Remembering Those Who Have Gone Before

Hans Joachim Bernick, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend to all, passed away peacefully on June 17, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. He was born on the 13th of November, 1930, in Harbin, China.

Hans fled his home ahead of the communist invasion of Manchuria, forcing him to escape to the United States by stow-awaying first on a DC-3 out of Changchun and then across the pacific on the bulk carrier M/S Mangarella, where he was taken in by his Aunt and Uncle, Wanda and Joe Giles of Cupertino, California.

Hans was a graduate of Fremont High School, San Jose State University, and served in the United States Air Force. Early on, he had a highly varied career, and worked as a Campbell’s Soup taste tester, ambulance driver, engine mechanic, radar technician, railway switchman, actor, roughneck, busboy, etc.

Eventually his passion for flying resulted with his dream career as a pilot for Pan American World Airways. After being stationed in New York, Hong Kong, and West Berlin, and travelling the world over, Hans was honored to pilot the final IGS flight into Berlin, which also marked his retirement as Captain.

Hans will be remembered for his sense of humor, ability to tell a good story, bending rules, his love of hot sauce (babyfood), and all things flying (except helicopters). Hans is survived by his wife of 47 years May Birgitta (New Orleans), his son H. Stephan (New Orleans), two grand daughters Hannah Cates (Boulder, CO) and Lucy Sterling (New Orleans), as well as sister in law Gun Burns (S. Londonderry, VT), nieces Mai McNulty (Las Vegas), Tina Cederberg (Stockholm), and nephews Hakan Cederberg (Stockholm) and Peter Cederberg (Stockholm).

Hans Fest will be held on November 13, 7pm, at 1300 Burgundy, New Orleans. All are welcome to join and share their favorite Hans stories. In lieu of flowers, Hans would enjoy you putting it all on black 13 for one spin; any winnings may be donated to the ACLU at the winner’s discretion. The family would like to thank the staff of Vista Shores, Passages Hospice, and Touro Infirmary. Love you Hansy!