Hey Bubba,

We just played in the Escalera Golf tournament and had a great time with your beautiful family.  This tradition keeps you close to our hearts. The memories of you are all over your family’s faces and I see your fingerprints on this extraordinary family tradition.  God bless your Soul!

Forever Bubba’s Unit!

Mijo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

What blessing to have you in my life Bernie. What a blessing that over 20 years ago you brought me into the Escalera Golf and Family reunion.  This event has your fingerprints all over it. Your presence was felt all day and throughout the weekend. It just shows how much you are loved by all your family and friends. What a treat it was to see your family.  Chris, Amanda, Amber and your granddaughters are your angels on this Earth.  Cathy, Dan, Eric, Harvey and your family treated us like royalty. 

Forever Bubba’s Unit!

Still can’t believe your gone primo. I will always look up to you and remember our talks and laughter. Your one of my hero’s and I’m missing you right about now. Until we meet again. I love you cuz

Marky

bernie was a good freind ive known him maybe since i was like 18 and ive been a good freind of the family through kathy my friend always and chris has always been a freind im going to miss Bernie very much my condolences to all the family . this is John charles or Junior to all my close freinds .

 I would like to tell my auntie Christina, and my cousins Amber and Amanda, I am so so so sorry for your lost. I can't imagine the pain you have bared. I send you my warmest hugs and wishes to the entire family. I miss you even more now.

My uncle Bernie was a cool and funny uncle, who also gave the best hugs. He always made sense, no matter what it pertained to. If about school, he told me that whatever I was doing,, keep it up, cause I was doing a good job. If it was about family, he would always remind me that even through arguments nomatter how bad they loved me no matter what. I remember when I'd come visit them, or help my aunt around the house, and if it was late at night, he was the one to take me home. I looked forward to those drives. We would always talk and he would tell jokes and always had something to discuss. It was never a quiet or dull moment with my uncle Bernie. He was always great with us and all the kids. He was probably the best! He loved his girls dearly! Would always be sharing stories about you, Amber and Amanda, he adored you girls! He also loved taking us to his job at the race tracks. It was so much fun, getting back stage vip treatment. He was always bringing us and inviting us for monster trucks and figure 8s and 4th of July shows, he always loved being around all the kids. If not for him, I would have never knew that a giant like him could be so warm and friendly inside. He always reminded me of a big giant teddy bear. Because he was never angry, he always has a smile on his face, even towards the time he started getting sick. He would always stay positive when I asked how he was doing and feeling.  Even if he wasn't feeling good. That was the kind  of man he was. Positive upbeat and happy. I had the pleasure of sharing these moments with my uncle Bearnie. I was devastated to hear about his condition.  I'm more saddened that I wasn't able to see him once more before he left us. Tell him thank you for everything he did. You are missed!

I lost my loving husband . . He was my partner in life . . He was one of a kind and I was proud to be his wife . .  He was a husband like know other . . He was my best friend  . .  My soul mate and my love . .   We were married one month shy of 32 years on Aug. 13th  But I have the memories of times we shared together. .  I am mising him in each passing day, I miss his smile, his voice, his charm, his sense of humour, and his wit, but most importantly the way he always made things better, and like most of you have said, his bear hugs.

I wanted to thank all of  you that posted your kind words and memories, I am so glad you all had the opportunity of knowing Bernie, he is (was) a great and loving person.

I had the pleasure of working with and knowing Bernie Mac! Honest, hard working, wise, and full of what I call Bernie-isams. When confining in him he’d say “it will stay between me, you, and the fence.” Or we’d come across a customer that didn’t have all his headlights on he’d say “well you know what they say about common sense, it ain’t that common.”  Or my personal favorite cause I was always 5 minutes late to our calls “if you’er on time you’re late, if your early you’re on time.”  He always went out of his way to make you laugh and feel special, truly a unique person. Always told me to focus on family cause work will always be there, your kids are only little once. Gone to soon, but those that shine the brightest like him are usually called for in heaven 1st. Love you big dog, save me spot at the card table. 

Chris, Amanda and Amber. I am so sorry for your loss. Our loss. Bernie was an awesome big cousin to me. Always made me feel like he truly cared and would be there if I ever needed. He touched me with his sense of family pride. He spoke beautiful words. But never failed to make a sweet touching moment into quick laughter. He was an amazing support to all Escaleras and I know his work will continue from the heavens above.  My condolences  to you 3 and to all my other cousins. Kiki, Danny, David, Carol, Kathy and Christina ❤

The memories will be everlasting of this wonderful, loving, strong man I was privileged to call mi primo y mi hermano.

