Bernard (Bernhard) Fehr

January 14, 1958 – March 29, 2022

Bernard was born in Zurich, Switzerland. His parents were Hellmuth and Erika Fehr-Fischer and he had a brother Jürg, who is five years older. He went to school in Zurich and later in Stäfa, when his family moved there. After school, he began an apprenticeship as tool- and diemaker at Kaspar Humbel AG and was certified in 1978. He also had a keen interest in cars and motorcycles and always worked on them. He continued working in his trade for a while until he went traveling in France, during which time he worked in all kinds of jobs.

In 1981, he visited his brother, who was studying in California. He liked the Monterey area so much that he decided to stay there. He took on any job he could find. The work must have gravitated towards plumbing, because he eventually became a contractor in that trade. But he continued to provide help in many more areas. Bernard had very high standards for his work and would not be satisfied until it was 100% right. His goal was to help people.

He bought lathes and mills and had a workshop, where he would machine parts, the skill he was trained for originally, that he also did really well and enjoyed a lot. He was especially interested in race car restoration and was very happy to be close to Laguna Seca Raceway. He could spend all night to design and produce parts that were no longer available.

Bernard liked to ride his motorcycle, spend time with friends, cook and play the bass. He loved animals and always took good care of them. The loss of his dog Gasta saddened him deeply. Bernard was a strong man and could sometimes appear a bit rough on the surface. But inside he was a very sensitive and shy person.

In the fall of 2021, Bernard was diagnosed with Lymphoma. He responded very well to the treatment and was very optimistic to be healed. But the cancer came back, and Bernard lost his long and strenuous battle. He passed away on March 29 at Westland House in Monterey.

We would like to thank Dr. Hausdorff and the staff at Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula, Pacific Cancer Care, Hospice of the Central Coast and Westland House for their loving care and tireless support.