Bernard (Bernie) Melville Lionberger Jr. took his last trail ride on November 18, 2016, in the late evening, surrounded by his family at home. Bernie was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in early September. He was fighting to make his 75th birthday, which was later this month.
Bernie was born November 28, 1941, in Ft. Worth, Texas to Bernard Melville and Edna Marguerite Lionberger. He started working summers for the Forest Service in North Idaho when he was 19, and continued while pursuing his education. He graduated from Stephen F. Austin University and started teaching high school aviation at Arlington Heights High School in Ft. Worth, Texas. His first marriage was to Carole Vasbinder in 1964, and was blessed with two children, Anne and Rob. Throughout this time Bernie continued to drive or fly one of his airplanes to North Idaho, working in the forests he truly loved.
In 1980, he was offered a full time position as aviation officer with the Forest Service in Coeur d’Alene Idaho, which was a dream come true. He met Sherri Wilson while working on a fire in the Bob Marshall Wilderness, and they married in 1985. They were blessed with twin daughters Erin and Tara.
Bernie’s passion for aviation began in his twenties and he made a career out of teaching or managing aircraft. His hobbies were numerous; he had a ham radio license since age 15, he was an avid photographer, and he loved playing his guitar. He and Sherri traded in their plane for horses and spent all of their free time together riding and volunteering with the Back Country Horsemen groups in Idaho and Montana. Bernie had a love of camping, hiking, and riding to “see what is around the next corner, or over the next rise”, which he passed down to all of his children and grandchildren.
Bernie’s sense of humor was legendary. Everyone who knew Bernie knew of his wicked sense of humor, which was with him until the very end. He was also the Dallas Cowboy’s most loyal fan. He subscribed to the Dallas Cowboy weekly for decades and rarely missed a game. The Sunday before he passed was spent watching the Cowboys defeat the Steelers in a dramatic fashion. Dallas Cowboys’ coach Jason Garrett sent a signed football and message of encouragement to Bernie that he treasured until the end. Dallas’ stellar season gave Bernie much joy during his battle with cancer.
Bernie is survived by his wife Sherri, daughter Anne (Giuseppe) Carraturo, son Rob (Rebecca) Lionberger, daughter Tara, daughter Erin (Troy) Clark, and grandchildren Alessandro & Isabella Carraturo, and Dylan & Jesse Lionberger. He is also survived by his beloved dog Buddy. He was preceded in death by his father, mother, and infant brother Alan.
A reception to celebrate Bernie will be held at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Avenue, Helena, MT on Wednesday, November 23, 2016, from 3:00 until 5:00 p.m. A memorial service will be held in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho on November 26, 2016, at 2:00 at Yates Funeral Home. Cremation has taken place and his ashes will be scattered at a later date. If you so wish, memorials may be made to the Bob Marshall Wilderness Foundation, PO Box 190688, Hungry Horse, MT 59919 (www.bmwf.org). Please visit below to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Bernie.
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Wednesday November 23, 2016
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home Social Hall
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena , Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Wednesday November 23, 2016
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home Social Hall
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena , Montana 59602
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Carrie Hahn says
Sherri and family-So sorry for your loss. If you need anything at all please call.
Ollie & Penny Goldammer says
Ollie & Penny Goldammer:
How sorry we were to hear of Bernie’s passing. What wonderful memories we have knowing and working with Bernie. We will always cherish these memories. We extend our deep and heartfelt sympathy to you and your family.
Marlene Sanborn says
Sherri, Sorry to hear about your loss. Bernie was always fun to be around at Ten Mile Drivers Club activities. He will be missed.
Desiree Johnson (Struble) says
Sheri & Family, Very sorry to hear of Bernie’s passing. Bernie was a joy to work with. He worked with fish & game to get me a ride on a helicopter when I worked at the front desk in Avery, Idaho. He was a blessing to all who knew him. May you find comfort in his memory. Peace be with you all.
