BajaNomad

Bernie Swaim

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Bajafun777 - 7-14-2013 at 07:25 PM

I have been busy and away from the board for a while but when I saw this topic I was hoping it wasn't going to be what it was. Bernie had seen the good, bad and ugly of Baja but always loved to tell very interesting stories about his experiences he had. I enjoyed his stories about how he first built his home in La Salina and a lot of humor in his experiences living there. His books also expressed his FUN outlook on Baja.

Bernie was a caring man but he was not bashful in telling you his thoughts but always a gentleman. He gave us all something to encourage us to explore and look for the FUN that Baja has to offer in our trips South. My prayers to his family and I know his sharing of Baja Love will be remembered here for a long long time. Rest well my BajaNomad Amigo. "No Hurry, No Worry, Just FUN" bajafun777

Baja Bernie - 7-14-2013 at 08:13 PM

Jaime here....Bernies wife.
Thank you for the kind words, you called him like he is......
I don't like RIP...I like hfb Headed for baja .
Think of all the stories above with all the other Baja guys and gals.....
Bernies time was cut too short on this earth. But, I am glad we had him for as long as we did.
Yes, you are correct on his encouraging to people.
Thank you for the kind words.

shari - 7-15-2013 at 06:35 AM

perhaps RIB....rest in baja!

Bernie... you will always be in Baja with us

BajaCactus - 7-15-2013 at 01:26 PM

Dear Jaime,

It is with a heavy heart and deeply sadden soul that I am reading this thread. Bernie was one of the most kind and beautiful persons I have ever met, someone I considered a friend. We met several times and he always spoke to me with words of advice and wisdom, as if he was my father. One thing is for sure Jaime, we will never ever forget him, at least I will not.

Let me tell you something very few people know: our slogan at BajaCactus is "Where Baja is so much more than a dream...", well, Bernie helped me out to come up with it... he left a sparkle of his joy for life and Baja with us.

I send you a big hug Jaime and will leave you with one of my favorites quotes from Bernie's book "Mi Baja":

"When I asked Yolanda how she got the octopus she said that she just dove down and stuck her hand in a hole in the underwater cliff and an octopus would grab onto her arm. I asked her what she would do if a really BIG octopus were to grab her arm. She looked at me as if I were an idiot and said: You don't put your arm in no BIG hole."

BajaCactus

[Edited on 7-15-2013 by BajaCactus]

Baja Bernie - 7-15-2013 at 04:53 PM

Jaime here.
thank you for the kind words...he will be missed each and every day.
I had forgotten that story, and you put a smile on my face for mentioning it. I am re-reading his books, to keep him close at hand and in my heart.
I cannot fill his shoes, nor would I ever try, but I can continue with his
"Baja is people helping people" words, which Bernie lived by.
Jaime

Baja Bernie - 7-16-2013 at 08:02 PM

again, thank you for the kind words. It does make my heart full to hear how good he was.

BAJACAT - 7-16-2013 at 10:16 PM

I meet Bernie in one the Baja book signings in la Mission Pyramid Resort,bought his books and really enjoy them.sorry for your loss Jaime,another star for the BAJA sky..

Baja Bernie - 7-17-2013 at 08:58 PM

Yes, I like that...another star in the sky!
I am asking for people to let me know if anyone here is going to come to the celebration of life for Bernie at the san diego police pistol range. its in spring valley on the 10th of august at 4-7. I need a head count for food. thank you.

Baja Bernie - 7-17-2013 at 09:01 PM

I am asking for people to RSVP for the celebration of life for Bernie at the san diego police pistol range. its in spring valley on the 10th of august at 4-7. I need a head count for food. thank you.

