Bernardino (Bernie) Ramon Vega, 37, of Lawrence, peacefully passed on December 14th. A visitation will take place from 6:00-8:00 on Thursday, December 19th, at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, 601 Indiana St. in Lawrence. Funeral services will be held on Friday, December 20th at 2 p.m. at St. John’s the Evangelist Church, 1234 Kentucky St. in Lawrence.
Bernie was born on May 22, 1987, to Arturo Vega and Maria Sofia Gonzalez in Emporia, Kansas and grew up in Lawrence. He graduated from Free State High School and went on to pursue his passion as a journeyman lineman.
He was a proud Union member of IBEW Local 304 and IBEW Local 53 for 15 years.
Bernie was easy-going, jovial, and loved the camaraderie of family and friends. Whether enjoying a glass of fine whiskey, on the green playing golf, at the pool table, avid fan of the Chiefs and Jayhawks or involved with D&D, Bernie lived life with passion and a zest for good times surrounded by friends and family.
Bernie’s spirit will live on through his loving wife, Mariana, and stepdaughter, Bianca Nieto. He is survived by his parents, Arturo Vega and Maria Sofia Gonzalez; his siblings: Arturo Vega Jr. and wife, Danielle Demby; Diana Vega and husband, Hai Tran; Yvonne Vega and wife, Krista Vega. Bernie will be deeply missed by his nephews: Preston, Tristan, Caleb, Isaiah, Arturo, David and niece: Camila.
He was preceded in death by his uncles, José Gilberto and Ricardo Rafael González, and aunts: Josefina Palacios, Evelia Trujillo, and María Elena Vega.
Bernie’s life was a testament of his love of life. His absence leaves a hole that can never be filled, but his memory will continue to comfort those who knew him. Fly high as you soar through the stars!
A Celebration of Life will be held on May 17, 2025, celebrating his birthday where memories will be shared, and drinks will be poured in his honor. More information to come.
Maria and family, I’m so very sorry to hear about your unexpected loss of Bernie. My heart goes out to you and your family. May God bring you comfort in your memories together.
Tuve el privilegio de conocer a Berni, como un esposo amoroso y buen padre. Siempre con un corazon amable y alegre que le hacia la vida fácil a los que estabamos en su entorno. Gustaba compartir con la familia y amigos. Que Dios de shalom, consuelo y fortaleza a toda la familia. Mariana te queremos mucho, estamos contigo.
Bernie was truly the best example of being who you are and living his life that way! From the time I met him full of energy and love. Couldn’t wait to tell you his new joke or a story about an experience he had. This world is a little dimmer without him here. But sure telling some of his stories and jokes to his family in heaven.
my way
and now, the end is near
and so i face the final curtain
my friend, i’ll say it clear
i’ll state my case of which i’m certain
i’ve lived a life that is full
i’ve traveled each and every highway
and more, much more than this
i did it my way
for what is a man, what has he got?
if not himself, then he has naught
to say the things he truly feels
and not the words of one who kneels
the record shows i took the blows
and did it my way
The Broken Chain
We knew little that morning that
God was going to call your name,
In life we loved you dearly,
In death we do the same.
It broke our hearts to lose you,
You did not go alone.
For part of us went with you,
The day God called you home.
You left us peaceful memories,
Your love is still our guide,
And though we cannot see you,
You are always at our side.
Our family chain is broken,
And nothing seems to be the same,
But as God calls us one by one,
The chain will link again.
Rest well, Bernie.
I am deeply sorry for your loss. Bernie will always be remembered with love. May God grant you comfort and strength in these moments. My prayers are with you and your family. May the Lord receive Bernie in His eternal glory, and may his soul rest in peace.
Bernie was a good man and cared very much about his family. Although I didn’t know him really well, I know that he and Mariana had a loving life with Bianca. His lively presence, and good nature will missed every day. RIP Bernie- find MJ and give him a big hug for me. Peace.
I love you, Mariana and Bianca. I am always here and thinking of you both.
I am still in shock and I hold everybody in my prayers and condolences to everyone!
To the brother I never had, you became a brother to my entire family within no time. For that I am forever grateful. You taught me how to play golf and the love for the game. I remember the first time I broke your driver in half. I felt horrible but you just looked at me and in an uncontrollable laughter. The relentless love for the game you had changed my life forever, you had such a big heart. In those two short years together we laughed, played and soaked up the sun every minute we could, I went from a terrible golfer to being able to compete with you. With your encouragement and dedication I learned the frustrations and joys of the game. Much like life some days a good and some are bad, but you taught me to always play it how it lays. The bond we made felt like I knew you for a lifetime. You always lit up the room any and every where you went. You had a energy about you. You could speak to anyone, anywhere and there was never a dull moment in your presence! Every moment we spent together was an honor. I will forever hold these memory’s close to my heart. I am devastated and heartbroken. There is a hole in my heart and I will forever miss you brother. I love you man. Thanks for being a great friend to me and my family.
Bernie was so nice and caring to me. He showed the upmost respect whenever he came into Local 304’s office, yes ma’am, please, thank you. He was determined in his job as a Journeyman Lineman. He will be missed by many. My sympathy to the family.
We will forever be grateful for Bernie coming into our lives. He was such a sweet and honest person. It definitely changed us for the better. Lots of laughs and fun times watching all kinds of sports and the guys goofing around having a great time in the living room. He was a very great friend, loved our kids and family. I didn’t think golf would change a person’s life but it did. My husband would abandoned me just for Bernie and golfing. Definitely won’t be the same. Thanks for the times we had shared with him. He will be deeply missed by all of us forever.
I knew Bernie when he was working in NY after hurricane Sandy. He was truly one of the most intelligent and unique people I ever had the pleasure and honor of knowing. I learned so much from him. He will forever be in my heart and memory. And while we hadn’t spoken in quite some time I will truly miss just knowing his light is no longer shining here on earth, but I know he will always be shining amongst the stars.
Alls I can say is you were a true friend. A best friend. Your love and energy will go unmatched and I look forward to the day I can see you again. You made all of us better and brought out the best in us, especially me. I don’t know what lay a head of us with out you here but I’ll Make sure they put the WHOA in it! Love you brother
I only knew Bernie [the Bern] for about a year. He brought joy and meaning to our lives. He loved golf and a good bourbon. My son Will soon became a great friend and became a better person for it. He was always happy around Bernie. [the brother he never had].
We are heart broken but not saddened. Condolences to the family.