Liz Behrends says
Sherri and Family, so very sorry to hear of your loss. Bernie was great to work with, a great instructor in aviation and fun to be around. My fondest memories, though were the pictures he shared of your daughters and my son as they competed in cross country and track. I would not have very many pictures of my son competing if it weren’t for the photographs Bernie took. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Clif Caughron and Margy Kernan says
Sherri and Family, We’re saddened and heart broken to hear of Bernie’s passing. It was so soon after first hearing he was ill, that it still is difficult to accept. I was looking forward to many more outings with the “stock”, as he called them, and with both of you. He was, to put it simply, one of the best. Our hearts go out to you, and please, if there is anything at all that you need, don’t hesitate to ask. It would be an honor to be of service to you.
Sally Prescott Heap Hartley says
My deepest sympathies to you all as my cousin, Bernie, was such a wonderful person. He always was so kind to me and made me laugh when I was a child. My uncle Bernie and my aunt Marguerite were two of my favorite people and the three of them welcomed me into their home many times. They, and Alan, were there to welcome him “home” along with a large host of family…the Prescott group is large and Wes led that group with welcome arms.
Bernie and all of you have been in my thoughts since I heard of his illness. May all your wonderful memories give you peace.
Dennis Hulbert says
Bernie made my life a better place. We traveled teaching Forest Service Aviation classes for 20 years together. He will always have a special place in my heart. What a joy he was. He will be missed. My God bless his family.
Kerry Arneson says
What a great photo! I don’t recall ever seeing Bernie that he didn’t have a smile on his face and something funny to say. He shared hilarious cartoons, especially during fire season. He was a blessing to so many, and made friends everywhere he went. And he gave great hugs! My heartfelt condolences to Sherri and the entire family.
Julie williams says
I had the pleasure of meeting Bernie early in my career on the Idaho Panhandle. After being around him for an hour you felt like you had known him forever. He was such a jokester it was hard to tell if he was ever serious when he told you a story. He was truly a people person and so glad he got to spend his last years and days in The Big Sky Country. My prayers are with you Sherri and all your family.
Dannie Giovanelli says
Sherri – So sorry to hear of Bernie’s passing. Had the pleasure of working with Bernie on the IPNF. Always a smile on his face and a laugh in his belly. May you find comfort in your memories. Prayers are with the family.
Mary Manning says
Sherri: I have never met Bernie but have always heard what a special man he was, My thoughts and prayers go out to you Sherri.
Larry Young says
Bernie, Dennis and I were The Flyboys. We played and sang together for many years. Bernie ALWAYS let everyone know WHO we were whenever we traveled together. “Hey, did you know that we’re The Flyboys? You’ve probably heard our songs on the radio. Autograph? Sure!” Flight Attendant, Waitress, Hotel Reception, Strangers in line……didn’t matter. He made sure they all knew. Bernie was the best of times as Dennis always said. You could not have a bad time when he was around….wouldn’t allow it. The best part was that you never knew what was coming next……….laugh a minute! Rest easy big guy……….see you ’round the bend.
Jerry and Shari Falconburg says
Sherri and family, So sorry to hear of your loss, our prayers are with you all.
Serena Carlson says
So sorry to hear this. Bernie was a rock, and I treasured getting to know both he and Sherri through Panhandle Back Country Horsemen. He was a quick wit and a gentle soul. God always calls the best home first. ♡
Nancy &Kenny Bare says
There will never be a pack trip taken that we won’t talk, smile, laugh or think about Bernie. A dear friend that will be missed.
Maridel Merritt says
Sherri and family, So very sorry for your loss. I will always cherish my memories of you and Bernie as a couple. In particular the unforgettable moment during the NEPA marathon in the White Pine Room of the S.O. As I recall, Bernie had called from home. Looking for help with cooking dinner for the twins. He was supposed to fix brownies for dessert. Not just any brownies. They had to be the Super Fudgy Brownies. Cherish your many memories. I hope my recollection brings a smile to your face. A new star is shining brightly in heaven above.