EnsenadaDr - 7-21-2013 at 11:09 PM

I made a pit stop at La Salina Restaurant on my way down to Ensenada, by the way, if any of you ladies didn't know, Sunday is Ladies day and half price drinks at La Salina. I went in to inquire about the mysterious A Frame, and was it there or not there. Evidently the owner wasn't there until later in the day, but there was a customer who claims he came to La Salina as a boy and was a construction worker. He said that people were probably misinformed by calling the original building an A frame, that the restaurant was built very small and probably was a lean-to and people were mistakenly calling it an A-frame but that he has all the original pictures. He said there was no A Frame on the property but I said that yes, the man who was discussing it said someone reproduced it exactly and built it over at La Bufadora. Anyway I think we were talking about two different structures, one being the original restaurant that he has pictures of when it was a small shack and the other building Bernie was talking about. Some regulars there tried to chime in and say they knew a lot about the property but no one knew about the subject at hand. The general consensus was that I should talk to the owner and he can tell me more, but that I will invite this man to the board to post his pictures of the original La Salinas restaurant, by the way, he said not women founded La Salina, it was a man. So I need to get up there later in the day when the now owner is there.
Quote:
Originally posted by Mexitron
Ahh, the A-frame-----my good friend's boss owned it back in the 90's and early 2000's and let her use it for parties. Place was awesome---I think one of the parties there they managed to sleep 60 people overnight (granted, not everyone made it inside, or even made it up from the beach...). I recall 6 actual beds but also couches, etc., whatever furniture people were getting rid of they donated it to the La Salina house. Wonderful, albeit hazy, memories there.:)

DENNIS - 7-22-2013 at 06:38 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by EnsenadaDr
Some regulars there tried to chime in and say they knew a lot about the property but no one knew about the subject at hand.



Asking a question in that gin-mill that would require memory for an answer would be like doing the same in Rene's up in Rosarito.

Looking at the La Salina complex from the toll road, the part far north of the bar.....if you didn't easily and clearly see the A-Frame, it's gone.

BajaGirl87 - 7-22-2013 at 02:13 PM

Hello Everyone,

My name is Kara and I am Bernie and LuAnn Swaim's granddaughter.
I have really enjoyed reading all of the kind words and stories you have posted about my grandpa. My first trip to Baja was before my first birthday and I absolutely loved visiting La Salina with my grandparents. Everything about Baja was magical and it will always be a special place for my family and I.
I'd love to hear more of your stories and hope to post some pictures for all to enjoy.

Love,
kara

elgatoloco - 7-22-2013 at 02:47 PM

Welcome aboard! Look forward to seeing some photos. Baja is a magical place and your grandfather had a nice way of putting pen to paper so to speak and weaving a nice story. :dudette:

David K - 7-22-2013 at 07:28 PM

Hi Kara,
Thanks for coming to Nomad!
David

BajaGirl87 - 7-23-2013 at 02:29 PM

I thought everyone would get a kick out of this. Here's my grandpa just getting started with the SDPD

Bernie SDPD

BajaGirl87 - 7-23-2013 at 02:32 PM



GRANDPA.jpg - 47kB

Baja Bernie - 7-26-2013 at 08:36 PM

Hi, Jaime here.
Yes, not only was Bernie a Police office in san diego, he was the youngest lt, sgt, and captain on the force. he hired over 400 people and, believe me, they are sending me emails about what a spectacular man he was. He led by example. He also worked the border and, gads, you should see the business cards from Baja he kept from there. (get out of jail free cards)
fun story, we had been down to see keri and mike at pyramid hotel, and we all went onto the beach in their 4 wheel drive jeep. We collected many nice colored rocks, pinks, blues, ringed, yes ringed, yellows etc. Coming across the border, the guard asked what we were bringing back, and Bernie waited too long to answer, so good old Jaime said ...Rocks, colored rocks..". well, the guard was a nubie, and....off to secondary we went...Bernie was not happy with me...to say the least. so he explained to a man after we went thru the Xray machine...really, we have beach rocks for the garden..... the man asked last time we were in secondary, and Bernie said 40 years ago, when he was working the Border, they talked a bit.....and...yep....we waited no longer.....off we went. Paid to have him in the car....ok, so he was driving!

lasalinagary - 7-28-2013 at 11:41 AM

My wife and I have lived here in La Salina since 1990 and knew Bernie and Luann well over the years. We have met you also several times at the Cantina. Our deepest sympathy goes out to you and Bernie's family. I truly wanted to read another book on the tales of Baja. We will miss him.

