Cya, Bernard

Just over thirty-two years ago, I met Bernard when I started working at Gardner-Betts.  He was one of several guys who were retired Air Force Security Police Non-Commissioned Officers and I had been a Security Policeman as well, though I was not in until retirement.  They all tried to give me a hard time since I was SO much younger than them. We had a great team.

   He could be counted upon to handle any situation and he never failed to lend a hand to someone who needed it most.   One instance that has always stood out was a juvenile who had lost his grandmother and he was going to be taken to the services by his Probation Officer.   However, he had also mentioned that he did not have adequate clothing to wear.  A couple of days later, Bernard had provided him with good clothes to wear.

  While working the midnight shift, the two of us kept the Austin American-Statesman newspaper in business by purchasing the newspaper to be able to get the crossword puzzle.   We prided ourselves on being able to solve it, but I think we had had more fun giving each other a hard time when we had to call upon the other to figure out something.

We will miss you Bernard Mills.  On behalf of the Gardner-Betts family, thank you for your kindness. Thank you for the stern advice at times. We, as your work family and friends, extend our hearts and condolences to your family.

  And I have to make one more point:   I know you loved fishing because you told me about some of the ones that got away.  You would not tell me the fishing spots, though.   But now I say, bait and cast that line and fish to your heart’s content.

CYA, Bernard