Cindy Rogowski says
Sherri. Our condolences to you and your family. I remember the two of you as a pretty happy couple and think of you time to time. May your family and friends comfort you during this time.
Cindy & Lee Rogowski….friends from the IPNF days.
Kimberly Johnson says
Sherry, I was so saddened to hear of Bernie’s passing. My first and fondest memories are the two of you on horseback doing work for the Back Country Horseman on the Joe. Bernie was so easy to be around and talk with and always with a story and a smile. Prayers to you and your family.
Gayle Hawkins Schlieper says
Sherri and family. So sorry for your loss. Bernie was definitely one of a kind. I will always have great memories of working with him and his great sense of humor and his wonderful laugh.
Thoughts and prayers sent to all of you.
Kim Knox says
Sherri & family,
I feel so lucky to have worked with Bernie, love him and know he is missed by so many. Such an amazing person, fun to be around and always a great send of humor.
Hugs & love…. K
Connie and Walt Glass says
Walt and I send our deepest condolences to you and the family. Was so saddened to hear this news. We have many fond memories of Bernie. Still have a coffee mug with a picture of Walt, Al, Gene and Bernie in their hats, chinks, boots and skivies only at the SiJohn Horse Races. A life well lived. May the happy memories carry your heavy hearts.
Vinita (Shea) McKay says
Sherri and family, I’m so sorry to hear of Bernie’s passing. Take comfort in your many wonderful memories and cling tight to each other. Sending love and light.
Darlene Mullins says
Sherri and family: saddened by your loss. What a treasure that man was! I have many memories of Bernie and can almost hear him laughing his way into heaven. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Vickie Anderson says
Sherrie and Family: I didn’t know Bernie all that well, mostly through the Backcountry Horsemen Conventions. However, I sure enjoyed talking and being around him during the conventions. I have fun memories of the humor and happiness that he shared with everyone. I hope that the many memories you all have of Bernie will somehow lessen the pain of his passing. Please let me know if I can help in any way
Karen Brockus says
Bernie was such an incredible man, and I am so grateful I had the chance to know him. He was an amazing teacher and mentor, as well as a great friend. His sense of humor and laughter will live on in my memories forever. Love and condolences to Sherri and family.
Ed J. Kurowski says
Dear Sherri,
Bernie is now a part of the ages & fully knows the secret that the rest of us are yet to find.
We cannot fully know your loss and yet we stumble to share it just the same in these coming months.
Although I was never within Bernie’s circle I was indeed within his sphere of influence for nearly half of over forty seasons as Smokey’s Sidekick. I Revere Bernie’ sense of humor the most treasured characteristic to linger in our fading memories !
God Speed to you and Yours…
Carole and Ray Thoen says
Sherri, my heart and prayers are with you and your family. Ray and I always enjoyed visiting with you and BERNIE AT Backcountryhorsemen quarterly meeting. You always made. Me feel welcome. I miss you both.
Bud and Torrie McConnaughey says
How does one sum up working together for 24 years with Bernie as supervisor the last 4 years? I remember the fire where Bernie met Sherri. We were part of a helicopter module and Bernie was fixed wing base manager. We couldn’t figure out why we would never see Bernie. We traveled, instructed, and worked together. His motto was to get the mission done in a professional manner and have fun while doing it. We laughed a lot. Our hearts go out to Sherri, Robert, Anne, Erin, and Tara. We loved Bernie but it is small comfort for your loss. We prayed daily for you while you went through the day to day trials of the cancer. Love to all.
Dick Dudley says
Sherri and family,
My thoughts go out to you in this tough time. I always appreciated the professionalism and expertise Bernie contributed. I also remember the fire in the Bob Marshall where you all met. You all talked all night and I know it was as sleepless for you as it was for me. There were many other assignments that I was glad to get with Bernie.
My thoughts and prayers to you.
