Bernard Anthony Kestler, a Port Ludlow resident of 24 years, died at home on June 23, 2022 at the age of 89.
“Bernie” was an outgoing, friendly, generous person with lots of energy and a drive to be the best at whatever he did. He was a risk-taker, and often felt that rules were meant for others, but not necessarily for him. He was a person of high integrity, and as he grew older, placed increasing importance on service to others.
Bernie’s father died when Bernie was 2, so he was raised by his working mother and relatives in Chicago, Illinois. He excelled at sports and was an industrious young man, picking up various jobs to earn extra money, including the delivery of barrels of beer while underage.
At age 16, Bernie became interested in flying and began learning to fly with his best friend. Bernie received formal flight training in the Civilian Pilot Program and became a licensed pilot. Bernie continued his education at DePaul University and was a member of their men’s basketball team.
The next chapter of Bernie’s life was U.S. Navy training in Corpus Christi, Texas, then to the Coral Sea aircraft carrier in Norfolk, Virginia. After training, Bernie received orders to report to the Valley Forge aircraft carrier, which was on its way to active duty in Korea. Bernie piloted an AD-5N Skyraider, a ground support and attack aircraft. He and his crew flew night missions, which added an extra dimension to their carrier landings. On one mission, three of four of his crew were hit by enemy fire. One died. Bernie was unscathed and expedited their return to the ship for urgent medical attention, which likely saved two of his crew.
Following Bernie’s combat missions in Korea, he transferred to MATS (Military Air Transport Service) where he flew R6D LiftMaster cargo aircraft between Westover Air Force Base in Massachusetts and Thule, Greenland in support of wartime logistics. It was at this time he met the love of his life, Beverly Lawson, while visiting family in Chicago. Through a relative’s urging, Bernie called Bev to ask her out. Bev, unaccustomed to this type of bold advance, said she was busy, but changed her mind when her mother, who was listening in on the call, interrupted saying “one date is not going to kill you.” Following the date, Bev told her mother that this is the man she’s going to marry.
Following Bernie’s military service, Bev and Bernie married, and Bernie began his corporate career, starting with IBM in Chicago. Weary of cold weather, they moved to Phoenix, Arizona, and he accepted a position at Sperry Rand.
Within a few years, two sons, Paul and Mark were born. Paul had a sir-yes-sir personality, whereas Mark marched to the beat of his own drummer, keeping Dad a bit off-balance.
Bernie was a relentless worker, often returning to work after dinner and working on weekends. His employees would routinely discover signs of after-hours-Bernie, finding completed paperwork placed on their chair awaiting their action. Through the years Bernie tackled positions of increasing responsibility, working at ITT, General Electric, Honeywell, a stretch in his own business, and finishing up as CEO of Radiation Dynamics in New York.
The Kestler family also took time to enjoy life during the working years with family vacations and travel. Bev and Bernie particularly enjoyed playing tennis in their younger years.
At Bernie’s age 65, he and Bev retired, and they set out on an American adventure visiting prospective places to live and reacquainting themselves with friends. After many miles, months, and finally Bev’s refusal to go any further, they chose Port Ludlow, Washington as their home. Bernie and Bev soon integrated into the community and made many invaluable friends.
Bernie taught computer courses for beginners through the Port Ludlow Digital Life Club for almost two decades on a pro-bono basis benefiting more than 800 students. He always gave out his home number and invited students to call if they had any questions. To anyone else, being on-call tech support would be a nightmare, but not to Bernie!
Bernie was dedicated to Bev. In 2010, Bev had a life-threatening blood clot (from a long flight to/from Australia) and was not expected to live. Bernie stayed in her hospital room 24/7 to oversee her care and ensure her recovery.
In 2019, Bev had back surgery, and shortly thereafter needed around-the-clock care. While Bernie’s prostate cancer was advancing, he made the decision to forgo his own treatment, so it would not interrupt or risk Bev’s care. Bev and Bernie were married for 65 years before Bev’s passing in 2020. They were inseparable, and Bernie never recovered from her loss.
In the final 2-1/2 years of Bernie’s life, he explored his own faith, with the encouragement and support of his son, daughter-in-law and friends. He easily came to tears when talking about Bev and wanted to be with her forever. We believe they are reunited at last.
Bernie is preceded in death by his wife, Bev, and his son Mark. He is survived by son, Paul Kestler and wife Dianna of Dallas, Texas; granddaughter, Lindsey Haremza and husband Rayce, with great-grandchildren Landon and Maverick; nieces Julie Ochota of Poulsbo, Wash., Barbara Ochota of Bainbridge Island, Wash., and Karen Bollman and husband Jeff of Chicago, Illinois; nephew Bob Lawson and wife Patricia of Chicago, Ill.
Memorial Service arrangements are forthcoming. To add yourself to the memorial service update list, email BernieMemorialService@gmail.com. Please include your name and put “Bernie” in the subject line.
