Bernard Joseph LaRocque

Bernard and his sister Rosemary grew up in a very small town in Upstate NY and Bernard often talked about his time there having michigan style hot dogs and playing in the ponds filled with water moccasins. On March 21, 1952, Bernard enlisted in the United States Air Force as an airman basic in Los Angeles, CA. He loved his country and he always said it was the best thing he ever did for himself back then.

Bernard became a radar operator, flying on EC-121 airplanes. He was stationed in Alaska, twice, although he was mainly kept stateside for the rest of his career. While in the Air Force, Bernard completed 2 college associate degrees and changed his career path to accounting and finance. He retired on August 1st, 1974 as a Master Sargent with 22 years of service. He began working as a civil service employee where he finally retired in 1995 at McChord Air Force Base in Tacoma, WA.

Bernard spent his retirement raising his young daughter and vacationing in his motor home with the love of his life. He had many health issues as he aged, however, he kept going both mentally and physically. No one would ever be able to tell how old he really was, and Bernard, or Bernie as his loved ones and friends would call him, loved that he never looked "old" as he put it. He maintained his independent lifestyle throughout much of his life, and continued to do so after losing the love of his life in 2015. He moved into an independent senior apartment complex a few years after becoming widowed and he often spoke about the friends that he made and all of the wonderful activities that he participated in.

Bernard was a devoted follower of Christ and he loved the Catholic faith. He often talked about how he wanted to become a priest when he was younger, however, God called him to do something else with his life. Every Sunday and every holy day, Bernard would be in church. He loved to sing and loved to express his love for the Lord.

Bernard was a loving, caring Father and Father-in-law. Bernard is survived by his five children, daughter and son in laws, grandchildren, great grand children, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Alzheimer's Association in memory of Bernard.