Bernard L. "Bernie" Zajic

Bernard L. "Bernie" Zajic obituary

Bernard Zajic Obituary


BERNARD "BERNIE" L. ZAJIC
July 11, 1933 ~ May 1, 2017

Bernard L. Zajic, 83, of Vancouver, WA, died May 1, 2017, surrounded by loved ones.
He was a 22-year veteran of the Navy and part owner of Bernie and Rollie's Barber Shop.
Bernie is survived by his wife of 31 years, Sandra (Burson) Zajic; daughters, Patricia Beall (Fred) and Deborah Sadberry (Doug); 6 step-children; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his first wife, Charlotte Nelson Zajic; and son, Gary Dean Zajic.
A Celebration of Life will be held Sat., July 8, 2017, 2p.m. at LifePoint Church, 305 NE 192nd Ave., Vancouver, WA. (Time to be determined.)
Please sign his guest book at: www.columbian.com/obits.

Published by The Columbian on May 7, 2017.
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Miss tou on tbe daily! But i know your sittin on my shoulder watchin over me when you know i need you. Such as the lights you flickered when you you wanted me an mom to shut up from our disagreement. I love you always! Your neice Sawndie

Sawndra Curtis

Family

May 2, 2019

Hi!! Tricia was supposed to be coaching at high school district championship gymnastic meet today. Her team took first in Sate last year. I remember you coming to my gymnastic meets!! I will always remember how supportive you were in my sports!! Even when I was much younger I remember going with you on your bowling nights. Back when you were still in the service. That league was always so fun loving and lively!! Miss you dad!!

Debi Sadberry

February 8, 2019

It's hard losing someone you love. I'm just now reading and writing in here for the first time. It's just been too hard to find words.
I couldn't of asked for a better step Dad. Bernie went above and beyond to take care of us. I was 14 when Mom and Bernie got married. It was a little awkward at first but we soon fell into a rhythm of family life. My kids only ever new him as Grandpa. It's foreign to them to think he wasn't always my Dad. His passing has left a big whole in our lives. He brought great humor, love and security to all of us. He gave us wisdom and advice whether we wanted it or not. He new how to connect with all of the young people and make them feel loved and cared about. One of the kids friends would often ask about Bernie even after she quit coming around. She was a troubled kid that just felt a connection with the big burly teddy bear He had that kind of a gift.
I remember in highschool my best friend and I were in the lunch line behind some boys who didn't know Bernie was my step Dad. The boys were talking about Bernie their barber and how awesome and funny he was. My friend was like I feel famous lol!!
I remember when Mom gave Bernie a beautiful ring for Christmas. It was something he had always wanted. Bernie cried that Christmas. He had tears of joy. I don't think any of us could have ever imagined that he would be so touched. He never asked for anything for himself and he never complained. If he complained we new it was serious.
I love and Miss you Bernie Thank you for always being there for us
Pam

Pamela Smithline

January 23, 2019

This man was a great person!! My dad!! He went to our school activities and sports competitions always, when he could. He had a great sense of humor, and loved to laugh. He felt our pain. If we hurt, he hurt. Cried with me when I was getting stitches. When I was scared, he was scared with me! I will miss him, til I am with him again!!! Love him forever!!

Debi sadberry

September 25, 2018

Hi!! I love you!! Yesterday was your birthday!! Wanted to wish you a Happy Birthday on facebook. Post a pic of you. But I couldn't make it work!! Darn it!! But you know I said happy birthday!! You know I love you!! And I will visit again real soon! Miss you so much!!!

Debi sadberry

July 12, 2018

Hi Sweet Heart, I miss you, I still talk to you, maybe you hear me better now than you did when you were here! We had a wonderful 32 yrs together, some ups and downs but mostly ups. We had a lot of good times. I love and miss you.

Sandra Zajic

June 29, 2018

Hi!! Your birthday is coming up!! I miss you!! Doug and I are in Missouri now. St. Robert. You would be proud and you would love it here. Its beautiful!! I will miss you no matter where I am. I'm pretty sure I got my courage to move around from my life with you and mom, in the navy. . I have your pictures up, here in our living room. You are never forgotten!!

Debi Sadberry

June 28, 2018

My dad! Pattys birthday was this last week! There's a picture of you and mom holding her in your arms when she was very small! I remember when we lived on Ketner blvd in San diego. You, mom, and Patty all in the kitchen visiting. Mom cooking. Suddenly, out of nowhere, you just jumped at Patty, grabbed the back of her hair, jerking her forward as your hand and arm traveled down her head and onto her back. The move was so swift and sudden, we were all startled and jumped and squeeled!!! Holy moly!!! What the heck was all that about!! And then, the smell! Whew!! So bad! And you spinning her around. So frightening! Her hair was on fire!! And you got it!! Never do i remember your hands being so big as i remember them that day! One fast swish from the top of her head down, and the fire was out! I remember watching her brush the burned hair out of her head as she cried. Beautiful long blonde hair, with black crisp ends popping and snapping off into the sink and onto the floor! I remember trying to imagine what could have happened if you hadn't been so quick! I remember thinking that maybe Patty was crying tears of joy, but knowing she was just sad about her hair and freaked out by your sudden movements!!! Her non-reality bubble in place that day!! Thank you, dad!!!

