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Bernie Swaim

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bajaguy - 7-8-2013 at 07:47 AM

It is my sad duty to report that Bernie passed away on Sunday, July 7, 2013 at 7:10PM.

A memorial will be announced at a later date. He wants his memorial at Crystal Pier and he wrote his own eulogy.

This information is from the San Diego Police Department news group.

If I receive any other additional information, I will post.

RIP Bernie

Paulina - 7-8-2013 at 08:05 AM

Oh no. Rest in peace, Bernie. I will miss you. Please give Jimmy and Fred a big hug from me. Oh the stories...I can hear all of you now!
My heart goes out to Jaime. I am so sorry for your loss.

You are loved.
P>*)))>{

[Edited on 8-7-2013 by Paulina]

Hook - 7-8-2013 at 08:06 AM

Very sad. Baja has lost its poet laureate.

My sincere condolences to the family of Bernie.........that's all of us here, I believe.

DENNIS - 7-8-2013 at 08:08 AM

This hurts. I am so sorry.

boe4fun - 7-8-2013 at 09:10 AM

DEP mi amigo.

tripledigitken - 7-8-2013 at 09:38 AM

Sad day.

tiotomasbcs - 7-8-2013 at 09:38 AM

I never knew the man but have read with great interest about his adventures South of the Border. A Baja Classic. Could someone post again with his writing achievements? The Old Guard has left us with great stories! Condolences. Tio

Ken Cooke - 7-8-2013 at 10:19 AM

Descanse en paz

BajaBlanca - 7-8-2013 at 10:48 AM

Very sad news indeed since he had been thinking of visiting us for the first time and then got sick. We would have loved to hear his history and stories first hand!

RIP

CaboMagic - 7-8-2013 at 11:36 AM

Just finished speaking w/Jaime - naturally she is sad but wants everyone on Nomad board to know Bernie's love is widespread and it was peaceful for him.

There will be a memorial service where they were married 4 years ago - 'in a couple of weeks'. as soon as an exact date is determined, someone will post it for her here.

She also asked me to write that Bernie was the right kind of standup kind of guy.

She also said if she has not called anyone please forgive her as she has not slept in 3 days.

Rest in peace Bernie - thank you for sharing your love with all of us .. in person and in your writing. You will be spoken of and thought about often.

Bob H - 7-8-2013 at 11:41 AM

Oh My, this is sad news. RIP Bernie.

DENNIS - 7-8-2013 at 11:48 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by CaboMagic

She also asked me to write that Bernie was the right kind of standup kind of guy.

This belongs on his head-stone.

Mexitron - 7-8-2013 at 12:00 PM

So sorry to hear, rest in peace Bernie.

Graham - 7-8-2013 at 12:41 PM

So sad... RIP Bernie. We will miss you.

vgabndo - 7-8-2013 at 03:01 PM

DEP Amigo. You made sure that it made a difference that you were born. Good job!

DENNIS - 7-8-2013 at 03:28 PM

Let's give Bernie a little bump...............

David K - 7-8-2013 at 03:40 PM

This is so sad... we miss you Bernie! A very thoughtful and considerate man who had a gentle touch with the words he chose, that was Bernie.
I will post his book covers once my PC is connected at the new home.
Jaime, call or message me if there is anything Elizabeth and I can do to help you.
David

Such Sad News

Gypsy Jan - 7-8-2013 at 03:49 PM

He had a great sense of humor and a deep appreciation and love for Baja and its people.

Good bye Bernie, you wil be very missed.

GJ

BajaNomad - 7-8-2013 at 04:13 PM

Just seeing this now. Very sad news for us.

DENNIS - 7-8-2013 at 04:17 PM

I posted this on TalkBaja and I think there's room for it here as well:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Now I can take Bernie's books out of the bathroom and put them in an honored place on my bookshelves. [Bernie would appreciate this. In our conversations, I often referred to his creations as "Bathroom Books"....so often that he started to call them that as well.]
The ol' man was/is one of a kind.

I'll miss him.

David K - 7-8-2013 at 04:31 PM

I posted Bernie's 4 book covers on my Facebook wall just now taken with my phone camera. Doug, if it is possible, you are welcome to post it here.

