As son of a cousin of Bernie’s, it saddens me that the family has lost some of the glue that connected us. I last saw Bernie more than a decade ago, when I had a rare chance to meet the West Coast branch of the family. In later years, he livened up all of our lives with his spirited opinions and controversy. Whether we agreed or disagreed, he kept us on our toes. We’ll all miss him



Paul Lehrer (New Jersey)

Please extend my deepest sympathy to Ella Ma. The loss of Bernie and his witty writing will be sorely missed.

:o) Tony V. Grey
Oxnard, California

Bernie and I became friends through Rotary where we both discovered our mutual love of horse racing. It doesn't seem posisble that he won't be a phone call or email away anymore. I'll miss his wonderful Youtube videos and his wit and sense of humor. Bernie, you brought joy wherever you went. Condolences to your family - I know they are really hurting right now. Nan

In 1979 I was fresh out of law school looking for a job. I applied for work at Lehrer and Medill, a law partnership that was in the process of dissolving. I was hired to assist in the dissolution of the firm. After the dissolution, I was to continue working for Medill. I was working only a few days when I realized that I would much rather work for Bernie and asked his secretary to tell him I'd rather work for him. She did and Bernie hired me. I worked for Bernie for one year and learned a great deal about personal injury work during that time. Bernie moved on and so did I. As it turned out 5 years later I married Medill (go figure!). Last year, almost 28 years of not hearing from Bernie he sent my son an email and that started our friendship going again. From that time on, we emailed daily. I looked forward to his political and religious (or anti-religious) thoughts and his youtubes. Every time I got an email I show it to my husband, Cary and my son Freddy. Our whole family is in mourning. We will miss him dearly. Our deepest sympathy to his wife and his family.

Thank you, thank you, Bobby, from all of us who count Bernie as that quintessential soul for all the ages.

He became, for me, the father I had lost, the brother I could jostle with, the friend with a quenchless admiration for all things well-cooked, well-endowed and well-written. And may I add how well-lived his life was, too.

We were his second family. I am just grateful he left us with many YouTube videos - some spectacular, others excruciating - clips to remember him by.

We certainly will keep you informed of the upcoming "Celebration of Life" to take place at the horse-racing grounds in Ventura he so loved.

From his family and hordes of friends, we thank you for the website and the tribute to Bernard Lehrer. It is greatly appreciated, and knowing Bernie, he must be giggling with glee over all this adulation. Thanks a million!



Maya Teague
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