Bernard Derek Fagan

“People may forget what you said, or what you did, but not how you made them feel.” Bernie Fagan had an amazing talent for making people feel good, feel loved, and feel the joy that he oozed every day of his life. He could walk into any room or onto any pitch and instantly the mood lifted, and smiles came across every face. Bernie’s infectious nature to always be positive, upbeat, and on the lookout for something fun to do made everyone want to be his buddy.

Bernie was born to play soccer - and to coach soccer. Starting out on the Youth Team for his beloved Sunderland (England), it was evident that Bernie was meant to be a professional footballer. Moving onto Scarborough and a few other English clubs, Bernie made the difficult decision to leave England and head to the United States to play in the NASL. Clubs included Vancouver Whitecaps, Seattle Sounders, LA Aztecs, and thankfully landing in Portland to join the Timbers. He told numerous stories of those years and the great fun he had as a professional athlete in America. Once the NASL folded, Bernie looked to coaching college soccer, youth club soccer, and starting summer soccer camps for kids. He was International Director for Special Olympic Soccer which gave him the opportunity to travel and impress upon folks the value of having quality soccer programs for everyone. The Bernie Fagan Soccer camps also included this gift of having some of his friends from Special Olympics be coaches at the camps; a true highlight for everyone each summer.

Along the way, Bernie accrued many awards and achievements. From being part of the FA Youth Cup team that won at Wembley Stadium, going to the National Championships several times while coaching Warner Pacific College, or starting the soccer program at Portland State University, nothing compared to the pride he felt when thinking about how many of his players found the joy of playing and are now either coaching children or continuing to play in adult leagues. Through these players, Bernie’s legacy will continue. We have heard from so many people that Bernie will always be a part of their life story because of what they learned from him on the field.

Feeling a bit restless, Bernie added starting a youth soccer club to his agenda. One of his biggest achievements was starting Oregon Soccer Academy and bringing in many of his former college players to coach. The OSA atmosphere was amazing: Coaches, players, and parents all relishing in the environment of having an ultimately positive experience. Bernie wanted the players to learn something every day, not to worry about the score at the end of the game, but to take home lessons that will last a lifetime. Hearing from so many of the players and parents of this era confirm that Bernie’s goals were accomplished. Thank you to all of the very special OSA families who have reached out to offer their condolences and respect.

As Bernie retired from coaching at Warner Pacific, he immediately became bored, confirming that retirement is not for everyone! Bernie reached out to Catlin Gable school and offered to be an assistant with the Boys Varsity team. The head coach, Peter, wrote a wonderful email that captures what so many may agree with:

“My two years coaching with Bernie were filled with fun times. Bernie brought a levity to temper my intensity,

and the kids always felt like he had their best interest at heart whenever he offered instruction. He was very

encouraging to the players, and – as I’m sure could be said by every set of players who worked with him – he

loved to see players thriving, finding out that they could master an elusive skill, and above all making sure they

are having fun while doing it. He was generous in offering insights while letting me truly be the head coach.

There was never any sense of ego with Bernie; he was always part of a collective, and always made it a better one.”

Bernie always said he was not the best player on the field but certainly one of the hardest working. That work ethic, along with an overwhelming sense of wanting people to feel comfortable and happy in his presence, came from being a rising star from a small village. Bernie and his “Mam”, Mary, had a strong friendship, respect for each other, and unquestionable bond. Mary was his biggest fan for the longest time. She instilled in him the desire to reach for your dreams and to thank everyone along the road to success. Any ego that Bernie may have been prone to was tempered by a Mam who always kept him grounded. Including everyone you meet along the way, being thankful for all the gifts life offers, and just having a joyous nature came from his Mam’s influence. She was so very proud of his accomplishments and Bernie was continuously grateful for her encouragement.

On Bernie’s personal side, he and his wife, Susie, were simply in love with each other. Much to the nauseum to those who shared an office with either Bernie or Susie, each phone call between them was filled with mutual admiration and an overwhelming confirmation of love. Susie’s office even had a score board as to whose spouse could say “I love you” more … we always won! When thinking about getting married, Bernie wanted his friend and rival coach, Cliff McCrath to be the officiant. Cliff, also an ordained minister, agreed but wanted to meet with the couple first. Cliff asked Bernie why he wanted to marry again, and Bernie gave him several reasons. When Cliff asked Susie why she wanted to marry Bernie her response was, “I’m not sure what life is going to hold but I know it will be fun with Bernie.” Cliff closed his notebook and said that was all he needed to know. Bernie and Susie were together just shy of 31 years and, yes, it was indeed filled with fun, friendships, laughter, and a loving commitment that was strong enough to outlast the toughest of years.

Bernie developed signs of dementia over the past 12 years or so. He and Susie sought the advice of numerous Neurologists and investigated clinical trials, alternative medicine, and other treatments to either slow down or stop the progression of the disease. As a true teacher, Bernie signed on to have his brain donated to the Oregon Health Sciences University Brain Bank. The past 12 years have been filled with questions and concerns, but Bernie continued to have the positive spirit shine through that had always brought him success each day.

Bernie’s final days were quick in coming as his condition changed daily if not hourly. The family would like to extend their utmost gratitude and respect to Providence Hospice who provided such compassionate leadership in caring for Bernie in his final days. Bernie was able to “pass” peacefully in the home he loved with the care of his wife, Susie and her brother, Roy. “Fagan Manor” went from a place hosting fellowship and good times with friends to a place for Bernie to peacefully rest. Bernie was surrounded in love with Susie, son Ross and his wife Stacy comforting him as he transitioned to heaven.

If you can’t remember what he said, or what he did, but Bernie made you feel good about life we ask that you consider attending his funeral to be held at The Madeleine Parish in Portland on Friday, January 26th at 2.00pm; the service will also be live streamed on The Madeleine via YouTube. The celebration of Bernie’s life will continue at Riverside Golf and Country Club following the funeral. Bernie’s family of Susie, Ross and his family, Ian and Sarah invite you to join and honor this truly amazing person with the sparkling blue eyes.