Melvin Bernier

Melvin Earl Bernier, a truly great man, passed away on August 25th, 2016, in Buhl, Idaho with his family by his side. Melvin was born in Buhl on November 13, 1942, to Leo and Opal Bernier. The family moved to Nyssa and Portland, Oregon, then on to Leo's home town of Oklee Minnesota. The family returned to Buhl in 1959. He attended country schools along the way.
Melvin spent his summers working for local ranchers. He loved being a cowboy. After graduation, he joined the army and served in Germany. He could always tell his army stories, usually about the experiences of driving a truck in Germany. When he returned to Buhl he worked a variety of jobs and then settled in working for his Dad on the farm and with their custom farming operation. Melvin married Judy Coats and they had their only child, John William (Willie) Bernier.
Melvin enjoyed riding his motorcycle and running with the local motorcycle club. An avid hunter, he became quite the marksman with his bow and arrows. Melvin kept his cowboy side alive with his favorite Mustang "Cinnamon". He gave back to our community as a member of the West End Search & Rescue for many years in the 70's and 80's.
Melvin was married to Connie Young (Tyree) for several years and was a dedicated employee at National Cash Register, Langdons, and Clear Springs, both in the feed mill and as a long haul truck driver. He and Connie divorced and then he retired from Clear Springs. It didn't take long before he began working for Winn & Co to keep himself busy when he wasn't camping and fishing. He would beam when he talked about his grandkids and their accomplishments and was so proud to show off pictures of them and his great-grandkids. In camping with them, he gave them the "bug" of kayaking.
Melvin was preceded in death by his parents, Leo and Opal Bernier, and his sister Shirley Helms.
He is survived by brothers, Lewis (Donna) and Laverne (Margorie) Bernier; sister, Kathy (Larry) Deitrick; son, John, aka Willie (Linda) Bernier; grandchildren, Kevin (Heather, grandson's Hayden & Ryker) Bernier, and Miranda (Jeremy; granddaughter, Addalyn, and soon to arrive granddaughter Abigail and grandson Jase) Trimpey, as well as his final love Cici Brittsan.
The family expresses great appreciation for the facility and staff of Evergreen Place in Buhl for the outstanding care and concern they provided Melvin during his stay.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 31, 2016, at Farmer Funeral Chapel in Buhl. A viewing will be held between 5:00 and 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 30, 2016 also at Farmer Funeral Chapel.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to consider a donation to Buhl QRU.