Baja Bernie - 7-8-2013 at 04:41 PM

ok guys, its Jaime, Bernies wife.
its been hard to set down and say this, as you all can imagine.
Bernie and I had the best 5 years together, 4 married, and he helped many people. that was who he was and what he liked to do. he tried to make a difference for people, and was ready to set down and always make a new friend. when there was a fire, sickness, need for food, clothes toys etc he was first in line, gave generously and never looked back or for thanks. many of the cops he hired or worked with said he was the stand up man, or the right kind. I do have to agree with that.
He had pain for the last 1 1/2 and 6 months ago, it got real bad. a simple curable cancer turned into a beast inside him, and it was devastating. we got him to hospice and he was gone in less than a day. he was never in pain the last few days. . I think if he was in Baja, we would still be saying manana....maybe tomorrow.
we used all our time together to travel and make new friends. he made huge differences in peoples lives, I saw it first hand. Bernie will be missed, but remembered thru his good deeds. We talked a bunch in the last days, and he had no regrets. just wanted more time....in Baja.
Bernie is watching over us all, and out of pain. I will miss him every day I am without him, and am thankful for what he gave me.... Baja and all of you. I thank you for the posts, and kind words, makes me proud to be Baja bernies wife.

BajaNomad - 7-8-2013 at 04:54 PM

Jaime,

Thank you for taking the time to post that information here.

Thinking of you and the rest of the family right now. A very heavy loss for the Nomad family here as well.

-
Doug

BajaNomad - 7-8-2013 at 04:56 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
I posted Bernie's 4 book covers on my Facebook wall just now taken with my phone camera. Doug, if it is possible, you are welcome to post it here.

DENNIS - 7-8-2013 at 05:12 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Baja Bernie

Bernie is watching over us all, and out of pain.

Thank God.

And thank you Jaime.

Bubba - 7-8-2013 at 05:23 PM

RIP.

fdt - 7-8-2013 at 06:58 PM

This is very sad. Thank you so much Bernie.

woody with a view - 7-8-2013 at 07:05 PM

Bad news! He had a good long life and had many friends.

We should all be so lucky....

:saint:

RIP

DianaT - 7-8-2013 at 08:13 PM

Very sad news --- condolences to all of his family and friends. :no:

It is the ones left behind who hurt so much.

elgatoloco - 7-8-2013 at 08:22 PM

We only spent a small amount of time on multiple occasions in Bernie's presence but we always had a good chat and a laugh or two. He was a great storyteller and we are all richer that he shared some of his experiences. He will be missed.

Jaime, our condolences to you and family.

DocRey - 7-8-2013 at 09:36 PM

I never met Bernie, but I will, after obtaining & reading hits books. Condolences.

bigboy - 7-8-2013 at 09:40 PM

My wife Christine and I had the pleasure of meeting Bernie and Jaime two years ago in Bahia Asuncion. I met him at Shari's place and when I first met him I said "you're Bernie Swaim"! I told him that I read all of his books and stories and I shared his love of Baja.
We hit it off from the start and the four of us hung together for three days. What a great man and story teller. I'll truly miss Bernie and my condolences are with Jaime. We could see that the two of them had a special bond.
I just wish that I had met Bernie earlier in my Baja adventures.

Larry

BornFisher - 7-8-2013 at 10:20 PM

Very sorry for Bernie`s passing but very happy he had such a rich life.
Thank you Bernie for your stories and your love for all.

MexicoTed - 7-8-2013 at 11:12 PM

He was a very kind and generous person who I had the pleasure to meet and know and here some of his great stories of Baja and his life. Sad to see him go, but he is off to Baja in the sky. My condolences to you Jaime.

EnsenadaDr - 7-9-2013 at 03:48 AM

what a great interview, ironic some of the things he says during this video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TFIoiByG1FU

DENNIS - 7-9-2013 at 06:54 AM

Another BUMP for Sr. Bernie

Ateo - 7-9-2013 at 07:12 AM

That was a great interview you posted Dr.

RIP Bernie.

