Dr. William Bernard

BERNARD, Dr. William, age 83, passed away Monday, June 8, 2020 at McLaren-Flint surrounded by his loving family. William (Bill) was born in Flint, MI on September 7, 1936, the son of Joseph and Irene Bernard. He attended Flint Northern High School (class of 1954), Michigan State University (class of 1958), and Philadelphia College of Osteopathy (class of 1962). After graduation from medical school, Bill moved his young family back to his home town of Flint, MI and served the Flint Community as a Family Practice Physician for 51 years. Dr. Bill taught as an Associate Clinical Professor at Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine, conducted in-service training for nurses and administrators at Flint Osteopathic Hospital, moderated and lectured at Earl Congdon-Seminars, and conducted resident teaching at McLaren General Hospital.  Bill had a strong commitment to public service and volunteered for and served on the boards of many community organizations including the Whaley Children's Center, the Genesee County Free Clinic, Cold Drug Abuse Treatment Facility, the Flint Jewish Federation and Temple Beth El. His work to facilitate drug rehabilitation, spanning a 10 plus year period, brought together health professionals and local clergy in an innovative and effective group therapy setting. An enthusiastic ambassador for the Flint Jewish Community, Bill facilitated collaborative efforts to help those in need and to create working relationships between many of the faith based groups and clergy in the Flint area. Bill loved to play tennis, take long bike rides, bird watch, travel (especially to Israel) and most of all to spend time with friends and family. Bill was a generous, compassionate, kind, humble loving friend, mentor, father, husband and healer.  Bill is survived by Ruth, his beloved wife of 60 years, loving children Elly (Gordie) McCue, Seth (Tracey) Bernard, Joe Bernard and adoring grand-children Adam, Megan, Chelsea, Michael, Ben and many nieces, nephews and cousins, friends, co-workers and patients throughout the Flint Metropolitan Area.  A private family service will be held graveside and a public memorial will be held mid-summer on a date to be determined. Arrangements provided by Sharp Funeral Homes, Miller Road Chapel, 8138 Miller Rd., Swartz Creek. Memorial donations may be made to the Flint Jewish Federation, the Whaley Children's Center, the Genesee County Free Clinic or the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan. Tributes may be shared at www.sharpfuneralhomes.com.