Deborah Sadberry

November 5, 2017

Grandpa,
Today is 9/11/17... I'll never forget what I was doing that day. I lived with you and Grandma. I remember you coming into my room while I was getting ready for school and telling me what was going on. The look on your face was so worried. You didn't want me leaving the house that day. You had me go to school late. The worry on your face I'll never forget. I love you Grandpa... You wouldn't believe the things that are going on in our country right now. Fires in Oregon, Wa, Montana, Flooding in Texas from Harvey, hurricane Irma just hit Florida. The devastation is so sad. I miss you everyday, but I'm glad your healthy and happy in Heaven. I think about you everyday and miss you every minute. Life isn't the same without you. I wish I could have one more hug, one more kiss, one more conversation, you are missed so greatly. The love I have for you is incomparable to any other. You taught me so many things. I love you forever and always. Xoxo

Maegan Capps

September 11, 2017

I love you Grandpa and I miss you so very much. I really truly hope that you know how much I love you. Thank you Grandpa for being so great!
Lots of love,
Tricia

Tricia Hoppa

September 6, 2017

Grandpa: a man of love, honor, values, respect, generosity, humor, support, understanding and kindness
You set the bar high for all of us Grandpa! You expected more from us and always made us feel loved even when we didn't meet your expectations. So, even now, especially now, we will strive to meet those expectations that you set for us, Grandpa. And even though you didn't always tell us how high you could see us fly, we know! And I plan to fly Grandpa, because I know how much you believed in me. One day, when I reach these goals, you'll be there with me grandpa, I know you will, in my heart and in my thoughts and in my success. Thank you Grandpa for all that you are to me and thank you Grandpa for just being you. I love you now and always. Lots of love, Tricia

Tricia Hoppa

September 5, 2017

Hi! Boy. Fires in the gorge going crazy! Reminds me of the 1980 eruption of mt. St helens. Ash everywhere. Ash falling again, but from a forest fire! So sad. All the efforts of human beings to protect the gorge and now look! Remember when Gary fought forest fires in the summer! That was so cool! He was such a hero. . We would drive as close as we could get to take food to him. And always brought extra stuff for the others on the crew. I told Tricia that when i think of you i always remember laughing. I told her that after i die i hope she remembers me that way. I remember you coming into the living room with a huge bowl of vanilla ice cream and chocolate syrup all over it. You sitting down in your recliner and leaning back.back.back. oh my gosh! You did a complete back flip out the back of the recliner as it kept tipping backwards all the way. Your feet going over your head and you trying so hard to hold onto that ice cream! I laughed so hard i cried!! And i thought you were going to beat me for laughing. But i couldnt stop! Then you looked at you and your ice cream and your chair and grinned like you knew it probably was pretty funny! I never told you that Gary and i had been fighting earlier in the day and broke the chair. Then set it back up to look ok. I didnt know you would get flipped like you did!!! So grateful you were ok! That was the second time we broke a chair during a scuffle. But thats a story for next time. Want you to know this turned out to be a pretty dry and warm summer! Makes up for that nine months of steady pouring rain we had!!! Missed you all summer! Love you so much! Deb.

Debi Sadberry

September 5, 2017

For you, dad! All that you were and all that you became, i am so grateful i got to travel that road, so much of it with you!. We had so much fun! I remember the day you brought us home a trampoline. Big red clown face printed on the canvas! So exciting! And i was the only one that got to keep my shoes on when i jumped, because they were new! And red! Like the clown face! So many kids always around you! Because you were so much fun! I remember when you went down to a local burger joint and ordered like 24 hamburgers! They made you pay before they would even start cookinh them!! For all the kids! You fed all the neighborhood kids! And you were so funny! All of the kids enjoyed being at our house!! . I miss you dad, all my love, Deb.

Debi Sadberry

August 12, 2017

My dad! I miss you like crazy! Went up to Carson. I remember how hard you worked as a logger! Dont think i ever told you thank you for doing that for me. For our family. I remember when i was about five. You were teaching me how to ride my bike without training wheels. You got me going in the grass and i forgot how to control my direction and went right along side one of those green hoses that have water spraying out of their length. When i finally got stopped and turned back to find you. My hair was soaked to my face, water still spraying on me and you were laughing so hard! It was funny! I didnt get hurt. And from that point on i was a pro at bike riding....or so I thought! Lol! I had so many fun times with you!!! And you made me feel special all the time! I would miss you so much when you were out to sea! I remember sitting at the edge of our drive way just crying for you to come home!

