Bernard A. Taylor’s Memorial

Thank you for joining us in honoring Bernard A. Taylor at his memorial on 22 March 2025. We are deeply moved by your support. 

 

Watch the recording here.

 

Click here for the memorial program

 

Your words and memories are healing. Please share a tribute/memory below.

20 thoughts on “Memorial

  1. Danelle Taylor Johnston says:

    I am blessed to have a father who loved me completely and told me so every day. He taught me to think, photograph, follow my passions, and to care deeply.

    • I’m so sorry to hear of your father’s passing, Danelle. I just saw it on the Lopers Facebook page. Your father was a great guy, and I’m happy to have known him. Please share my condolences with your mother and Flint.

  2. Andy Sandiford says:

    Dr. Taylor was an inspirational professor. Many years ago, he accepted an invitation to share his wisdom on the Apocrypha with my seniors at Loma Linda Academy. He treated them with high respect as though they were his graduate students. While they were moved to clearer understanding, I was inspired to deeper study. His gentle spirit has also touched me beyond academics to a better sense of the wholeness of life. I am changed because of Dr. Taylor. To his family, I express gratitude for the kindness you showed. I pray you will enjoy God’s perfect peace.

  3. Darrin Taylor says:

    Uncle Bernard was a follower of God in his personal and professional life and I appreciated his calm scholarly relationship with the Bible.

    Outside of religion he was the first person I knew who owned an IBM PC and wrote his own programs and he had his HAM radio license. He had a well rounded intellectual life but also ran marathons and always had his family’s well being in mind.

    And his face always lit up when talking about his grandkids.

    I am so glad he brought his family to Loma Linda in 1990 and we had so much fun together.

  4. Darrell Cyphers says:

    Dr. Taylor was a special man. He befriended me as a single guy looking for connection to the church beyond pew-sitting and he appreciated my scholarly interest, took me under his wing, and involved me in Winter Wednesdays and personal conversations about the text. I learned a lot from him. I am crushed by the loss. I knew we’d lose him, I just always hoped it wouldn’t be now. I will miss him forever. In our odd, Mutt and Jeff relationship, he was always one of my best friends. Thanks so much to the family for loaning him to us, and we will always be friends through him. God bless until we see him again.

  5. Roland Kilroy says:

    Bernard was a friendly, kind, caring, intelligent person, and a very loving and much loved husband, father, father-in-law, and grandfather. Bernard will be sadly missed by all who knew him. May he now rest in peace.

  6. Amanda Taylor and Scott Silcock says:

    We miss Uncle Bernard and his regular visits to us in Australia. We miss his love of languages, corny jokes and wordplay, his love of nature and cats, and indeed his love and open acceptance of us. His close bond with Aunty Alyna and their partnership through every aspect of life has been an inspiration to us. Our hearts go out to the family he leaves behind, especially A, C & D who are very much missing their ‘B’. You are not alone <3

    • Leigh Aveling says:

      Bernard has always been gracious to me. When I joined lluc church many years ago Bernard was quick to welcome me and involve me in church life. This continued throughout the years. Bernard despite being a a world renown accomplished scholar was so humble.

      I had the privilege of visiting him a day or two prior to his passing in my role as a chaplain at llumc and saw how close he was to the lord as he asked me to pray with him. What a privilege for me. He has fought a good fight throughout his life’s journey.

  7. Bruce & Cathy Bacheller says:

    My wife Cathy Bacheller and I (Bruce) became acquainted with the Taylor family back when they began attending Miamisburg Seventh-day Adventist Church in the in the 1980’s. They lived just off I-75 at exits 21 and 22 , which was just about half way between the church, Spring Valley Academy where their children Clynton and Danelle attended, and where Bernie was working on his Doctorate from the Hebrew University in Cincinnati. EVERY TIME I go by those exits on my way to and from Cincinnati, I still think of our friends the Taylors.