Raenette and Steve Didier says
I first met Bernie when he came to the Selway Ranger District in the mid 1980’s to do a helitorch burn for wildlife. I sat near the helipad with a radio and provided communications. He and his crew were great guys to work with. After that we would cross paths in fire camp. I was so glad when you joined Back Country Horsemen and Steve and I got to know you both. Our thoughts are with you and your family.
Carolyn and Jim Bumpas says
We are so sad to hear of Bernie’s passing. He was a dear cousin and a great person. You and the whole family are in our prayers and thoughts. Hoping your wonderful memories and your faith in God’s love will sustain you during this very hard time. Love to you all. Carolyn and Jim
George Gratz says
Proud to call Bernie a friend. I worked with Bernie the summers of 1962-1964 in Avery,Idaho. We shared many good times. I vividly recall Bernie and I being on the two man Bird Creek fire in the St. Joe the summer of 1964.
May Bernie rest in peace and may his family cherish pleasant memories.
Randy Wislon says
Sherrie, so sorry for your loss. I have great memories of you and your Bernie on the cow hunt we went on in 2007, what a great time had by all especially with his sense of humor. Thoughts and prayers to you and your family.
Randy and Gail Wilson
Smoke Elser says
Sherrie, My thoughts and prayers are with you. Bernie will be greatly missed and it will not be the same when attending Back Country Horsemen functions without him. Hopefully, many years of great memories will bring you comfort. Our thoughts will be with Bernie as he rides over the great divide!
Mark Smith says
What a remarkable man, what a remarkable life ! Anyone who ever knew or worked with Bernie had a true friend. His positive energy was boundless, his passion for life contagious. The many expressions of love and admiration for Bernie written here certainly go beyond any words I can say. I count myself so very fortunate to have been a part his community and career. He was a mentor to many, a brilliant teacher, and an unmatched in his profession. The memories & adventures, the fun & laughter, as well as the many friendships made in those times together on the IPNF are indelible and everlasting. Our heartfelt condolences to Sherry and family, with assurances that Bernie’s legacy endures in the hearts and minds of all who’s lives were touched by this great man. Rest in the Light of Eternal Love, Bernie. Mission accomplished.
Chick Rolling says
We should aspire to be as accomplished, personable and enjoyable an individual as Bernie was—and a good, good neighbor.
Sue Mohr and Howard Reid says
Sherri and family
What a wonderful obituary…described Bernie in all the ways we have come to know him. He will leave a gigantic hole in everyone’s hearts. SO sorry this has come to pass. Happy Trails: I hope we get to see him again and get to ride more trails down the road.
Sue and Howard
Allen and Charlotte Chrisman says
Dear Sherri – it has been so long since we have seen you and Bernie – and I was shocked to hear of his passing. You were the perfect couple and he was an outstanding man. I enjoyed him so much when we worked on the Idaho Panhandle. I remember your custom-made Toyota 4 door pickup, made specifically to haul the twins around. He was so proud of the truck and his family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Keith Robinson says
Bernie was my teacher for several classes when he taught at Arlington Heights H.S. in Fort Worth, Texas. He and I would often discuss the Dallas Cowboys. He was a great teacher and a wonderful guy. Thoughts and prayers to his family.
Keith Robinson
Mark Vore says
Oh Sherri, I am so sorry for your loss. Bernie was one of those individuals who lived life large. He touched many and I was glad I had the chance to know and work with him for all those years.
Mark Vore
David Muncey says
Bernie was one of my most favorite individuals ever met while working for the Forest Service. I too, am glad, I had the chance to know and work with him!
David Muncey
Debbie Bozarth says
I loved Bernie. I loved when he would read the 10:00 fire weather to us out in the field. He is the only one who could teach you something and make you laugh while listening to fire weather! A great man. So glad to have known him. Sherri and family, so sorry for your loss. May the Lord wrap his arms tightly around you all through this difficult time.
