Passed on Wednesday, 04 January 2017

The Rev. Mr. Edward J. Bernard passed away on Thursday, January 4, 2017.  Edd is survived by his wife Peg Bernard, his sister Judy Haglof, his children Gina Bernard, Katie Brownlee, Liz Bernard, James Bernard, and 5 step children, 12 grandchildren, and 4 great grandchildren.

He received his BA in religion from Nyack College, and attended Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, and Alliance Theological Seminary in Nyack, NY.  He was ordained in 1983 and became pastor of several local churches in Massachusetts, including Wendell Avenue Christian and Missionary Alliance Church in Brockton, Faunce Memorial Church in Plymouth, Second Congregational Church of Plymouth in Manomet, and most recently at Halifax Congregational Church, Halifax. He was raised in Hull and Quincy, MA, where he developed a love and skill for boxing which would lead him to winning the Massachusetts Golden Gloves title for 118 pounders under the name "Eddie Lehan."  On April 9, 2017, Ed was formally inducted into the Ring 4 Veterans Boxers Association Hall of Fame. Though he was a great athlete and would earn his black belt and teach martial arts, "Rev Edd" was drawn by God to ministry.  When he wasn't behind the pulpit or preparing his sermons, he took great delight in counseling and celebrating the lives of the young people in his community.  Known for being down-to-earth and approachable, he was loved by young and old alike, a confidant to many, and will be missed by all.

A memorial service was held on Saturday, January 14, 2017, 10:00am at Halifax Congregational Church, 503 Plymouth St (Route 106), Halifax, to celebrate Edd's life and mission, exemplified in 2 Timothy 4:7 "I have fought the good fight... I have kept the faith."  In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Teen Challenge, 1315 Main St., Brockton, MA 02301.

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