Berny - The Phantom Phixer!

Hi Everyone,

Thank you to the powers that be for setting this thread back on line.  I am sure I am not alone in when I say thank you.

I talked with Berny's wife this evening.  He is still alive, but has gotten worse.  She said that when he does talk, it is hard to understand him.  He also cannot open his eyes.  He only knows when she is there when she touches him.  She thinks that he is holding on for his son, who is supposed to arrive tomorrow.  I truly believe this, for Berny is a fighter.

Ken

bondoman

BTW I cannot get earlier posts of his than 2009. Whydat?

Bondoman,

I am not sure why.  Have you paid for the subscription to FineScale Modeler?

Ken

BTW I cannot get earlier posts of his than 2009. Whydat?

tigerman

Oh this is just wrong. Good people like Berny just shouldn't go so early. He will live on as an inspiration to me and hopefully others. 

He'll be here for a long time, and hopefully in Florida for a while too.

I know that Berny had a bunch of flight hours as well as being a tool spinner. He had a model of a TF-102 started that I very much would have liked to see completed, and a couple of good stories about adventures over the North Sea in it.

The first time we ever traded posts,there was some question abt. F-4s in the Navy. A bunch were spinning their wheels a little, but I posted as how there was Berny who would know, but he was Marines.

First I got worked over hard by a supposedly ex-Marine about the use of "but". Then Berny came in with, "No, I was Air Farce Force". Ultimate gentleman and humble. It's the best human quality, and seldom encountered.

That's Berny. Any weapon pod question, any slat mod, if he knew he'd supply the info. And he knows a lot.

We all should gather our thoughts and share as we see to.

Bill

I have been lurking in the Phantom GB and have learned a lot from Berny for my own build there. He has really added a huge amount to the group in the way of help and fun. My prayers are with him, his family and friends.

Very sad news; I had wondered why I hadn't seen Berny around much. I never interacted with him personally, but I enjoyed reading his informative posts. Having just read about his trip to Dayton with Ken, Dom, and Rich I can't help but share the feeling that it was a wonderful time indeed.

My thoughts and prayers to him and his family; blue skies always for you sir.

Oh this is just wrong. Good people like Berny just shouldn't go so early. He will live on as an inspiration to me and hopefully others. 

Bockscar and Jester, I gave the story to Ken and told him he could share it around privately. I do not wish the story to become public for reasons that he may also share. Though if you follow Ken's advice below, you will learn the story, eventually. Pay attention to November 05/January 06. I can't remember the exact date.

Son Of Medicine Man

I just realized (I know a lot of you already knew this) but, if you click on a person's "posts" number, it will bring up a page that lists every post that person has placed.  It will go all the way to the very first.  It lists them in reverse chronological order.  I have started reading Berny's posts from the beginning.  It is just like reading a diary!

Ken

We will continue to keep Berny and his family in our thoughts and prayers.

Jim

This is very sad news. Please share your story here with us Bill.

Thanks for the tip.

I just realized (I know a lot of you already knew this) but, if you click on a person's "posts" number, it will bring up a page that lists every post that person has placed.  It will go all the way to the very first.  It lists them in reverse chronological order.  I have started reading Berny's posts from the beginning.  It is just like reading a diary!

Ken

Son Of Medicine Man

 

Bgrigg:

 

Berny was the inspiration for some of the most selfless acts this forum ever managed. Some of you may remember the story, some may not. I'll not tell it here. Most of the participants are long gone from the forum. I spoke with him on many occasions and would like to have met him, but time and distance plays tricks. I wish him eternal blue skies.

 

 

Bill,

I would like very much to hear the story.

Ken

Those of us whom met him later on knew he was that kind of person, I like to hear his story as well....many thanks

Bgrigg

Berny was the inspiration for some of the most selfless acts this forum ever managed. Some of you may remember the story, some may not. I'll not tell it here. Most of the participants are long gone from the forum. I spoke with him on many occasions and would like to have met him, but time and distance plays tricks. I wish him eternal blue skies.

Bill,

I would like very much to hear the story.

Ken

Son Of Medicine Man

Hello friends,

Berny’s family just called and said that Berny’s health is deteriorating at an accelerated rate.  He may pass as early as this evening or could last until this weekend.  I am afraid he may not ever have the strength to log into this forum again.  Having personally met Berny, all I can say is that a wonderful compassionate person is about to leave us.  I will miss him a great deal.

Ken

Very sorry to hear this...............

Berny was the inspiration for some of the most selfless acts this forum ever managed. Some of you may remember the story, some may not. I'll not tell it here. Most of the participants are long gone from the forum. I spoke with him on many occasions and would like to have met him, but time and distance plays tricks. I wish him eternal blue skies.

Thoughts and prayers to Berny and his family.

                                                               The Original MOJO Outcast !

                                                               End Transmission--Semper Fi

Hello friends,

Berny’s family just called and said that Berny’s health is deteriorating at an accelerated rate.  He may pass as early as this evening or could last until this weekend.  I am afraid he may not ever have the strength to log into this forum again.  Having personally met Berny, all I can say is that a wonderful compassionate person is about to leave us.  I will miss him a great deal.

Ken

Hang in there Berny MY thoughts and prayers are for you always .

                                           The Original MOJO Outcast !

                                           End Transmission--Semper Fi

I kind of wondered how he was doing.

He remains in our prayers.

Thanks for the update!

Hey guys,

Berny gave Ken and me an update, and his cancer has spread to the lower lobe of his left lung. He's getting about mostly on his scooter, and last I chatted with him, he's very stoic, and more concerned about the plight of others in this ordeal than himself. His wife isn't handling this too well, it is hard to live through this with a loved one, whom won't. Berny is very matter-of-fact about his condition - a brave man without a hint of self-pity, I really admire that.

It is that 'live for others' attitude that always drives him on, and he continues to inspire me with that strength of character.

Berny intends to be around at least until Christmas, so he's fighting for that. I definitely want to wish him a Merry Christmas on that special day.

Yeah, Berny wants to see all of neat kits Santa has brought him under the Tree....greedy bastige!

berny13

 

Bockscar:

 

Yeah Ken, I got about 5 good shots outa the whole shebang!

 

 

How do you expect to get any good pictures after taking my mug shot?  The only reason Ken was able to take good pictures was he had an Anti Ugly Filter on his camera.    

I think the reason so many of my other shots didn't come out was the Koda Chrome, I don't think it was sitting right in my camera....

Bockscar

Yeah Ken, I got about 5 good shots outa the whole shebang!

How do you expect to get any good pictures after taking my mug shot?  The only reason Ken was able to take good pictures was he had an Anti Ugly Filter on his camera.    

Yeah Ken, I got about 5 good shots outa the whole shebang!

Bockscar

Here's a shot of Berny with an old friend:

That is a great shot Dom! 

Ken

Here's a shot of Berny with an old friend:

One of Berny's favourites: