MY DEAR BROTHER-IN-LAW PASSED AWAY FRIDAY

Lawrence Bernard 1936-2021

 

 

Lawrence Jackson Bernard (Larry) died peacefully on February 12th at age 84 from complications of Parkinson's Disease. 

Larry showed great fortitude and overcame numerous health obstacles always remaining optimistic and determined to get the most out of life. He will be remembered for his love and commitment to his family and friends and his successful career with New York Life. 

A native Houstonian, Larry was born at St. Joseph's hospital in 1936 to Amber and H.J. Bernard. He graduated from San Jacinto High School and the University of Texas at Austin. Larry also attained the professional designations of CLU and ChFC from the American College at Bryn Mawr. He served as a Captain in the United States Army Reserve.

Larry's storied career at the New York Life Insurance Company began in 1960. When asked why he chose life insurance as a profession he responded with "I want to be in a profession where you help people and you don't have to retire." Larry excelled as an agent right from the start, distinguishing himself as a case-rate super star. Today, he holds the unofficial and probably unsurpassed, company-wide record of 556 consecutive months - 46 years - of writing at least 10 applications a month. He was named General Agent of the year 43 times in the Houston office.

He was a charter member of the Chairman's Council and remained there for 39 consecutive years as one of only four agents to do so at that time in the entire company. The Council represents the highest achieving agents across the country with New York Life.

Larry was a charter and board member of both NYLARC and Nautilus. He was a lifetime member of the Million Dollar Roundtable and he also maintained memberships in Eagle Strategies, the Houston Estate Forum and the American Association of Life Underwriters.

He was elected by his fellow agents to represent them in the New York Life home office on the Agents Advisory Council.

In 2003 the Houston office established the Larry J. Bernard Spirit Award in recognition of his distinguished career. Later he was further honored with the designation of the Larry Bernard Conference Room in the New York Life Houston General office. 

Along the way, Larry was proud to have mentored many agents who still today point to him as a major influence on their career and count him as a colleague and friend.

Less than a week before unexpectedly taking ill, a surprise Zoom celebration of Larry's 60 plus years took place with agents and company officials paying tribute to his career, influence, integrity, and friendship referring to him as a New York Life living legend and Icon. Larry referred to it as the most meaningful experience of his career. The family appreciates the many agents and company representatives from across the country who participated.

An important part of Larry's success is due to Claire Clark, his longtime assistant of 30 years. The family would like to thank her for her dedication not only to his business but for his well being . 

Larry was a past president of the Houston Congregation for Reform Judaism. He served on the board of the Houston Racquet Club - where he would swim his daily mile for many years and late in life continued to maintain a vigorous exercise routine. He also enjoyed attending the Houston Ballet and Symphony and was an Astros season ticket holder for over 40 years.

A lifelong history buff, Larry noted that much of New York Life's story parallels U.S. history. His office, a museum of New York Life memorabilia, features framed policies from the 1800's, various news items on agents and employees who participated in World War I, and an invitation to the ceremony opening the Home Office in 1927.

Larry also had a deep knowledge of military and Presidential history and would often quiz friends with his trivia questions. Larry loved vintage cars. He could name any make and model. One of his favorite ways to relax at home was with a glass of wine or a scotch on the rocks followed by candlelit dinners. 

Larry and his family also enjoyed their home at Morgan's Point on Galveston Bay. He loved the water and it brought him much joy. Larry was affectionately referred to as "Mr. Ambassador". A reference to the very unofficial title of "Morgan's Point Ambassador to Galveston". 

Larry had a passion for travelling. He and Doris shared that with their family and friends on many different adventures around the country and world. 

As a proud Houstonian, Larry loved his city and the people in it. He would recite endless facts about Houston and its families - many of whom he had both personal and business relationships. Friends recall their conversations and times spent with Larry and his special way with words and phrases that were uniquely his own. Larry was a wonderful raconteur and his sense of humor along with his detailed memory always made for an entertaining story. 

Larry was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Betty Jo Hedrick and brother, Donald Bernard. He is survived by his wife Doris of 53 years; their son David Bernard and his husband Charles D. Urstadt; their son Jeffrey Bernard, his wife Julie Chisholm and his granddaughters Sophie and Lucy Bernard; his sister Amber York and her husband Dr. Byron P. York, Jr. and his brother-in-law Howard Katz along with many nephews and nieces. Larry was also preceded in death by his beloved dogs Malcolm and Max. 

The family thanks Frank Gutierrez for his friendship, compassion and care for Larry for almost five years as well as the other caretakers from the Texans Home Care staff. In addition the family is appreciative to Larry's physicians Doctors Matthew Lenz, Joseph Jankowvic and Phong Tang.

A family graveside service will be held with Rabbi Steve Gross officiating. Due to COVID-19, a gathering to celebrate Larry's life will be held at a later date. 

Donations may be made in his memory to the Houston Association of Parkinson's Society(HAPS), Houston Food Bank, Houston Congregation for Reform Judaism or a charity of your choice.

To Plant Memorial Trees in memory, please visit our Sympathy Store.

Published in Houston Chronicle on Feb. 14, 2021.

 

NOTE: I have ordered a circle of five trees from the Jewish National Fund to be planted in Israel in memory of Larry.