1936 – 2015

AUBURN — Philip Herbert Bernier, 78, of Oquossoc, died Saturday, Sept. 12, at the Hospice House in Auburn with his loving family by his side.

Philip, or “Phil,” was born in Fitchburg, Mass., on Nov. 7, 1936. He resided in Marblehead, Mass., where he married his high school sweetheart, Judith Lewis, on June 21, 1958. They later lived in Peabody, Mass., before moving to Oquossoc in 1979.

He started the Four Seasons Café over 30 years ago and also groomed snowmobile trails with his wife, Judy. In 1998, they became snowbirds and started spending the winter months in Florida. He was a hot rod and NASCAR enthusiast. He loved Thanksgiving, which was always at The Turkey Run in Daytona Beach with his close friends, Connie and Mike Akelian. He enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandsons, whom he adored.

He is survived by his children, Brenda Mynks and her husband, Dean, of Margate, Fla., and Karen Landis and her husband, Adam, of Ormand Beach, Fla.; two grandsons and friends, Benjaman Bernier Bliss and Nikolas Bernier Bliss; a brother, Bruce Kleiman of Steamboat Springs, Colo.; special friends, Debbie Bogardis and her two daughters, Karen and Kristen, Pete and Ann Wolzaik, Tim Small, Sam Centrella, Burt Anderson, Rose Collins, Buddy Gallant; his hot-rod friends from NHRA; and many other special friends, as well as his beloved dog, Vicki.

He was predeceased by his wife, Judith.

Tributes and online condolences may be shared by visiting his memorial wall at www.wilesrc.com.