Clarification on the A frame which was only one of several homes he helped build here. The A frame was an ocean front house inside the main gate down about 3 streets. It was not the Cantina. The house was torn down about 7 years or so ago and replaced with a new one. As you know, termites are rampant here in Baja and it had seen better days. The new owner built a large home on the lot and last night got married to his new wife there. So the tradition continues.....

DENNIS - 7-28-2013 at 12:25 PM

Thanks, Gary.

EnsenadaDr - 7-28-2013 at 02:14 PM

Thanks for the clarification!! I will be in the States for a few days but will be heading back down to Baja in a few days. How exactly do you get there? I would love to meet with you or the owner to take a picture to post. You can U2U me and I can meet you at the Cantina.
Quote:
Originally posted by lasalinagary
My wife and I have lived here in La Salina since 1990 and knew Bernie and Luann well over the years. We have met you also several times at the Cantina. Our deepest sympathy goes out to you and Bernie's family. I truly wanted to read another book on the tales of Baja. We will miss him.

Clarification on the A frame which was only one of several homes he helped build here. The A frame was an ocean front house inside the main gate down about 3 streets. It was not the Cantina. The house was torn down about 7 years or so ago and replaced with a new one. As you know, termites are rampant here in Baja and it had seen better days. The new owner built a large home on the lot and last night got married to his new wife there. So the tradition continues.....


[Edited on 7-28-2013 by EnsenadaDr]

[Edited on 7-30-2013 by BajaNomad]

Keri - 7-28-2013 at 02:39 PM

Bernie, I miss you, Jaime I,m here when ever you need me,k

ELINVESTIG8R - 7-28-2013 at 02:57 PM



I never met you Bernie but I will meet you on the other side for I too am going to rest in Baja when it's my time!

MexicoTed - 7-30-2013 at 07:19 PM

Hi Jaime,

I would be interested in attending Bernie's memorial in Spring Valley. We had probably talked or ran into each other a good 6-8 times both in Baja and in Cal. I also had the privilege to interview Bernie on Baja Talk Radio show about 8 years ago. What a wealth of knowledge he was. I don't think I have a copy, but will look and see. If so, I will get it to you.

Thanks,
Ted

Baja Bernie - 7-30-2013 at 07:48 PM

hi gary, its jaime here.
Thank you for the info. gads, Bernie and I must have had just too much fun down there last time, cause I swear its there. Thank you for the kind words about Bernie, I also wanted to read another book, but, he informed me " I have you, I have no time for anything else." And he was a man of his word, and made me his "all". Bernie was a man of his word, with very strong values morals and principles. He loved mexico more than anything, and I know he will be missed by many.

Baja Bernie - 7-30-2013 at 07:53 PM

hi to ELINVESTIG8R
what a beautiful pic you did for Bernie.
Yes, he will be waiting for you on the other side....he and I are very spiritual and believe in it.
I am an avid marlin fisherwoman, and I hope....on the other side...the fishing is free........
I thank you for the post, and the fine words.
Jaime.

Baja Bernie - 7-30-2013 at 07:57 PM

Hi MexicoTed
Yes, our celebration of life for Bernie is at the san diego police pistol range. it is on august 10, from 4-7. I would love to see, and meet you. Also, we are having friends of Bernies speak, can I put you on our list? Our order is... California family, Baja family, then the police will take over! It should be a fun time.........Jaime

BajaGirl87 - 7-31-2013 at 08:09 AM

Hi Jaime -
I would love to say a few words about my grandpa at the service and I am sure his daughters and my brother would as well.

