Raymond William Bernhardt

Raymond William Bernhardt passed away on Wednesday, June 22 with his family by his side. Ray was born on June 5, 1924 in Gardiner, Oregon, on the coast near Reedsport. His love of the sea nurtured in boyhood, matured in adulthood when he graduated from the King's Point Merchant Marine Academy and then served his beloved country during WWII rising to the rank of Chief Enginerr in the Merchant Marine. His unenviable duty was to take oil takers full of fuel for the war effort in Europe, unescorted across the Atlantic, a duty he embraced with the kind of selfless courage and fortitude that would command respect throughout his life. After the war he met the love of his life, Erna Petersen, in Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
Ray served 20 years in the United States Coast Guard, retiring as Commander. While stationed in Alaska, Ray got his pilot's license and flew many times into the wilderness on hunting and fishing trips with friends. Following retirement, Ray and Erna bought a small fishing resort on Agency Lake near Chiloquin, Oregon, then built their dream house across the street. They lived in Klamath Falls for a short time before moving to Medford to be close to their daughter.
Ray attracted many friends during his life with his kindness, sense of humor and willingness to help. A new neighbor in Chiloquin, who became a great friend, was struggling with frozen pipes under his house. Ray stuck his head into the crawl space and said, "Hi, I'm Ray Bernhardt. can I help?"
Ray was a wonderful husband and father. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Erna and his beloved children, a son, Ron Bernhardt (wife Sharen) of Vancouver, WA and a daughter Lin Bernhardt (husband Lynn Hill) of Talent, OR. Ray will be sorely missed and remembered forever. He will be laid to rest during a private internment at the Eagle Point National Cemetery.