Bernard “Bernie” Graham
May 24, 1958 - November 23, 2023
Age 65 of North Oaks
Loving Husband, Dad, Bop & Brother, passed away from kidney cancer at home on November 23, 2023 surrounded by his family.
Preceded in death by parents, Albert & Jeanette; father-in-law, Philip Reilly. Survived by loving wife of 42 years, Cory; children, Patrick, Seanaleigh (Mark) Crompton; grandchildren, Gabriel, Lily; siblings, Michael, Julie (Dan) Atzmiller, Shawn (Linda), Dan, Colleen (Tom) Walsh; mother-in-law, Joyce Reilly; many nieces, nephews, the Reilly Clan and dear friends.
Bernie’s story writes itself. In the days since his passing on November 23, 2023, comments and memories expressed by family, friends and colleagues ring true in telling of the person we know he was. Those tales weren’t so much about an event or an occurrence. They told the story of his relationships; how Bernie made each of us feel.
As a child born May 24,1958 into a family of Scotch-Irish and Austrian heritage, Bernie grew up with traditions, a work ethic and love that surrounded him. He embraced and appreciated the natural setting, wildlife and the outdoors. Although he was a rough and tumble Rice Streeter from St. Paul, it was the quiet of the Minnesota waters that soothed his soul. Throughout his life, friendships emerged from those who shared his love of the outdoors and sports.
Bernie attended St. Bernard’s grade school and high school. He was a kind and likable guy and had friends in every circle. As one of just two students with his own car, how could he not draw classmates in? However, it was his light hearted antics and twinkling Irish eyes that charmed the socks off the love of his life, Cory (Reilly).
After attending Lakewood Community College and Control Data Institute, Bernie began a lifelong career with Norstan Telecommunications. He was the epitome of a team player and made fast friends of his many colleagues and their families. It’s been said that when he entered a room, the air just felt lighter. He took pride in his work and genuinely cared about the people who benefited from it.
Bernie and Cory were married on September 12,1981 and together, shared a joie de vivre for forty two years. They learned and grew together in their love of architecture and universal design having either built or improved six homes and cabins. The final project continues at their home in North Oaks whose legacy they honor by bringing it back to its glory years (1959/60).
Given a choice, there was no one else in the world Bernie would rather be with than his son Patrick and daughter Seanaleigh. Whether he was listening to old school rock music with them, watching their sporting events, fixing their cars or doing home improvements alongside them, he was in his element. Playing softball with the Graham and Reilly clans and their sidekicks was about the only thing that could pull him away.
When Seana and Mark (Crompton) were married, the hugs grew wider and his love grew deeper as Mark entered Bernie’s heart. The addition of two grandchildren, Gabriel Bernard and Lily completed him. If it were possible, they brought out the kid in him even more. There aren’t words to describe what “Bop” and his grandchildren meant to each other. They are his legacy and without a doubt we will witness Bernie living on within them.
Who couldn’t admire Bernie’s kind and generous spirit. He was love-in-action. And we each are the better for having loved him. Without a doubt, we will hold him in our hearts, tell his stories and cherish his memory. Thank you and Godspeed to our brother, husband, father, grandfather, son, cousin, uncle, nephew and friend.
Bernie’s life will be celebrated with a SendOff from 12:30 – 2 PM Friday, December 8th at the Roselawn Cemetery Chapel, followed by a One Last Toast & Committal Service at 2:30 PM at Roselawn Cemetery, Roseville. Memorials preferred to Como Friends or Dragon Divas.
Events
Bernies’s SendOff
12:30 - 2:00 PM Friday, December 8, 2023
2:30 PM One Last Toast & Committal Service
