In Memoriam - Bernard L. "Bernie" Geddry

4 Nov 1935 - 22 Aug 2019

On August 22, 2019 the Guédry and Petitpas families lost a strong supporter, a wonderful researcher, an excellent genealogist, a superb author and a great friend when Bernard L. "Bernie" Geddry of Peoria, Arizona passed away at age 83. Although a proud man of his many accomplishments, Bernie was not one to expound on all he had done - except about his family of which he was exceedingly proud. A graduate of Boston College with a PhD in Physics, Bernie quickly tired of physics after briefly working in the field and switched to the more exciting field of electronics. Here he worked for Sanders Associates/Lockheed Martin throughout his career on my projects vital to the interests of the United States. He became an expert in the emerging field of radar and became a national leader in research in this field. With his outstanding knowledge and unique capabilities recognized by corporate management, Bernie rose through the levels to Chief Engineer before his 1994 retirements During his distinguished career he garnered many honors and awards including the coveted "Excellence in Technical Achievement Award".

Interestingly, even as a young child, Bernie had a strong interest in astronomy. As a young teenager, he built his own telescope and the heavens became his passion. Today, if you visit Bernie's home in Peoria, you'll notice his observatory in the backyard - one of America's few homes so adorned.

Unknown to most, Bernie was the oldest person in the world to receive a kidney transplant - which he received at age 80. It was still functioning fine at his death.

In the Spring of 2013 Bernie and his lovely wife Barbara went on a research trip to the Franche-Comté region of France on the east central border with Switzerland. In the town of Arpenans he conducted extensive research with the region's chief archivist on the origins of the Guédry name (which still exists in the area). Bernie also visited Mont Gedry near Arpenans. His research revealed many exciting clues to the origin of Guédry name dating back to the Middle Ages. On August 17, 2019 Bernie presented the results of his research to over 80 attendees at the Les Guédry et Petitpas Reunion in Summerside, Prince Edward Island. His discussion and findings offer new avenues of research on our family. His presentation was extremely well-received and received lots of comments and questions.

Shortly after the Reunion, Bernie and Barbara returned to their home in Peoria, AZ. The next night they went to a local restaurant for supper and there Bernie collapsed and passed away immediately. Although we are all saddened at his death, Bernie died amidst some of the happy days of his life. He had long-awaited presenting his research to the Guédry and Petitpas families for which he received many accolades; he had visited with his many friends from thoughout North America at the Reunion; he again set foot on the homeland of his ancestors and he was seated next to his beloved wife and best friend of 33 years. I know he died with a smile on his face - a smile that one always saw on his face as Bernie was one of the most positive persons that I have ever met. Even in the depths of his dialysis and the early days after receiving his new kidney, Bernie always had a wonderful smile and great enthusiasm in his voice when we talked. He was always looking to the future.

All of us at Les Guédry et Petitpas d'Asteur offer our sincerest condolences to Barbara, to his children and his grandchildren on Bernie's passing. As a Memoriam to Bernie, Les Guédry et Petitpas d'Asteur has made a $200 donation in Bernie's name to Massachusetts General Hospital, Kidney Transplant Center.

Bernie had many passions during his life - one of which was writing. In the past two years he authored three books - a genealogical volume and two novels based on real events of his life. All three are available on Amazon.com and are highly recommended. The two novels, which are spy mysteries, will grip you from the opening paragraph and will be difficult to put down. They are both based on real events in which Bernie played a significant role. The books are:

1. The Story of An Acadian Family - The Geddrys, Guidrys, Gedrys, Gedrees, Guedrys, Gueldreys, Jeddrys and Labines, etc. (Published in 2019; An updated and revised version of his early work of 2004). It comes in two versions - one with color photos (slightly higher price) and one with black and white photos (reduced price). Fortunately, Bernie's presentation from the Reunion is included in this revised work - a true gift that he left all of us.
2. Nuclear Deception by Bernard dit Grivois (Bernie's pen name) (Published in 2018) This book concerns a sophisticated radar system developed by the United States during the Cold War and the near pre-emptive nuclear strike by the Soviet Union to destroy the U. S. before the radar system could be deployed.
3. Under the Ice by Bernard dit Grivois (Published in 2019) This book concerns a unique submarine detection system developed by the U. S. against Soviet submarines and the KGB's attempt to sabotage the system.