Dean died peacefully at Carson Tahoe Medical Center on July 29th, 2011. A fourth generation native Nevadan, Dean was born in Yerington, Nevada on July 1, 1927 to Virgil and Charlotte Bernard.
His love for adventure first led him into the U.S. Merchant Marines (1944-1947), and then into the U.S. Navy (1950-1954), where he explored the world. After the Navy, Dean settled down in Minden where he owned the Pony Express Saloon (1954-1959) and then worked for Harvey Gross, eventually becoming Casino Manager at Harvey's. Dean fell in love with the game of golf and spent many years playing as many courses as he could manage.
After 23 years at Harvey's, Dean looked to the skies and became a hot air balloon pilot. He was soon piloting for Pepsi Co. and running his own commercial company with a fleet of three balloons traveling the States and Canada flying in Balloon Races and Festivals. During his later years, Dean loved to share stories of his adventures with family and friends.
Dean was preceded in death by his parents, brother Matthew Bernard and granddaughter Stacia Darlene Bernard. He is survived by his sons Bill (Gayle) Bernard and Jim (Susan) Bernard, daughter Terri Reaka (Al), seven grandchildren and four great grandchildren.
Dean's memorial service will be held Saturday, August 20, 2011 at 11:00 am at Walton's Funerals and Cremations in Gardnerville. In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to make a donation to your favorite charity.
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