Thanks,
Kara
Bernie's granddaughter

The Cantina

BajaGirl87 - 7-31-2013 at 08:15 AM

Here are my grandparents at the cantina

Sorry, trouble with photos

BajaGirl87 - 7-31-2013 at 08:19 AM



gran&gran.jpg - 39kB

Grandpa & grandson

BajaGirl87 - 7-31-2013 at 08:23 AM

Here's Bernie with his youngest grandson who is now 20!

gran&d.jpg - 45kB

BajaGirl87 - 7-31-2013 at 08:40 AM

this photo above was taken on our patio at the house in La Salina. We spent a lot of time there sorting seashells, building rocket ships and grandma always shared her oreos after long walks on the beach.

shari - 7-31-2013 at 08:57 AM

Kara thanks so much for posting these fantastic photos of Bernie...I'm really enjoying them and like it that you are posting here..kinda following in grandpa's footsteps.As you know we all loved your grandad very much.

boe4fun - 7-31-2013 at 10:11 AM

Shelley and I had such a wonderful time visiting with Bernie and Jaime, et al, at Shari's patio after our whale watching expedition. Wish I could make the memorial service, but I'll be about half way to Bahia on that Saturday doing a clinic with the Flying Sam's. May Bernie's family have a wonderful service.

Baja Bernie - 8-1-2013 at 03:23 PM

Hi boe4fun,
Jaime here. Yes, better on your way to help with others, that is what Bernie would have wanted. Just tip your hat and smile at him.....
yes, thank you for the kind words for the memorial, it will be nice..........and it will be very hard.......remember, the more we loved someone, the more the loss hurts.

Keri - 8-1-2013 at 06:55 PM

Hi Jaime, Can you post the address and telephone number for the police range.k

Baja Bernie - 8-1-2013 at 08:42 PM

Hi Keri, Jaime here.

Location phone number 619 527 6070

San Diego Police Pistol Range
4008 Federal Blvd.
San Diego, CA 92114
Directions
Federal Blvd and Home Avenue
please rsvp to me at 619 770 8899 or bernieswaim@cox.net
thank you!

MexicoTed - 8-2-2013 at 12:02 AM

Hi Jaime,

Unfortunately I can not commit to speaking as I will be arriving from the airport and driving over. I am not sure exactly what time I will be there. Honored to go though.

Baja Bernie - 8-2-2013 at 09:56 AM

We will be glad to have you there, thank you!

BajaGirl87 - 8-2-2013 at 10:18 AM

Really looking forward to meeting all of you and hearing your stories

Family in Baja

BajaGirl87 - 8-2-2013 at 11:50 AM

my grandparents and I on their patio in La Salina

baja1.jpg - 50kB

Grandkids

BajaGirl87 - 8-2-2013 at 12:08 PM

My brother and I weeding out dead ice plant that covered the dunes outside all the houses in La Salina. Helping Grandpa with yard work.

