Bernard M. Loers, a lifelong resident of Oak Harbor, was born here in 1918 to Ben and Ava Loers. He was the grandson of Anthony and Mamie Monroe and Mr. and Mrs. Berend Loers, both early pioneers of Whidbey Island.

Attending Oak Harbor schools, Bernie graduated from high school in 1935. After completing two years of college at Washington State University, he came home to begin farming with his father on Loerland Dairy Farm on Swantown Road. In 1945, he married Glendola Fender Thurman, who hailed from Burlington, Wash. For many years the Loers family bottled and delivered milk on the island and continued farming.

Very active members of the community, Bernie belonged to the Washington State Dairyman’s Association, Island and Skagit County Dairy Improvement Association, Island County Dairy Farmers and the former Juan de Fuca Grange.

In 1961, Bernie and his mother Ava sold the farm to what has become Whidbey Golf and Country Club. He then returned to WSU and finished his degree in Agricultural Science.

Later on, he became a longtime greens keeper at the golf course, a coming home of sorts, and continued in that capacity well into his 70s.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 66 years, Dola, in 2012 and daughter Beverly Jean Thurman Hegeberg in 1998. He is survived by his daughters Karen Loers Chong of Modesto, Calif., and Kathie Loers Zortman of Coronado, Calif.; seven grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

Bernie requested no service, and, abiding by his wishes, his ashes will be returned to the land he loved, Loerland Dairy Farm.

The family requests any memorial donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association – Western and Central Washington State Chapter at 100 West Harrison, N200, Seattle, WA 98119. Arrangements are under the direction of Burley Funeral Chapel.