Peter David Bernier DO

It is with great sadness that the family of Peter David Bernier announces his passing on March 9, 2018 at the age of 67. Pete was born in Portland, Maine on September 21st 1950. He moved as a young child to Bremerton, WA and graduated from West High School in 1968 where he lettered for 4 years in wrestling. He attended the University of Puget Sound and graduated from the University of Washington with a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology in 1975. He worked as a pharmaceutical representative in Yakima. WA before deciding to go to medical school in 1979. He received his doctorate from the College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific in Pomona, California in 1983. His first practice was in Union, Oregon and then he moved to Gresham, Oregon where he practiced family medicine for over 25 years. He was greatly loved by his patients who always called him “Dr. Pete”.

Pete had a love of tennis, racquetball, classic cars, Harley motorcycles, fishing and pets of all kinds. He had a lifelong battle with bipolar disease which ultimately contributed to his death. He had suffered through the ups and downs of this disease and just completed a book describing his struggles to overcome the worst aspects of this severe form of bipolar 1. Pete had hoped to destigmatize bipolar and offer hope and enlightenment to those who are fellow sufferers and their loved ones.

He was a fun and loving dad to his children Jackie Teach, Michelle Taylor, and Ryan Bernier. He adored his grandchildren Mackenzie, Olivia, Lucas, Wesley, and Tyler who will miss their beloved Papa. He is also survived by his sisters Martha Johnson and Susan Henshaw, and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. Pete was married to his high school sweetheart Gerri Hendry Bernier for 44 years and though they divorced 2 years ago they remained great friends. He was predeceased by his son Benjamin as well as his mother Erleen and father Fred.

Peter will be interred at Miller-Woodlawn in Bremerton, WA. A celebration of his life will be on March 24th at 1:00 followed by a reception at Kitsap Conference Center. There will also be a celebration of his life in Gresham, OR on April 15th at the Mojave Grill. Former patients, coworkers and friends are welcome to attend and bring their favorite stories. You are invited to share a memory at www.miller-woodlawn.com

In lieu of flowers the family asks for donations to National Alliance on Mental Illness- www.namimultnomah.org or the charity of your choice.

His family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to all of the family and friends who have supported us with such love and kindness. We believe that Pete had a joyous reunion with his precious son in heaven.