Dr. Roger P. Bernard

Published 12:19 pm Wednesday, October 2, 2024

Dr. Roger P. Bernard

October 27, 1938 – September 28, 2024

Roger Bernard passed away peacefully in the care of his immediate, loving family, wife LaVonne, and sons Mike and Steve at Celia’s House on September 28th at the age of 85 following a long  journey with Alzheimer’s. 

Roger and his brother James were raised in Torrington, CT by their parents, Roger and Clare Bernard. Upon graduation from Torrington High School as Class President and Valedictorian, he attended Yale University, Harvard Medical School and a Residency in General and Vascular Surgery at the University of Rochester, Rochester, NY. It was there that he met his loving wife LaVonne, and they were married 59 years. After the births of their sons, Mike and Steve, he served in the US Air Force as a surgeon stationed in Texas, before moving to Medford in 1972. He was a founding partner of Oregon Surgical Specialists and practiced at Providence and Asante hospitals where he served as Chief of Staff and Chairman of the board at Asante before retiring in 1997 and then enjoyed his retirement including 3 holes in one. 

In his leisure time Roger enjoyed many activities including golf, fishing, hunting, reading, wood working and travel, but he prioritized time with his family. He often joined his son Mike fishing or Steve golfing or spent time at his home on the Rogue River along with many other family activities. Roger was a doting grandfather to his grandchildren while encouraging their pursuits of higher education.

Roger’s greatest gift was the humble example and inspiration in how he lived as a selfless husband, father, grandfather, friend, and physician. In short, he lived his life to greatly improve and in many cases quietly save the lives of others while neither asking for nor expecting anything in return. The world is  a better place because of him.

Roger was preceded in death by his parents and brother James. He is survived by his wife LaVonne, sons Mike (Amy), and Steve (Tiffany), and grandchildren Jordan, Kaelie and Owen and several nieces and nephews.

There will be a memorial service on Thursday, October 10th at 2 p.m. at Perl Funeral Home. The family asks that in lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, locally to Celia’s House or the charity of your choice.

We leave you with these parting words from Roger, “Keep up your work efforts and ethics.”