Thomas Leo Bernert's Obituary
Thomas Leo Bernert
(April 27, 1939 - June 7, 2026) born in Oregon City and raised with his four brothers along the river in the Willamette neighborhood of West Linn, Tom grew up surrounded by loving family including his many cousins who lived only a few houses down the street. He attended St. John Catholic School in the 1940s, the same parish where his grandparents were wed 50 years prior. His professional career as a berry picker began while in primary school. After a few years picking berries, he joined the family business towing logs and never looked back. Each week, he worked alongside his family. Each weekend, he gathered with family for his mom's famous Sunday dinner - an almost century long tradition.
While he knew tragedy including personal injuries from maritime accidents and the premature loss of both his son and brothers, Tom will be remembered most for the way he lived in grace as a hard-working, light-hearted, beach-loving, rock collector who operated a Bucyrus-Erie 71B crane as the virtuoso violinist wields their bow. Not always the loudest person in the room but always observant, quick to wit and sharp in humor, Tom passed at home surrounded by family. He will be put to rest by his son, grandchildren and life partner at St. John the Apostle Catholic Church (417 Washington St, Oregon City, OR 97045) with a Funeral Mass on 11:00 AM on Thursday, June 18th. The mass will be preceded by a 10:30 AM Rosary and followed by a reception at The Arc Light (604 7th St, Oregon City, OR 97045). May he rest in peace in the loving embrace of our most merciful Lord.
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