Obituary of William A. Bernhard

Dr. William A. Bernhard, Professor of Biochemistry and Biophysics, faculty member for more than 40 years at the University of Rochester, and past president of the Radiation Research Society, died peacefully May 9 at his home in Mendon, N.Y. after a brief illness. Bill Bernhard was an internationally known expert on the effects of ionizing radiation on the chemical structure of DNA. Bill Bernhard was a biophysicist of the highest order, working at the forefront of understanding how radiation damages genetic material. His unique command of both biological and physical aspects of radiation damage earned him the respect and recognition of colleagues worldwide. His work has helped guide industrial and government policies regarding radiation risk assessment, has provided critical details to predict the biological consequences of radiation and has informed an understanding of DNA repair processes. Bill was a talented craftsman and with great technical skill seen in his home and hobbies. He was an amazingly fit tri-athlete and would discuss "aero-bars and error-bars" with equal facility. In the last year of his life, he finished the Alpe d'Huez triathlon in France, earned the title of oldest finisher of the SavageMan half-ironman in Maryland, took a three-week Himalayan trek in Bhutan and numerous trips with his wife, and spent days skiing with his children and grandsons. He had great dedication to his family and to living life fully with principle, curiosity, kindness, and great joy. He is survived by his loving wife of 46 years, Patricia Clair Bernhard, his son Casey (Jennifer) Bernhard, his daughter Mandy (Matt) Kittelberger, and five grandchildren: Jack, Maeve, and Nate Bernhard, and Will and Ben Kittelberger. A memorial service will be held at the Interfaith Chapel, University of Rochester on June 23rd at 10 AM. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the William A. Bernhard Mentorship Fund in care of Kathy Votaw, Executive Director, Radiation Research Society, P.O. Box 7050, Lawrence, KS 66044-8897.