Bernard Alan Sczekan
June 15, 1957 ~ January 12, 2021
Bernard Alan Sczekan, 63, died unexpectedly on January 12, 2021 at his home in Centennial, CO.
Bernard, also known as Dad, Daddy, GaGa, and Bernie (to a very select few), was born on June 15, 1957 in Denver, CO to Marjorie Evelyn Davenport and Frank Sczekan. He put himself through junior college by mowing lawns. After graduation, he became an expert emergency room nurse in Houston, Detroit, and Denver. After a time as a visiting nurse for hospice patients, he changed his career, becoming a Master Plumber. He was a true believer in "the little guy" and routinely undercharged his customers, forging lasting relationships with his clientele. He was proud of his business, Bernard's Plumbing, and would travel to and from jobs in his big, white work van he affectionately named Bruce.
Bernard was a voracious reader, connoisseur of jokes that would make you groan ("I crack myself up!"), tender hearted with kitties, gave the best hugs, and had a real twinkle in his eye. Quotes from the original Pink Panther movies were a constant presence in our household. He loved John Denver, the Eagles, and the Turtles. He was passionate about recycling and the environment, once giving a styrofoam cup a second life as a gentle vehicle to catch and release moths. He was a complex, intelligent, intensely private, deeply loving, and fiercely loyal man and father.
Here are some original Bernard Sczekan words of advice: Don't underestimate the importance of "goof off time", and remember to give yourself a rest. When you're feeling scared, remember that without your fear, it wouldn't be possible for you to be brave. If you have an anxious feeling about something, picture him saying, "I may feel like I'm going to be the Queen of England in the morning, but will I?" And if you're upset, it never hurts to eat some protein.
Bernard was preceded in death by his father, Frank, his mother, Marjorie, and brothers Michael and Steven. He is survived by his daughters Maggie and Kathryn, their mother, Katy, future son-in-law, Kevin, and cat, Izzy. A funeral service was held virtually on Tuesday, January 26th at 5:30 PM MST. You can view it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6d-Q10TSM5E&feature=youtu.be
In lieu of flowers, please donate in Bernard's name and memory to two organizations that were dear to his heart: The Wild Animal Sanctuary of Colorado, and the Denver Dumb Friends League. Update: We've raised enough money in his name that the Wild Animal Sanctuary of Colorado reached out and will be installing an honorary plaque in Bernard's name on the walkway. He would be thrilled to know a little piece of him will be there forever.
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We were Bernard's neighbors and we are very sorry for your loss. We talked with him most days when he would be sitting outside enjoying his book or a cigar. He always spoke to us about our German Shepard and how much he loved the breed and how he had one growing up. He would always get a smile on his face when our dogs would chew on the blades of grass in his yard. These little small memories will always be with us when we go by his house. Our sincere condolences.
We've been next-door neighbors with Bernard for many years, since Maggie was a little girl. His white van that he used for his plumbing business was a familiar sight to us as he would come and go from work. We certainly appreciated the time when we were out of town and he responded to our dog sitter's knock on his door by promptly checking the sump pump alarm sounding in our basement. We often saw him, when the weather was pleasant, sitting on his front porch, book in hand. He really enjoyed reading and we'd call out "hi" to each other when we saw him there. Whenever Bernard or we were planning to be gone for a few days we would notify each other and our common joke was that if a moving van was seen pulled in the driveway and people taking things from the house, call the police. Then a couple of years ago he changed the routine and said that if the truck came – encourage them, as he had so much stuff to get rid of. We laughed and said it was true for us, too, just let them have it, and that was our personal joke. We will miss Bernard, may he rest in peace.
I miss you so much, Daddy. Love, Maggie
I can't believe it's been eight months without you. I love you, Dad.