by Roy and Ann King
Bernie was a member of the bowling club for over 35 years and was a very enthusiastic team player. In later years he, with Pat, ran the CBC Lottery Bonus Ball Club for many years. He also played skittles for the “Real Spots”.
Bernie was born in 1927 in Wandsworth, London. He was sent to school at The Oratory in London where he boarded and was only allowed home once a year. One of his first jobs at 15 was working for a wine merchants.
Bernie did his National Service with the Royal Marines but he didn’t see any active service.
After meeting Pat and marrying in 1951 they lived in the Mortlake, Putney, Richmond area before moving to Leamington Spa in Warwickshire. They had four children – Chris, Tony, Nick and Tess. They moved to Clevedon in 1963 ending up in Congresbury in 1965. Over the years their family continued to grow with nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
Bernie worked for Aer Lingus for about 35 years taking early retirement at 55. However, he continued to work until he was 76 doing numerous jobs including his last one driving cars to and from the auctions.
Bernie enjoyed travelling the world far and wide with Pat visiting several different countries including 19 trips to New Zealand. He also enjoyed trips closer to home amongst which were the infamous “bowls tours”.
Even after suffering a stroke in 2003 he continued to enjoy life and particularly enjoyed watching sport on the TV, writing short stories and doing crosswords and Sudoku. He continued to be mentally active despite, in recent years, his failing health. Both he and Pat received great support from the Stroke Club that they attended weekly.