Mr. Arthur (Gib) Bernard, 76, formerly of Webb Street in Clayton, died May 27th, at Summit Village in Watertown, where he resided for over two years.
Gib was born October 11th, 1942, in Watertown, the son of Gibson and Rosemary Doyle Bernard. He graduated from Indian River High School and from Potsdam College in 1965 with a teaching degree.
He retired from Averill Park School District in Rensselaer County. For a short time, he taught 9th Grade History at Watertown High School.
Even though Gib has no family, he has many friends that were like family to him. Everybody was drawn to Gib by his good nature, and endearing personality. People felt comfortable just being around him.
Being very social, he acquired many friends.
Gib loved the St. Lawrence River, the Brooklyn Dodgers Baseball team, and he loved being a beer connoisseur.
His friends (relatives) will have a private memorial gathering on the St. Lawrence River which he loved so much.
Mary S Horeth
Sorry to hear this,he was one of my favorite teachers,very creative and had great stories.
Terry Baker
Mr. Bernard taught at Case Junior in Watertown. As a student in 1966-67 I was lucky to have him. We all were. Not just in class but in a few evening student-faculty softball games behind the school. When classmates now gather, his name always comes up. Wonderful teacher .
Charlie Plumpton
Probably my favorite teacher ever. He was such a wonderful guy. My most indelible memory of him was from the day the news broke that Bobby Kennedy was killed. He was, of course, so visibly upset in class. I ran into him a couple of times in later years and he had not changed a bit. Still the nicest guy.
David & Dodie Lake
Our dear friend Gibby, we miss you so…
MAURICE CLEAVER
I had Mr Bernard for homeroom. As noted, he was a great guy. However, one day we pushed his patience too far and he kept the entire class after school. Well “Gibby” had to go and get a cup of coffee. While gone, two former students came into the class looking for him When we told them he was keeping us for misbehaving, they decided to crack the door open slightly, put an eraser on the top of door along with some chalk. Well when “Gibby” entered the room, the eraser dropped as well as the chalk. I believe the chalk went into the cup of coffee. Gibby started to rant, added another hour to our detention. Silence overcame the classroom when one of the culprits finally spoke up and asked if that included “them”. Well Mr. Bernard cracked a smile and laughed.
John Waterhouse
I enjoyed teaching with Gib at Carthage for a few years in the 70s. He was a favorite with kids and his peers. When we moved to a different home, he gave us an antique popcorn popper which I am looking at while writing this. Few that I had the honor of working with over a career have given me such lasting memories. Rest in peace good teacher.
John and Laureen Waterhouse
Gail Gaffney Caulder
My all time favorite teacher…wonderful man!
Marsha Spiridigliozzi
What wonderful memories of the many adventures in the company of Gibby and friends from six of us on overnight canoe camping trips in the Adirondacks to festive gatherings, including a Halloween costume event at Gib’s Rutland Hollow Road residence, and boating with pals on the beautiful St. Lawrence River. Gib’s wit and intelligence always made for great times. He will be missed and always recalled with a smile.
Marsha Davis Spiridigliozzi
Robert m. Humphrey
I want to send sincere condolences to the family of Arthur. I too was at Summit when he was there and we all got to know him and called him Gibby. He was a delightfull person and will be missed by all who knew him.
Tom Lucas
Rest in peace good friend. I’ve known Gibby for over 70 years and will miss him a great deal.
Tony Puccia
Hi Tom, This is Tony Puccia.
I have often tried to locate you and Gib. If you would like to respond it would be kool. I am sorry to hear about Fran. I was so glad she stopped by the marina for a visit. That was over 20 years ago and I still have a memory of the sweet and gentile person you married. I sold and moved to the mountains and as of late I have had time to reflect on how lucky
I was to have had some wonderful people in my life
You, Fran and her family are a big
part of good times. I know you perhaps know Fran was related to me. I was saddened to hear about Gib. Once I left that area I sort of disappeared. However my fond memories of you and Gib playing some Beatles record backwards on Clinton st will never fad! And the times we had at the racetrack on the square were priceless. Againmy deepest condolences to you and your Daughter Kate. Tony