Fr. Gary Bernhardt, OFM
We take a moment here to acknowledge with sadness the tragic death of Fr. Gary, the generous creator of this blog site for our House of Prayer. Over 6 years ago Fr. Gary took time to come and set up our Ava blog page here.
This past Tuesday, August 26, 2014, while on a fishing vacation with some friends on Lake Taneycomo in Branson, MO, the boat in which Fr. Gary and his two companions were fishing, hit a submerged tree and capsized. The two other men were able to find something to grab onto, but Fr. Gary was thrown into the water. Without a lifejacket, he ended up being in the cold water flowing from the dam at Table Rock Lake and he had floated 1/4 mile downstream before another boat was able to rescue him. Emergency crews, after a long effort, did revive him and he was taken to the local hospital. Fr. Gary was not able to overcome the ordeal and died later that evening.
We offer our condolences to the Franciscan friars of the Sacred Heart province in St. Louis, to his parents, Carl and Maggie Bernhardt, of Quincy, IL, to his sister and brothers, and their families, and his many other family members and friends.
Now, Fr. Gary, perhaps you can learn more tips on fishing from the great fishermen, Saints Peter, Jame and John. Then again, maybe you'll be teaching them how to create flies for your fishing escapades with them in heaven. Remember the lifejacket; then again, maybe you won't need that there.
"Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual life shine upon him. May he now rest in peace"
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