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Bernard Lester Jay, Jr.
Description: July 4, 1952 –Dec. 12, 2006
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Posted by editor
Tue Nov 30, 1999 00:00:00 PST
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Bernard Lester Jay, Jr. of Tehachapi, headed for a better fishing hole on Dec. 12, 2006. Bernie was the son of Bernard and Gertrude Jay. He was born July 4, 1952, in Missoula, Mont. Bernie spent most of his life in Montana, and he loved to fish the beautiful, clear streams.
Bernie was an accomplished singer, beginning his public performances with his brothers when he was 11 years old. His love for singing lasted all his life. In his later years he sang with the choir at Saint Anthony's Catholic Church in Missoula, and at various Karaoke venues.
In addition, Bernie was a talented artist. He loved painting scenes from around Montana. He was unable to paint in his last years due to health issues.
Bernie developed diabetes in his thirties and spent the rest of his life trying to beat the disease. He hated the fact that he was robbed of his health at such an early age, and spent much of his time trying to regain it.
Bernie served in the U.S. Navy, enlisting in 1970 at the age of 17 so he could serve in Vietnam. He was honorably discharged in 1972, after earning a Bronze Star and several marksmanship awards. He was very proud of his service to his country.
Bernie married Donna Young in August of 1971. They later divorced. He married Rebecca Kinsley on June 16, 1995. Together, they raised three children. In August of 2000 they relocated to Tehachapi, where Bernie resided until his death. Bernie and Rebecca divorced in 2003, but remained close friends.
Bernie was preceded in death by his father, infant daughter, Bernadette, and brothers Clark and Chester Brownlee.
He is survived by his mother, of Dixon, Mont.; brother Glen (Carlynn) Brownlee, of Clinton, Mont.; sister Anita (Lenis) Anderson, of Dixon, Mont.; his former wives; and his children; Kristina Clark, of San Diego; and Derek and Kenneth Clark, of Palmdale, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and friends.
Services are pending and will be announced at a later date.