Edward Paul Bernardi Jr.

Ed -aka Eddie, Eddie Paul, Uncle Eddie, Coach Ed- grew up in Danville, Illinois. His parents passed away when he was just a boy, so he was raised by his sister and her husband. At the age of 12, Ed traveled west across the United States with his sister and her family in a reconstructed 1950’s school bus. After time in Washington and Colorado, they made their home in Portland.

Ed graduated from Jesuit High School and then went on to Lewis and Clark College where he met the love of his life, Barbara Bonnet. Following graduation, Ed pursued law and graduated with a law degree from Puget Sound Law School and returned to Portland to start his own law practice. He and Barb were married and had two daughters, Erin and Caitlin. They built a wonderful life that was surrounded by their daughters, Ed’s sisters, and niece and nephews as well as many extended friends of his daughters and niece and nephews who thought of him as “dad” or “Uncle Eddie.”

Ed found great joy with his family. He coached his daughters in soccer and softball. Many of his athletes still refer to him as Coach Ed. But, his greatest joy was his 4-year-old grandson, Lucas. He and Lucas had a very special bond. They loved playing together. Upon Ed’s death, Lucas said, “Papa is on the moon playing with all the toys with Grandma.”

We know that medically, Ed passed from congestive heart failure, but deep down, we all believe it was from a broken heart. His beloved, Barb, passed 11 months ago. They had been together for 50 years. The family is comforted knowing he is at peace and believe that he is with her.

Ed is survived by his daughters, Erin (Plummer) and Caitlin; his son-in-law, Jason; his grandson, Lucas; his niece, Angie Deuth; his nephews Mike Hmura and Dirk Hmura; and five great-nieces and one great-nephew. Ed was preceded in death by his wife, Barb; his sisters Peggy & Polly; his parents, Ed and Margaret Bernardi.