Debi Sadberry

August 7, 2017

Grandpa...I'll always remember the sound of your voice. How your infections smile and laughter lit up the room, how far your arms wrapped around me when you sqeezed me tight for a hug. Your kindness to others without comparison. I will try to fill the whole in my heart with all the great memories i have with you. I promise to make you proud. Every year at Christmas as I'm out taking the kids to look at Christmas lights I'll think of you and Grandma and all the Christmases you drove around for hours looking at the beautiful lights. I'll never forget when I was about 6 and there was a Santa on the side of the road...my sister Michelle was so excited you stopped the car on the side of the street so she could meet Santa. At the time I remember being so embarrassed we had stopped that I took my seatbelt off and hid on the floor board in the backseat. You just chuckled because you thought it was so funny and you had made Michelle so happy!. You are and will always be the best grandpa a child could ask for. You weren't just any Grandpa, but the man who raised me with Grandma and my mom...I love you Grandpa❤❤

Maegan Capps

July 20, 2017

My true hero! My most precious step father Bernard Zajic! Its an extra special man who can love a second family and their children! Be proud Debbie and Patti! Much love

Helen Haneckow

July 19, 2017

Grandpa you are and will always be my hero. I'll never forget all the weekends when I was little I spent with you and Grandma. I'll always remember snuggling you in your chair with your white hanes t-shirt on, just the smell of you was calming. You were always my safe place. I loved going to the barber shop with you. I felt so special to vacuum up all the hair when you were done with a cut. I miss you everyday Grandpa. I'll be back tomorrow to write you again. Love you x Infinity. Your granddaughter Maegan.

Maegan Capps

July 18, 2017

Dad, we celebrated your life this past weekend. I went up to whidbey island. Road the ferrie and remembered when you would swing me up over the edge as if to throw me out! I laughed and screamed and you laughed! I remember letting the frogs go as fast as your friends would catch them so they couldn't have frog legs! I remember the weekend that Kim and I went up with you and mom. The movie, Summer of 42 was showing. It could have been filmed there! So much warmth i felt driving back through there! I love you so much! I will write more soon. love, deb.

Debi Sadberry

July 15, 2017

To my dad, a veteran of the military, a husband to my mom, a husband to my step mom, a father to my brother, sister, and i, and a stepdad to my step brother and step sisters. A grandfather to my children, my brother's children, my sister's children, and to my step brother's children, and to my step sisters children, an uncle, a father-in-law, a friend til the end! I will miss you so much til i catch up with you! But, until then, i will carry you so very snugly in my heart, and the heart goes on forever! I love you more than chocolate! Debi Zajic Sadberry!

Debi Sadberry

May 29, 2017

Nothing but great memories and the best haircut from Bernie. One of the great people that I have crossed paths with in my life.

Gregg Askey

May 16, 2017

Sandra, Patty, Debbie, and family. My Unk (that's what I always called him) and my Aunt Charlotte will always have a special place in my heart. Their door was always open for me. I spent many evenings with them because it was there where I found peace. They granted me refuge from a crazy world where I felt awkward. I tried to swing in to say hi whenever I was passing through Vancouver on my way to visit my dad. Sad to say, I haven't been that direction for awhile now. Unk, I will miss you! Your nephew, Joe

May 14, 2017

It was my smartest day when I said yes to your proposal and then carried through with a wedding. You were the best husband for me and father to all the children in our family, no mine or yours. I wanted another 31 yrs with you. I am going to miss you greatly, I love you! Your wife Sandra

May 10, 2017

My Father was one of the luckiest men that lived. He was given a second opportunity to live the life that he imagined he could. Thank You Sandra, your wonderful children and grandchildren , for bringing him into your family, for loving him, for appreciating him, and for caring so deeply for him. Dad lives on in my heart and in my dreams, until we meet again. ♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡

Patricia Zajic Beall

May 7, 2017

Uncle Bernie, you will be missed by many, a legacy you built from love. I have many memories to hold you close in my heart ..you were an amazing person was blessed to have you as part of my family. You gave me laughter, love, you taught me the true meaning of being a good person. I remember our card games you stayed up and played hand and foot when i was super sick with mono...i loved hanging out watching you cut hair at the barber-shop..to many to list...but im a better person because of them all! I know i have another guardian angel to ride on my shoulders now ...RIP you are still my sunshine your light just shines in at a new angle...your memories tattoed to my heart...till i see you again...<3

Sawndra Thurston

May 7, 2017

My Grandpa was an amazing man who touched a lot of people's lives. I'm lucky I had him with me my 32 years of life. Now I have the best Guardian Angel a person could ask for. I love you Grandpa.
Love Maegan one of his many Grandchildren ♡♡♡

Maegan Capps

May 7, 2017

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