Bernard Dean McCormick

Bernard Dean McCormick passed peacefully in the arms of his family on August 4, 2013. Bernie was born on July 1, 1938 to the late Alverda and Floyd McCormick, of Madrid, Iowa. His was a childhood filled with lots of love and laughter. He was the 5th of seven children (He had one brother……Doc, and five sisters……Lois, Marvel, Patty, Marlene, and Jacque). They were a wonderful family, seven energetic youngsters sharing life in a small Iowa town. There was always plenty of pie and coffee available at the McCormick household, and always a gathering place for family and friends. The way he was raised left an imprint on him that he continued throughout his life……family was always very important. Bernie graduated from Madrid High School 1956. He attended Drake University, Des Moines, Iowa. He married Donna Joan Capper in December of 1959, and they moved to Colorado to begin their life together. Bernie worked for the Burlington Railroad for several years before beginning his lifelong career with John Deere. He retired after 30 years. He lived in several places during his career, but returned to his beloved Colorado for his retirement. Bruno, as his buddies knew him, was an avid golfer. He played whenever he could, and made some lifetime friendships because of the game. He was able to play at beautiful courses around the world, Scotland, The Bahamas, and Hawaii to name a few. He enjoyed sports of all kinds, and at one time dreamed of playing professional baseball. He enjoyed watching the Broncos and Rockies, and lots of golf. He was also a loving supporter of his four grandchildren at their sporting events. Four Grandsons……Wow! What a joy they were to him!! He was an active member at the Horizon Christian Church. He loved music, and learned to play the guitar, the harmonica, and even the bagpipes. He found great pleasure in hearing his wife sing. He found joy in all kinds of music, but John Denver was always his favorite. Bernie loved his home in Lone Tree. He enjoyed his neighbors, and was always quick to offer assistance, or share a smile with those around him. He was known by all the dogs in his cul-de-sac, probably because he always had a pocket full of dog bones. Gardening was one of his passions. Many shared in the bounty of his labor. For many years, Bernie grew a special pumpkin patch for the Lone Tree Montessori School children. Seeing the children pick a pumpkin from his garden was a true delight for him. Bernie was preceded in death by his parents, Alverda and Floyd McCormick…And by his siblings Marvel Briggle, Floyd D. ""Doc"" McCormick, and Patty Garner. He is survived by his wife, Joanie, and daughters Mary Beth McCormick and Colleen Kay Flannery, both of Denver. Also surviving Bernie are his sisters Lois Geneser, Jacque Shaw, and Marlene Matthewson and her husband Richard. They all reside in the Madrid, Iowa area. He is also survived by four grandchildren Trent (21), Trace (18), Grant (14), and Nathan (11). Bernie was a kind and loving son, brother, husband, father, grandpa, and friend. He will be greatly missed by all those who knew him. He had a kind and gentle soul, and laughed easily. He loved the splendid beauty of the mountains, and fresh ocean breezes. Bernie was a loyal and giving friend, and lived with dignity and humility. His Christian spirit directed his life. Bernie requested cremation, and a private family commemorative service was held. Both took place on August 9, 2013. Please share your memories of Bernie and condolences with his family by signing the guestbook below. A memorial fund in his honor has been set up with the Children's Hospital of Denver. Donation information can be found at their website www.childrenscoloradofoundation.org