Dr. Bernard Arthur Bast, 94 of Gaylord, Michigan, died peacefully surrounded by his family on June 4, 2022. He was welcomed into Heaven with open arms by his son, Trevor. Bernie was born on December 6, 1927 to the late, Arthur and Gertrude (Kline) Bast in Canton, Ohio. At the age of 39, he married his loving wife, Thelma (Susko) Bast on April 2, 1967, and together the couple celebrated 55 years of marriage before his passing. The couple moved to the Gaylord area in 1988 although they had visited prior for many years. Bernie attended Michigan State University and the University of Michigan and earned a Doctor of Philosophy degree in neuropsychology. He taught neuropsychology at Wayne State University and worked as a neuropsychologist at Harper Hospital in Detroit and Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak. He was an amateur radio operator and a member of the St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Lewiston.
Bernie enjoyed a variety of hobbies that stemmed from his love of the outdoors. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, camping, kayaking, traveling, and downhill ski racing with the Michigan Alpine Competition Committee (MACC). Most of all, he valued the time he spent with Thelma and his children and grandchildren. He will be deeply missed.
Bernie is survived by his loving wife, Thelma Bast of Gaylord; children, Greg (Darcy) Bast of Saline; Molly Bast of Alexandria, Virginia; grandchildren, Mara and Gavin; and sister, Jane Bast of Brunswick, Ohio. He was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Gertrude Bast; son, MSG Trevor Bast, U.S. Army; sister, Marilyn; and brother, Howard.
Funeral services for Bernie were held on Friday, June 10, 2022 at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church; Fr. Al Pillarelli officiating. Interment followed services at St. Francis Catholic Cemetery where Bernie was laid to rest. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in memory of Bernie.
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