Mary Deese Hampton says
I was so sorry to hear of Mr. Lionberger’s passing today. He was a teacher of mine at Arlington Heights High School back in the mid-late 1970s. What a sweet, funny man! My prayers to his family and friends.
Robin Groth (Bazzle) says
One of the fondest memories I have working in the Forest Service is Bernie. He was one of the very first folks I met. I spent numerous hours and days with him working at Coeur d’Alene Dispatch. I would read the fire weather over the radio channels and he would sneak up on me while doing it, so that I would fumble my words and start laughing. He always had a joke, a smile and a story to tell. Sherri, I am so sorry for your loss, I was so glad to know him and will always remember his voice and his laugh. You all are in my thoughts and prayers.
Edmond Joe says
Sherrie, I too was a former student of Mr. Lionberger at Arlington Heights High School and was a member in his 1980 Aviation class. I fondly recall a time when we went flying in his plane and he said “Edmond, let me show you a stall.” That is certainly a memorable experience. You many recall that I got the chance to have lunch with him in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho a few years ago – 29 years after he last taught in Ft. Worth. So glad to let him know personally how much of an impact he had on my life over the 29 years, We both laughed and enjoyed the many stories from his 1980 avaiation class. His humor, his ability to bend rules, and his approach to life are things that I will never forget. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Bob McFarland says
Sherri and girls, Barb and I have tried to express our feeling to you directly, but I wanted to add something here that you may read again in the future. Bernie was the best friend I’ve made in my mature years. Like everyone has said at his memorials, once you got to know him, you wanted to be his friend, to enjoy his experience and love of life but also to have a model and guide for being a quality human being. The warm and generous talks we had on the radio were just one instance of his unfailing graciousness, goodness, and complete competence, with class. In the outdoors, I could implicitly count on him (and you, Sherri) to do things safely and correctly, and with good humor and kindness to all those around him. Who could ask for more?
Lilia Sanchez says
I am very sorry to hear of Mr. Lionberger’s passing; I am very happy to read that his life was full of love, family and the things that made him happy. Many times, through the years (I graduated in 1979 from AHHS where he was my biology teacher) I have thought of Mr. Lionberger and I always smile and I remember one of the limericks he read to the class…..
“A couple made love in a Fiat
He said where in the hell is my key at
When he started to seek
She let out a shreak
That’s not where it’s likely to be at”
I lost my beautiful (and only) sister to cancer 3 years ago at a very young age. I hope Mr. Lionberger meets her in Heaven and keeps her laughing for me.
David Wilband says
Mr. Lionberger is a teacher you remember by name for having an impact on your life. I had physics and aviation classes at AHHS in 1974. His passion of flying was a contagious joy. I remember slide shows from his service with the forest service during the summer. My first flights were with Mr. Lionberger and his name is in my first log book. The girl I went flying with on the first flight is now my wife, Laura Yardley, who also had aviation class with Mr. Lionberger. I went on into the field of science and engineering and eventuallyI did get my pilot’s license and later to own a plane of my own. I still have that joy for flying. I will remember him always.
Don Yates says
Mr. Lionberger was truly one of a kind. I don’t remember much from high school, but Bernie is unforgettable. Best teacher, ever!
Douglas Docken says
Mr. Bernie Lionberger, aka “The Flyin’ Lion”, was a dear teacher to us students at Arlington Heights High School, in Fort Worth, Texas. An easy-going, educational, and truly fun guy to be blessed with as a role model. His love of life was as legendary as his breaking the rules with honor. He would reward our class with unabashed jokes from a certain magazine, all while keeping things clean and above board. He taught so many of us to fly his Cessna 172 by using a plastic “computer” (slide rule type of thing), before real computers. Five bucks for fuel went a long way to an education in the air. I and my neighbor will never forget his fortitude. We shared the plane with an amateur student who nearly caused us to expire on a landing. Bernie pulled the wheel up and increased power while making a joke. One of a kind. Never forget him. I miss him more after tripping across this obituary. God love him.