Bernie epitomized what it was to be an Escalera.  This man truly loved his family and friends.  He always greeted you with a smile, handshake and a big bear hug.  No matter who you were, Bernie always made you feel loved and important.

Though Bernie was the baby amongst his brothers and sisters, he was one of the main leaders of the Roman side of the Escalera Family, and a humble force for the Escalera’s as a whole.

The Escalera’s two largest branches of the family are the Roman’s and the Apolonio’s.  I always remembered the friendly rivalry these two sides had at our annual Family Reunion’s.  Neither side would give an inch in any competition.  Usually, the Roman’s would be victorious over the Apolonio’s in family competition.  When I was younger I used to get annoyed losing to my Roman cousins.  After one loss, Bernie put his arm around me and said, “Not a big deal primo.  Remember, in this family the Apolonio’s have the brains while the Roman’s have the brawn”.  That day, Bernie became mi hermano!!!

I will always savor the memories of you Bernie.  This family will never be the same without you.

Save a place for us in paradise.  In God’s time we’ll be with you.

See you when I see you!!!

Te amo mucho😇🙏🏽❤️😇🙏🏽❤️

Eric

Bernie will be missed by Our Whole Hull Family!! He was a shining star at our Escalera Family Reunion every year and he always made our family feel special, and not just because of the Menudo we served up and that he loved! My kids called him “Tio Bernie.“ We will miss his smile, his energy, and his Love for Everyone. Our hearts and prayers are with Chris, Girls, and Families and the Roman Escalera branch Primos and Tíos who lost such a wonderful guy!!

Just a note of condolence to the Escalera family. Although it’s been years since I last saw Bernie, I do often remember many times of laughter we shared. He truly was a warm, caring, funny guy!

May your strength come from those who care. 
With Aloha
Tad. 



Uncle Bernie, I love you and will miss you , I will never forget the memories . You were a great uncle and will be missed I Love you and this is not Goodbye because we will meet again. 

love the Osuna Family
Roman
Areli
Ariel
Roman Jr.

Bernie was a great primo to me.  Although he didn't find out my real name till I was an adult.  Lol.  He only knew me as Kung- Fu.  No matter what he always made me laugh.  I will always remember our long conversations we had about sports, horses, and Superbowl pools.  He had a big heart. ❤ Gone to soon, but I know he is in a better place.  I will always cherish all the good laughs and beers we had. You will always hold a special place in my heart primo.  May you rest in Paradise.   Your prima Kung -Fu (Rita Ferrer) 

My condolences to the Escalera family.  ❤🙏 

Aunt Chris, Amber, Amanda and my sweet baby great cousins our hearts ache for you and we pray you find comfort in all the wonderful memories you have as well as in all these memories being shared. We are here for you always and love you so much. I know he is so proud of you girls and you were his world! His ACE’s! 

Uncle B, I will miss hearing your voice & laughter, seeing your smile and your big hugs I’d get lost in. I’m so thankful for all the memories I have and will hold those close to my heart. But my favorite memories are those of you with your great nephews Andrew, Elijah and Izaiah. They truly adore you and loved the times they got to spend with you. It made my heart so full watching the boys interact with their Great Uncle B along with their Grandpa, Great Aunties & Uncles at the March Air Base Air Show. To see my boys enjoy a pastime you and your siblings loved doing with your parents was such a blessing.

I will always cherish our family get togethers, Christmas Eves, Super Bowl parties, family reunions, Posadas and family beach days. In times like these it makes me wish we would of had more times together in between. 

Uncle B, until I get lost in your hugs again in Heaven a little piece of you will remain here on Earth within my memories and a little piece of me is with you. Thank you for all the love you have shown to Ben, the boys and I! We love you always!

Jolaine, Ben, Andrew, Elijah & Izaiah

bernie cousin, when i saw your picture it brought tears to my eyes but i wiped them away real fast because i know you were so strong  and it strengthen me and youve passed that tourch to me...and i to have to be strong..your fire and strength fed off to me...how you can still be humble n greatful for life n never showed selfishness nor anger..what i will miss most are your jokes you always made me laugh n even in your last days you had the best sense of humor. One thing i missed was gkingvto high school together i wasc8th grade when you were a senior imagine that seeing my cousin walking down the halls id say hey  thats my cousin the tall one and hes in the marching band. Not sure if you were the main guy that led the band but i know you will lead them in heaven. I luv all my cousin n it hurts me at times with our busy lives that we cant spend more precious moments together i think the family reunion isnt enough and its moments like this that i wish i had spent more time...i dont think you have one bad bone in your body nevercseen you angry always a contagious smile laugh n sense of humor. I wish that this corona virus had passed so i could of visited with you and could of encouraged each other, oh andxwatch you eat soup ithat i made fir you...till we meet again 
Jenny cabrera

Bernie was a kind and gracious man. Always a smile and a positive thought when I saw him at the bowling alley. 
Prayers of love and strength for his family and loved ones. He will be missed.