baja2.jpg - 50kB

Baja Bernie - 8-3-2013 at 01:06 AM

HI Baja nomad board, Jaime here.
today is Bernie and my 4 year 3 month anniversary of our marriage. We spent so many weeks and days and hours helping people in Baja, just from information we read on the nomad board. The nomad board was/is essential for all of us doing what Bernie coined..." Baja is people helping people." Bernie lived, breathed, and loved Baja. Being able to make a difference in his later years was all he lived for. He would get a calling, and off we would go, south to Baja, and he would know what was needed. We would pack it in our car, and be ready to deliver. He never failed to amaze me with what he could pull out of the back of the car......the right item for the right need. I had spent over 50 years in /out of Baja with my family, and so had Bernie. So, we were a natural pair to be together and continue "people helping people". My father gave me a love of Baja, starting when I was only 5 years old.
After Lue anne died, Bernie gave up.....then, one day, he woke up....and called me. Our life together started, and I am very proud to be called Mrs Bernard Swaim. We helped rebuild homes burnt by fires, supply backpacks to kids for school, medicines for families unable to pay for them, clothes, foods, jackets and shoes, you name it, Bernie and I found a way to get it handled. I am honored to have been standing next to him. Not behind him, but as his wife. The proudest day of my life was him asking me to marry him. The saddest day of my life was it ended too soon. I feel I speak that for many of us..... the next book will never come....my heart is broken.... My father was the man who talked Bernie into writing the books, he needed something to do while he was, by himself, taking care of a very sick wife. That is quite a job for a nurse, not to mention a husband. And, Bernie never said anything about it, never complained, he just did it.
The past 6 months, I care took of Bernie, starting in January when we had no idea what was coming. He was strong up to the end, never once complained, and was able to make phone calls to those he loved and wished to say good bye to. His sister Beverly helped me thru 5 hospital stays, and scary moments, and again, not a complaint out of Bernie.
Bernie is an amazing man, and will never be forgotten.
He will be missed......everyday.

Keri - 8-3-2013 at 09:39 AM

Beautiful, Jaime, you guys were great for each other, never saw Bernie so happy, and you so calm and happy. You worked well together. Love to you both,k

Eli - 8-3-2013 at 04:17 PM

I have so enjoyed the beautiful pictures, and wonderful memories expressed by those who with good cause Loved Bernie so much. He enriched so many lives, lived his own life to its fullest and will be well rememberd by many, (including me), who can ask for more. I think he would have been very happy with what all everyone has expressed here.
On August 10th, I will be way far South, (I am Oaxaca bound), but I will for sure light a candle in his memory. Bless his sweet Soul.

Baja Bernie - 8-3-2013 at 05:53 PM

Hi Keri,
Thank you for the kind words. I need them right now. I am hurting so bad.
And, Bernie is above reading all we are saying.
Eli, thank you for the kind words also. Have a Great time in Oaxaca.....

Baja Bernie - 8-5-2013 at 09:00 PM

David K.....
Thank you also for all the pictures and great words. I go back thru and read all the positive thoughts, and realize just how many people Bernie touched, just here on this forum.
Keri.....our first Thanksgiving together was with your family in Baja. You and Mike were very special in Bernie's life. We were still amazed at the tile picture Mike did of Baja. You are married to one very special man......and for so many years!
Thank you for the support and phone calls.

David K - 8-6-2013 at 12:15 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Baja Bernie
David K.....
Thank you also for all the pictures and great words. I go back thru and read all the positive thoughts, and realize just how many people Bernie touched, just here on this forum.
....


Bernie had a heart of gold... I miss him... The last time I saw him was on I-5 in Oceanside when I was honking and waving at both you guys, just a few weeks ago... He will live forever in our memories, and through his books and posts on Nomad! Mi Baja... no hurry, no worry.

For the chapter Bernie made about me, he had this comic made to illustrate what I like to do... help people find adventures (or lost missions, lol) in Baja. I thought that was so cool. He gave me a framed, large print of that comic and signed it, which is here on my desk:



Thank you Bernie!

Baja Bernie - 8-6-2013 at 01:00 PM

David K
That is priceless! I remember o the freeway, I am smiling right now....remembering!
Yes, the forum does not include all the police people he hired, and once I receive a copy of all those, if you like I will make one for you. It really is nice to read about someone who was so special....to so many...and cared so much...and was able to live his dreams.

Jaime.

Baja Bernie - 8-25-2013 at 09:27 PM

Hi all, Jaime here.
Its very quiet here at the homefront without Bernie. There are no more invitations into the computer room to share the written words of Bernie or others written to him.
Shari, we still have the wonderful painting we bought of the colorful houses your friend from Canada painted. It hangs where I can see it all the time. We so loved that first visit.....and, yes, I will be back, its just taking time. First the tears have to stop so I can drive the distance...lol...
Save me a few big fish out there!
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