried to play his best game with the difficult hand he’d been dealt.

In 1984, he joined VFW Clovis Post 3225 and became one of its most prominent members, having a hand in everything, from fundraisers to the annual Toys for Tots campaign, becoming Post Quartermaster 2 years later. He served as Quartermaster for 25 years before retiring from the position in 2011. He was an active member of the VFW and several other veterans organizations including Amvets Post #2011, American Legion, Marine Corps League, and the Central California Veterans’ Home Support Foundation until his passing.

Bernard is survived by his two sons and their wives, Larry and Leslie, Steve and Andrea, and four grandchildren, Thomas (His wife, Katie), Delaney, Logan, and Hunter. He also has one great grandchild from his oldest grandchild Thomas, named Ryan, born March 2016. While we are sad to see him go, we are glad to know that his suffering is over and he is allowed to reunite with his beloved wife Sandy, deceased November 1999. There will be a viewing of the deceased on Wednesday, July 18th, from 3-7pm at Boice Funeral Home in Clovis. A service will be held at the Fresno Memorial Gardens, 175 S Cornelia Ave, Fresno, CA on Thursday, July 19th, 2018 at 10am, overseen by Pastor Bob Small with a reception to follow immediately after (approx:11:30-2) at the Clovis Veterans Memorial District. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to VFW Post 3225 or other Veterans organizations.

Bernie loved to buy and sell collectibles and other assorted items, mostly from auctions. While he tried to make money from these endeavors, at its core, he simply enjoyed the feeling of wonder when seeing something old and valuable and seeked it out everyday. He bought and sold items for money, but more importantly, he did it because it was what he loved to do. He saw value in everything, and thus, obtained everything, and then some. A few of everything, come to think of it.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.boicefuneralhome.com for the Chase family.