31/07/2021
It is hard to put into words how much you meant to all of the Evatt House community Bernie. Laying the foundations for Evatt House in 1990, you created a community for people from all across Australia and the world where students from all walks of life felt welcome. You instilled values of spirit, pride and inclusiveness in everyone of Evatt's residents. You pushed us to be our best possible selves. We feel privileged to have been able to meet you and become friends, as we are sure all of Evatt feels. You were always available to offer advice, give a helping hand or come meet more of Evatt's amazing residents.
You are the embodiment of Evatt's Motto "Carpe Diem" Bernie. There wasn't a day that went by that you weren't out in the Newcastle community making it a better place. It is hard to say what we will miss more about you Bernie, whether it be your vibrant personality or the incredibly stories you always told.
It saddens us to see you go but know that you have left a mark on our hearts which we will cherish forever.
Our thoughts go out to Mary, Bernie's family and all of the Evatt House community.
We leave you with one final salute, in the words of Walt Whitman:
"O Captain! my Captain! rise up and hear the bells;
Rise up - for you the flag is flung - for you the bugle trills,
For you bonquets and ribbon'd wreaths - for you the shores a-crowding,
For you they call, the swaying mass, their eager faces turning"
You were truly one of the best Bernie, Carpe Diem.