Bernie was a wonderful person. When we got involved in planning our annual Escalera Family reunion Bernie was our biggest supporter, he always had our back. On the day of our Escalera Golf tournament Bernie would be at the golf course bright and early ready  to help us get things set up. We will miss him very much. May he Rest In Peace. We love you Bernie ❤️
Bob & Cecelia Martinez 
& family

Our deepest and most heartfelt condolences to The Escalera Family from The Salcido Family.
May you find Peace and Comfort in The Promises of GOD’s WORD that says we shall all be reunited again in due time for Eternity...

My condolences to you Tia Nina Chris, Amber, Gorra and my little friends. I love you all so much and I am here if you need anything.  UNCLE BERN!!!!TIO BERN!!!! was an AMAZING Tio and Great Tio. So many memories 43 years of memories ( Tio Bern would tell me Damn you're old😀) from the ones he told me about to the ones that I remember.  I will miss Tio Bern's visits or calls just to check in on me and we'd make each other laugh.  I am grateful for the time I had with my Tio Bern and all the love he gave Dimas,the girls and myself.  
UNCLE BERN!!!! TIO BERN!!!! IT'S ME TITIIII!!!!... I love you and will miss you dearly. I know my mom is Happier now because she gets her HEY! HEY! HEY!!!!😀😍😘 

Aunt Chris, Amber and Amanda- we send all our love and will be with you tomorrow in prayer.
Uncle Bernie you truly were larger than life. You will be missed every day and especially at every family gathering, sadly they will never be the same without your quick wit and your big heart. I will always remember you at the Escalera Reunion with your long list of raffle tickets and frequent winnings, your SuperBowl parties, your selflessBBQing (until you retired), driving your huge gray truck, saying what everyone was thinking even if it wasn’t “pc”  -it was always honest and usually hilarious, you attending my father in laws services (thank you for showing love)  and maybe most of all just your voice and they way you would say “hi mija, how are you?” and lean in for a hug. You were a great Uncle to all of us.  Love you and see you in heaven!

So sorry to hear this. Met Bernie a few years ago and we got along great. My deepest condolences to Christina and the family. Besides discussing bowling he got me to appreciate Sinatra. He will be missed. Rip

What I remember most About my primo Bernie was when  my dad Polo Was in the hospital and ready to pass on  and Bernie came in to see him. All Bernie said was “Tio” and my dad opened his eyes and he said “Bernie” and my dad smiled. When my nephew Art passed away, it was Bernie looking for us  not sure which house was ours to be with us at our darkest time. That’s  what I will always remember about my Primo, his compassion for his family. He had a generous heart, love family and life. His sense of humor and when I think of family Bernie is one of the beautiful faces that will come to my mind. I will miss him. Love you. Cousin Linda.

Condolences to Chris, Amber,Amanda and  his Brothers and Sisters. To my cousin Bernie who made such a big impact on the Familia. He always made you feel welcome, loved, and laugh. I want your family and you to know you were loved and will be missed. To this day Bernie will always be the nephew my dad Polo had to look up to to talk to. He was the only nephew taller than my dad. Much love to you Primo. From your Primo Richie boy Ramos. 

Cousin Bernie, Every time we would see you, you were ALWAYS so great to me and my family.  You were a gentle giant with a huge heart. I will always remember you and our laughs. Rest in Peace Cousin. Say Hi to my Dad and Nana Hope. Xoxoxxo 

Uncle Bernie brought JOY to a room.  His smile was contagious , he loved making people laugh , and he had a heart of gold! 
My heart is so broken that he is gone but I'm also so grateful that I will see him again in heaven❤
He LOVED his girls, granddaughters , his wife , his siblings ,dear friends and us nieces and nephews and our babies SO well! 
This man knew how to love. 
And he will be SO missed ! 
Love you uncle B❤ see you in paradise !

Will always remember his laugh and smile ! My Sincere condolences to the family ❤️ RIP Bernie🙏🏼

My condolences to Chris, Amanda,Amber, his Granddaughters, and his siblings. My sweet cousin I will always keep the memory of us, my mom, Cristina, and Kathy closing down Applebee’s enjoying, food, drinks, laughter and each other’s company. I will miss your smile, big hugs, and your sense of humor.  I love you Primo.

