Philip Bernier
Age - 97
November 30, 2023
Asheville, NC - Philip Joseph Bernier, 97 of Asheville, NC passed away peacefully in his sleep November 30, 2023 at Emerald Ridge Convalescent Care in Asheville. He was born in Exeter, NH on October 22, 1926 to Rose and George Bernier of Epping. Philip leaves his wife of 74 years, June Evelyn (Rock) Bernier, his son Rick Bernier and partner, Barclay Garnett, daughter Charlene Stafford and husband Fred, sons Steven Bernier and wife Denise, Gary Bernier and wife Rae-Ann, Leon Bernier, sister Adele and brothers Lionel and Claude. Philip also leaves his caring and dear friends Lillian Sawyers and Amanda Jackman. He dearly loved his grandchildren Kendra (Mike) Whelan, Matthew (Fiona) Stafford, Megan Grenier, Nicole (Jay) Yergeau, Randy Bernier and Joshua Bernier. Also, his great-grandchildren Ella, Mikey, Koet, Elvira, Cameron, Natalie, Chloe, Lilly, Mason, Macayla and Zander. Philip was pre-deceased by his son Michael, sisters Jackie Proulx and Juliette Shea, and also his brothers George, Donald and Francis. Resourceful from an early age, due in part to experiencing the Great Depression, Phil was always intent on earning money to provide himself and loved ones with whatever was needed to make life a little better. At just 9 years of age, with his parents permission, he began delivering newspapers, both morning and evening editions, and continued on with his ever growing paper route until the age of 14. At 10 years old, Phil had earned enough money to purchase his first bicycle in an effort to make his job quicker and easier. At 15 years old and throughout high school, Philip worked at Powers Drug Store in Epping as a 'soda jerk' serving up burgers, soda and ice cream. Throughout high school, he also played the trumpet for his high school band and remembered fondly of playing catch with his friends during recess. Philip always enjoyed sports and was a huge fan of the Boston Red Sox, Celtics and the Boston Bruins. After graduating from high school, Phil joined the US Navy and spent time in Hawaii, the Aleutian Islands and elsewhere, following the attack on Pearl Harbor. After receiving an honorable discharge from the Navy, he went on to pursue a career in pharmacy. Pharmacy was not his preference once he developed a love for printing and advertising while working part time for the local newspaper, The Newmarket Times. From then on, he went full time and created the Newmarket Press printing company with his boss, Alban Bastarache. Phil has always maintained that he married the girl who he shared his first kiss with, the love of his life and childhood sweetheart, June Rock from Brentwood. Engaged on April Fools Day 1949, they married in August of that same year, had 6 children and shared a wonderful life together, not without trials and tribulations and were married for 74 years. A beautiful life for sure and they lived and loved as their favorite song says, which was also their dance song for their wedding day "Forever and Ever" by Perry Como. Phil and June lived most of their life in Newmarket where Phil began working at Newmarket Press and then eventually purchased it and ran his business for 30 years. He was also a member of The American Legion Post 67 and Knights of Columbus. Throughout their years together, Phil and June were avid dancers and could cut-up a dance floor like pros. To watch them jitterbug or waltz was truly magical, something you'd remember fondly. Rockingham Ballroom in Newmarket was one of their favorite venues for dancing and they'd be there many a Saturday night, "cutting a rug" with dear friends. Sitting around their table with family and friends playing card games was also one of their favorite pastimes. Many wonderful memories were created around their dining table. Phil was also a master cribbage player and loved the game. June and Phil spent many winters in Fort Lauderdale with their son Rick and his friends enjoying the beautiful tropical weather, boating, swimming, dinner parties, restaurants, theatre and most everything else the area offers. During a portion of their times in Florida, June and Phil also purchased a mobile home in Pompano Beach and enjoyed it for several winters prior to the home being wiped out by Hurricane Wilma in 2005. We all feel so very fortunate to have these treasured memories and experiences to share, except the hurricane. In addition to their adventures in Florida, they've also traveled to Michigan to be with Charl, Fred and their children, England to witness their grandson Matt's wedding to Fiona, Hawaii with friends and also numerous other magical adventures. During June and Phil's seven years in Asheville, they were grateful to have made many good friends and had many wonderful experiences. They celebrated their 70th Anniversary, first in Maine at Charlene & Fred's home where they were honored by family and friends and then again in Asheville with their many new friends, dancing, joking, visiting with everyone in attendance and enjoying a delightful buffet. It was a wonderful celebration. While reflecting through all of Phil's most passionate life experiences, he has said that his wife, children, grand children and great grandchildren were his most perfect blessings. He also has said that he loved his siblings, nieces, nephews and friends very much. Among his last few statements to his family were "thanks for everything" and "I love you". Services will be held at a later date. Visit www. kentandpelczarfh. com to sign an online guestbook. To send a flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of Philip Joseph Bernier, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.Show more
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