Bernard Berk Audette

Bernard Berk Audette was born on August 2, 1928 in Sydney Australia to Vivian Berk Audette and Victor Bernard Audette. He grew up with one older brother, Robert Berk, one older sister, Camilla Vida, and one younger sister, Vivienne Yvonne.

While growing up, he enjoyed horses, Rugby, motorcycle riding, swimming, sailing, German Shepherds, and his pet ring-tail possum. At the young age of three, Bernard won a horse show for youngest rider. Bernard had many favorite childhood memories of his family’s vacation home called “Oatlands”, which included a tree house built by Bernard. Oatlands was constructed on a golf course by convict labor. Bernard attended private schools, and even went to a boarding school at the age of 12. He also attended SHORE (Sydney Church of England School), where he loved playing Rugby and proudly made the all-star team. He moved to the United States in 1947 and attended Babson College, where he studied business and earned his degree in finance and investments.

Bernard married Patricia Haas and together they had two children, Richard Berk and Karen Yvonne. They lived in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania until 1964 when a job offer brought the family to California. Even though Bernard and Patricia divorced, they remained good friends for the rest of Bernard’s life.

Work always seemed to be very important to Bernard and he tried many different and creative jobs. As a child, Bernard collected empty beer bottles and sold them to a man who came by their house once a month driving a horse and cart. Along with the more traditional jobs, Bernard mined gold in Mexico, corralled and relocated all of the goats on Catalina Island, and sold auto parts. Despite these jobs, his true passion was buying and selling real estate. He always said, “It wasn’t selling the property that was exciting, it was the purchasing of a great deal that was exciting.”

In Bernard’s later years, he enjoyed dancing and belonged to numerous dance groups. He tried to dance five nights a week and loved the exercise and friendships he made.

In 2009, Bernard moved closer to his daughter, son-in-law, and four grandchildren, (Garrett James, Brandon Bernard, Matthew Patrick, and Kendall Galen.) He lived independently, but enjoyed watching and cheering at the sporting events in which they participated. Bernard also made many new friends in his retirement community.

Bernard will always be remembered for his sense of humor. As soon as he would hear new jokes, he would pass them on to any and all willing ears, sometimes even adding another detail or two.

Bernard died peacefully in his sleep at the age of 82. He is a friend, a Dad, and a Grandpa. Bernard Berk Audette will be eternally loved and missed