Bernie has a Special place in my heart and will always remember him as being that fun loving giant of a Man.  He always had this Big smile when greeting you along with a Big hug!

Our Escalera Family has lost a wonderful and beautiful man.   
May God Bless his Soul as he reaches the Gates of the Kingdom of Heaven for eternal life. 

My sincere condolences to Chris, Amanda and Amber along with his Family. 



May you rest in Paradise with our Lord cousin Bernie , my deepest condolences to his immediate family. I have the fond memories of his laugh and smiles at every reunion and I still have my Escalera Reunion CD he made and we were discussing to make a new volume every year like the East Side stories. He was thoughtful and a great man , we will all miss you Primo and your bear hugs , Love , Lorraine and Peewee Lopez



My primo Bernie. The family knew him as Little Bernie simply because he was the "younger" Bernie. Little, he wasn't; neither in physical size, heart or zest for life. 
Bernie was bigger than life. I will miss our conversations, bumping into you at the electronics store, and your presence here on earth primo. 
My heart goes out to your Christina, Amanda, Amber and all your grand babies. May they all be filled with the comfort, peace and strength of our Lord during this most difficult of times. I'm glad your fight is over primo.  No more pain. Rest in the presence of our Lord.

Here's a picture of a young (stud) Bernie taken in the backyard of my my parents (tio Ray & tia Laura) home in La Puente. ☺

Even thou we only saw each other at the family reunions, you made an impression by bringing your buddies to play golf at the golf tournament,  laughing and having a good time  with your friends. You were friendly with me at all times even thou we only saw each otherat the reunion. Your voicestros laughter and smile resonated at the gatherings. You will be missed you at our next reunion. May you rest in peace. 

MIJO!!!!!!   Only my mom, my brother and you called me mijo.  It was always uplifting when you would answer my phone calls or leave me a message with a big LOUD MIJO!!!   Just by saying your name, Bernie, it makes your face smile.  I really admired that about you, how you were so positive.   I can never thank you enough for inviting me to the annual Escalera Family Reunion/Golf Tournament over 20 years ago.  Bernie and I would always try to get a 9 hole practice round in the week before the tournament at Eaton Canyon Golf Course.   What a blessing for me to share in the love that your family brings together every year.  I know you and your brothers and sisters were always your Dad's "unit", but all of us that you have touched on this earth will always be your "unit".  Chris, Amanda and Amber, my heart aches with you and your entire family.  He was such a good person, the tears will turn into smiles, because that is the kind of man he was.
Rest in peace Bubba!

Primo Bernie, I will always remember the great times at the Turkey Bowl, Family Reunions. playing cards and all the times we would just hangout and drink plenty of beers. It was always about family love with you! Your boisterous laugh could be heard from anywhere in the park at the reunion. I will miss you as will anyone who ever knew you Primo. Love you! Prayers for your family!

Primo Bernie, we were not blood related but you welcomed me into your family like i was. When i first met you i couldnt believe how tall you were and i saw right away your heart matched your size ....a BIG heart full of love for all!!  Your love for Matthew ran over to me and the kids and we sure felt it!! Thank you Primo Bernie for being you!! You will surley be missed ❤
My sincere condolences to Chris, Amanda, Amber, your grandkids and all your brothers and sisters. May you Rest in Peace 🙏

Bernie,
Where do I begin! My mom met you when you took the P.E. bowling class from Arroyo High School  at Village Lanes! I remember meeting you when I was a young girl.  I thought Wow this guy is tall. I grew up knowing you at Village Lanes. My mom and dad Loved you! Always smiling and gave the best bear hugs! A few memories stick out one being your wedding.  Such a beautiful day and I'll never forget the Bride & Groom balloon creation.  The groom was super tall and of course the bride was so much smaller.  So appropriate and silly! I remember bowling in All in the Family league with you! I also remember every Lenten season you would give up your Michelob beer! That was such a Big deal for those that new you! Always just a Happy Gentleman with a smile on his face.  You will be missed.  No matter how much space and time has gone by without seeing you we will Always have the Best memories of You and your family!
To Chris, your daughter's,  grandchildren,  and entire Escalera family we send our Love & Prayers  to you.
Rest easy Bernie and have a Michelob with my dad! Fly with the Angels 💙❤💜🕊✝️🙏