    A group of us, Benny Mason, Judd and Lucille Nelson, and the Taylors used to do things together on weekends quite regularly, like picnics, hikes, playing Frisbee, visiting Ohio Caverns and such. One thing I distinctly remember is the time that the women all purchased and wore on several occasions the same style pink tops!

    Bernard had these great big floppy disk (it was the early days of personal computer) in which he was arriving at programs for making Hebrew simpler for others.

    After Bernie’s graduation, it was a sad day when they accepted a call to pastor a church in upstate New York. Their moving truck did not have room for their washer and drier. So on our way to visit Cathy’s folks in Massachusetts we rented a trailer and delivered it to them. It was a joyous reunion.

    In 1989 I believe it was, I was on my way to a building school in Maine, and I stopped to visit them on my way. Clynton and I went canoeing, and that evening the 5 of us went to the Olive Garden, which was a first for them.

    We always appreciated Bernard’s insights into the scripture original passages, and his participation in Sabbath School Classes.

    Although we still have kept in touch down through the years, sadly, as with many friends, distance and other things have often made friends to not stay in touch as much and be as close. Among these has also been the separation by that evil Enemy Death.

    I praise God that there that there will be a grand reunion in heaven where we will not only be with Jesus, but catch up again with friends as Bernard, all of whom have fallen asleep way sooner than we wanted them to leave us.

    Although there is an emptiness, sorrow, and sadness now, I’m thankful for what John wrote in Revelation that our sorrow would not last forever.

    “And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away…Behold, I make all things new.” And He said to me, “Write, for these words are true and faithful.” (Revelation 21:4-5 (NKJV))

    I know that with those who have passed who have been close to me, I have been comforted to know that their suffering here has ended. One day when the mortal has put on immortality, we will see our parents, our friends, including Bernard, in a healthy body! That will be a wonderful sight to see!

    In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed. 53 For this perishable body must put on the imperishable, and this mortal body must put on immortality. 54 When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written:
    “Death is swallowed up in victory.”
    O death, where is your victory?
    O death, where is your sting?” (1 Corinthians 15:52–55 (ESV))

    And as Jesus Himself said, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16 (NKJV)

    With Much Love
    Bruce and Cathy Bacheller

  8. Bernard was a well-loved member of the Loma Linda Lopers Running Club. It was a pleasure running with him and working with him when he served as Race Director for the Holiday Classic. Bernard had a way with words. It was always nice to engage in conversation with him. He also served on the Loper Board when I was president. I loved that I could always ask him to proofread marketing items before they went to print. Bernard always used common sense when discussing Club situations and provided sound advice. He was someone I knew I could rely on. I’m keeping the preposition at the end of that last sentence on purpose. Bernard will be truly missed.

  9. Karin Zerlin says:

    I had the pleasure of encountering Bernard in our Lifestyle Medical weekly zoom meetings. Almost at once I was charmed by his gentle and kindly demeanor. He always had something meaningful to share as his thoughts were succinct and full of wit, common sense and genuine. I was transported back to my college days as Bernard expressed himself as the true professor he exemplified. Now the angels will be his audience as I look for his sweet and benevolent smile each week at our zoom group. May his memory be a blessing to all who knew him.

  10. Carolyne, Matthew & Jessica says:

    Bernard, you touched so many lives with your kindness, caring, loving and peaceful nature. Your positivity and gentle spirit will always be remembered. You will always be in our hearts my beloved brother-in-law and our dearest uncle

  11. Lynda and Michael French says:

    We are so, so sorry for your loss Taylor family. While the time that’s gone by and our miles apart have been many, we cherish the time we’ve had together in upstate New York. The many conversations with you and Bernard Alayna are wonderful, cherished memories. His words still come to mind in life situations and I share the wisdom I learned so long ago to this day. I pray for peace only God can give to you and your family and his many friends. We will miss him and I look forward to seeing Bernard when we are all at Jesus’s side. Love from us – Lynda and Michael French

  12. I was deeply saddened to hear of Bernard’s passing just a few weeks ago. We first met as part of the Biblical Lexicography group of the SBL on the steering committee many years ago. I remember him warmly as a scholar with a calm and gentle spirit. It was also a treat to meet the actual person behind the Analytical Lexicon I had seen and used in my own graduate studies. I will always remember Bernard’s presence in our conversations as like a gentle breeze on a warm summer’s night. My thoughts, prayers and good memories of Bernard go out to Alyna and Taylor family.

