Saddened and shocked by this sudden news. Heartfelt sympathy to Pauline and the family. Bernie's warmth, compassion, humour and understanding touched all who knew him. We shall not see his like again.

I've stared in disbelief at this page for a couple of days now and still find it difficult to accept that Bernie has left this place. If you add up every comment here the sum barley begins to describe what a lovely man our Bernie was.

Years ago at the Thursday Challenge Dinner at the Park, we were each given a small note from Roger, which had the grace for the dinner typed upon it. It read:

TRIBAL WISH OF THE IROQUOIS INDIANS

May you always have a safe tent, and no sorrow as you travel.
May happiness attend you all your ways.
May you have a heart like the Morning.
And may you come slow to the Four Corners where
Mankind says "GOODNIGHT"


Bernie always had a heart like the morning and he wouldn't want us to mourn his passing, but rather remember a life lived to the full. No sorrows, and most of all we should celebrate him and be happy, remembering a beautiful man and a wonderful life.

If there is another place out there I'm certain that Bernie is sitting amongst new friends, and old, warming his companions with kind words, a good laugh and friendship.

All my love to Pauline,

Goodnight, Bernie

Like Alan, I have thought about what to say for days. When I became 'A Challenger' I was very insecure and rather lonely. Bernie and Pauline were among the stalwarts who welcomed me into the crowd, and helped me to feel I belonged. My special memory of Bernie is a phonecall to Challenge Control, at a difficult point, when he not only gave me the confidence to carry on, but cheered me up as well. A lovely, knowledgeable man. He will be so sadly missed.

Big hugs to Pauline.

I am so sorry to hear this news. Bernie was my vetter in 2016, very encouraging to a first-timer nervously submitting her route, and giving me such helpful comments on my proposal. I was so pleased to meet him and Pauline in Montrose last May, and remember enjoying his stories while sharing a noggin. I've taken his advice to have a new start point, and will think of him as I set out this year. My sympathy to Pauline and their family.

So sorry to read this.Bernie was a lovely man and a champion among Challenge legends. My sincere condolences to Pauline and family.

So I'm a bit late to the party, having only just seen this. There's not much I can add that hasn't been said already. I have so many wonderful memories of the big fella ... but it was for occasions just such as this that I wrote the third and final verse of my song "Great Outdoors Challengers", so I'll leave it at that. (The song was written to be sung to the tune of "Cavalilly Men", if you know it ...)




And if it be, as well it may,
We ne'er come back another day
My friends, the fact remains
That o'er this land we've all roamed free
So come what may, we'll always be
GREAT OUTDOORS CHALLENGERS!