Love Always,
Estelle & Tracy McClelland 

The first time I met my brother-in-law Bernie I kept looking up up and up I said to myself this guy is Tall!!! Bernie was a beautiful person, he was always so considerate and so respectable to me. I could always count on Bernie to put a smile on my face, he always had his humor and was always positive. I will miss and love him forever. My condolence to Chris Amber and Amanda Escalera

My heart aches for you Bernie😢, I have known you for so many years beginning when I met you and bowled with you at Village Lanes in El Monte. You had a heart of gold! Always kind, funny and fun to be around. You were taken way to soon, but I know your not suffering no more. May our Father God be  with your wife, daughters and grandchildren. May he comfort them at this time and years to come. God gained a gentle giant🙏 RIP our friend and thank you for all the memories we shared. Wish My husband and I could attend your services, but I am recently in remission and my husband in Chemo😔 But just know we are there in Spirit. God speed my friend Lost but never forgotten. Ray & Rita Ayala

Bernie was my big cousin, wether it was playing football at the Turkey Bowl, playing cards, golfing at the reunion or hanging out at the race track. He always had a joke or made everyone laugh. Primo you will truly be missed and a day won’t go by that I think of our good times. Rest In Peace and may perpetual light shine upon thee. 
Love Marky

Uncle B was so special and will be missed by many who loved him! 
One thing I’ll miss the most (as I’m sure a lot of people will) are the witty comments and comebacks that he always had! He could make anyone laugh or smile! His warm hugs were the best! He supported all our family and would be there for every special event! 
My heart hurts so much for aunt Chris, and the girls, Uncle B was special no doubt about it! He loved all his girls, they were his pride and joy! Thinking about you always! Love you and miss you sooo much! He is now another Angel for us, and we will see him again! 

Love, 
The Gomez Family 
Aka (Nudies & Ruben)

We are saddened to hear about the passing of Bernie, our bowling buddy.  He was such a sweet, sarcastic, funny and friendly guy. It was so nice to get to know him and see his smiling face at the alley every week. He had such a kind heart and memorable personality, his presence will be missed. Our condolences go out to the whole Escalera Family during this tough time, may God Bless your family with strength to get through this loss.

Love,
Robert and Heidi Contreras 

Thank you for sharing your family stories with us and the memories of the Family Reunion Golf Tournaments⛳, your Love for your Family. May you RIP Bernie😘

My condolences to the Escalera family. My heart breaks for you all. Tio was such a light that we needed in this dark world!!! His big presence and laughter will be greatly missed. My heart is with you all! 

My condolences to Chris, Amanda and Amber and to all my Primo Bernie's brothers and sisters. My heart goes out to you all. I have many wonderful memories of my Primo Bernie growing up and I will miss him dearly. One of the things we used to laugh about was he would give me a hard time about missing reunions. Because I was coaching at some event. So when I would show up to a family event he would go and give my wife Debbie a big hug. And say to her "I'll hug you my Prima you show up to reunions"  He would tell me "Primo life's to short to miss out on the Familia " I never missed a ESCALERA REUNION again. Thank you Primo Bernie I will miss our times together. Love you Bernie 💟💙💟

My condolences to his family Chris and his daughters and his granddaughters.
Bernie how do I describe you? Full of laughter kind-hearted very special man when I would see Bernie walk into the room I knew that my day was going to be filled with such laughter such a gracious man I will miss him. Bernie remember me the lady with her nose stuck up ,driving the Mercedes down Workman Mill road, and you were honking at me, and I wouldn't look at you.
I'm sorry.
I know you will have everyone laughing in Heaven 😂 
Your Prima
Linda Mary.

To the immediate family of Bernie R. Escalera, My deepest deepest condolences to the entire family. My handsome cousin was a wonderful man respectful,honorable and definitely family oriented.
May my cousin Bernie, be resting in the arms of our Lord Jesus Christ our Savior. May he go rest high on that mountain. His work on Earth is done. I will continue to have the family in my prayers daily. God bless you my family and I love you all very much May God give you the strength to get through this difficult time, just remember this is the "Celebration of Life". Rest in peace my brother. 🙏🙏🙏😔😔

I had the privilege of working with Bernie for about 5 years. I got to know Bernie well and have a lot of great memories of him. Bernie was a loyal friend and he was very much old school, he was hard but he was fair, he would tell you how it is, speak his mind and bite his tongue for no one. Bernie was one of a kind and it was truly an honor to call him my friend. 

Rest in peace Big Guy....

My heartfelt condolences to Chris, Amanda and Amber.

OBITUARY

Bernie R. Escalera

May 20, 1962 – July 13, 2020

Oakdale Mortuary & Memorial Park

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