  13. Sharon & Michael Tachenko says:

    We were heartbroken to learn of Bernard’s passing! After a gap of 40 years, we had been planning a trip to CA that would have included a wonderful visit reflecting on all God has been doing in our lives over these many years. That visit must now occur in Glory!!
    I first encountered the Taylors while Alyna & I sat on wee chairs with our daughters in the Cincinnati church. We immediately became fast friends! Our daughters were the same age; we homeschooled, made all our food from scratch, and wrestled together with all the turmoil in the SDA church, while hungering to know God and share a right understanding of Grace and Joy in raising our children. Bernard’s teaching and spiritual nurture gave us a glimpse of, and a hope for a larger view of scripture and The Church! Bernard was instrumental in giving us the courage to ask the hard questions and pursue true Truth! Our family’s spiritual journey was forever impacted because Bernard’s stepped into our lives, and we will be eternally grateful! We will meet again – on the other side!!
    Dear Alyna, Danelle, Clynton & families – May you know God’s joy & peace as you reflect on and celebrate your dear one’s life this day! We will be there with you in spirit!
    Sharon & Michael Tachenko

  14. Cheryl Fellows says:

    It has been my special honor to be the next door neighbor to wonderful Danelle and Flint and to thus get to know her dear parents. I have been blessed by them all and am so sorry for the great loss to them. Certainly have seen God’s love through them. Praying for God’s extra comfort to Alyna, Danelle, and Flint while missing Bernard as he sleeps in Jesus care.

  15. Anne Thompson says:

    I have very fond memories of Bernard at Society of Biblical Literature meetings over many years. Sending my condolences to Alyna, family, and friends, and wishing you all every comfort and strength.

  16. Mary Patterson says:

    It is an honor to say I met Bernard & Alyna in our Lifestyle Medicine group. Each encounter with Bernard was always a delight with that great smile & positive attitude. He always expressed joy & gratefulness for our group gatherings where he always added so much value & the time he & Alyna took the time to meet with me personally to provide encouragement for my cataract surgery that helped so much in my recovery. I am in awe of all he accomplished to serve Our God & the legacy he left behind that will live forever. A Grateful Lifestyle Medical Support Group Member – With Love Bob & Mary Patterson 🙏❤️

  17. Jean and Errol McDonald says:

    Bernard and Alyna, Errol and I have been friends since Avondale College days. We have lived in different parts of the world but we’ve managed to get together at their place or ours many times through the years. We have great respect for Bernard’s outstanding academic scholarship, but the Bernard we have been privileged to know has been best reflected in his devotion to my long-term beautiful friend Alyna and his family. On occasions he would share the achievements of his children and grand children with us. While visiting Clynton’s family in San Fransisco we saw his pride and joy reflected in the way he delighted in interacting with them in humorous and mischievous ways.

    Bernard was certainly multi-talented. One of his lesser known skills, which we greatly appreciated when travelling to different places in the USA was his exceptional navigating and driving skills. He also gave us a memorable week long walking tour of Manhattan Island and New York City.

    We have so many joyful experiences and memories of Bernard – a kind, compassionate, fun-loving, super-smart, Christian gentleman. We have been so blessed to have known and loved him as a best friend. We’ve truly lost a great man and our love and condolences go out to his dearest family.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

You may use these HTML tags and attributes:

<a href="" title=""> <abbr title=""> <acronym title=""> <b> <blockquote cite=""> <cite> <code> <del datetime=""> <em> <i> <q cite=""> <s> <strike> <strong>