Peter “Pete” Jacques Bernier, 59, died Feb 27, 2009 at his home in Derry, NH. He was born January 17th, 1950 in Suffern, NY to Ernest A. Bernier, Jr. and Maude (Deubner) Bernier. Pete’s early childhood was spent in Europe, in the country of Luxemburg, where his father was stationed as a pilot. The family returned to the family homestead in Londonderry NH in the late 50’s. Peter attended Bishop Guertin, Pinkerton Academy, Memorial High School and Southern NH College. He served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam war and was stationed in Hawaii. Returning to Londonderry after his service, he worked at several mechanical and electromechanical positions, from Volkswagen repair, an early passion, to testing of microchip manufacturing systems. He was intrigued and inventive with all things metal and motor. His last position of several years was at CTS in Londonderry where he made deep and lasting friendships with coworkers, a group he considered his extended family.
He had many interests that he pursued over the years, including: fly-tying and fishing; self sufficiency through farming, wind and solar power; WWII history; but there was no interest that quite so defined him as his love for what he called “the aeronautical community.” This began with sitting in the cockpit with his father at three years old, and continued his entire life. At different points he experimented with kites, model rockets, bottle rockets, hang gliders, flight school, aerial photography, miniature helicopters, and throughout his adulthood, the building and flying of radio controlled airplanes. For many years he was a member of the Flying Tigers Club of Derry and enjoyed the fellowship of other devotees. He also enjoyed music and playing his guitar.
He is survived by his beloved son Joel Bernier and wife Alicia of Dover NH, his beloved daughter Laurel Bernier of Nashua NH, his former wife of thirty years and dear friend, Kate Bernier of Londonderry NH. In addition, he had four grandchildren: Haley, Ava, Jacob, and Nathan; a half-sister, Aina Bernier of Ann Arbor Michigan, four nieces and two nephews; and many family members including cousins and in-laws. He was predeceased by his parents and a half sister, Carlotta Bernier.
Following cremation a memorial service will be held Saturday, March 14, 2009 at 12:00 noon in the Peabody Funeral Homes and Crematorium, 290 Mammoth Rd., Londonderry. Visiting hours will be held Saturday from 10:00am until the time of service in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the New Hampshire Flying Tigers, P.O. Box 99, Derry, NH 03038 or to the National Bipolar Foundation, 1661 International Dr., Suite 400, Memphis, TN 38120.