David K - 7-9-2013 at 08:16 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by EnsenadaDr
what a great interview, ironic some of the things he says during this video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TFIoiByG1FU

Ironic indeed! That was in May, 2003 at Keri's first book signing event at the Pyramid Resort near La Mision. Video made by El Camote. Thanks for posting the link dra.

Baja Bernie - 7-9-2013 at 09:22 AM

hi, Jaime here.
yes, beautiful interview at pyramid resort. thank you keri, for that is where Bernie and I met as single Baja lovers and decided to double the Baja fun and sun by becoming one. Breakdowns, bad roads, wrong turns, really really wrong turns, he never one got excited, just took to getting it handled. It seemed as long as there were people at the start, middle or end of a road, we were on it looking for the next person/people to met.
When the doctor had told him he was dying in the hospital he gave him 10 dayss to live, and showed me 2 fingers, he had less than 2 days to live. a real juevos wrencher. I asked him if he wanted to talk to anyone and say good buy. he made 5 calls. Doug, he had called you in a previous hospital stay and also told you good by....I stood and sobbed listening to you guys...thank you for who you are and will always be. Thank you for your deep friendship with Bernie, and also me. Back to Bernie..... I asked him if he were to write his own eulogy what would he say. he thought for a minute, and said this...." Get out, keep your friends, hand on for a good ride." Well, he certainly did that in his life. Bernie was very strong during this last time in the hospital , and played practical jokes on his sister and howled with laughter afterwards. We had not heard him laugh like that in over 1 1/2 years.
Keri, my heart goes out to you with this loss.......and I thank you for the book signings, for they gave me Baja Bernie for 5 years, the best years of my life ever.

EnsenadaDr - 7-9-2013 at 09:24 AM

Thanks for filling in the gaps David. I liked hearing about the origin of La Salina, founded according to Bernie by two women. Now I am intrigued about the A-Frame house he is talking about, I will have to look for it next time I pass by. Pyramid Resort? I lived there in 2005. I was in the Plaza del Mar section. It must have been the main office there that he had the interview.

I am happy I could get to know Bernie through his interview, he had a lot of interesting stories and hopefully I will get time to read his books. Condolences to his wife.

Quote:

Originally posted by David K

Quote:

Originally posted by EnsenadaDr
what a great interview, ironic some of the things he says during this video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TFIoiByG1FU

Ironic indeed! That was in May, 2003 at Keri's first book signing event at the Pyramid Resort near La Mision. Video made by El Camote. Thanks for posting the link dra.

DENNIS - 7-9-2013 at 09:33 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by EnsenadaDr
Now I am intrigued about the A-Frame house he is talking about,

I think it's been taken down.

EnsenadaDr - 7-9-2013 at 09:45 AM

Ah probably was at the site of the new hotel, and restaurant. The La Salina Cantina is a friendly place, I am sure they can fill me in on more of the history...I will try and stop tomorrow on my way down from the States. Thanks Dennis.

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS

Quote:

Originally posted by EnsenadaDr
Now I am intrigued about the A-Frame house he is talking about,

I think it's been taken down.

Baja Bernie - 7-9-2013 at 10:24 AM

Jaime here.
no, the A frame is still there. its at the north end in la salina .

DENNIS - 7-9-2013 at 10:31 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Baja Bernie
Jaime here.
no, the A frame is still there. its at the north end in la salina .

Really?? I thought Bernie and I [and others] had a discussion about it's removal.
Must be something else up at that end we were talking about.

David K - 7-9-2013 at 12:23 PM

Dra., the Pyramid Resort Hotel (run by Keri) in Plaza Del Mar, (Plaza Santa Maria). The interview was in one of the rooms near the fountain.

Baja Bernie - 7-9-2013 at 02:19 PM

Jaime here.
who put Bernies interview on the nomad board, I thank you thru cloudy wet eyes. to see him healthy and younger, out of pain is a blessing for me. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU.

DENNIS - 7-9-2013 at 03:01 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Baja Bernie
Jaime here.
who put Bernies interview on the nomad board,

I believe EnsenadaDr / Janene put that up.

Mexitron - 7-9-2013 at 03:19 PM

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 - 7-9-2013 at 03:47 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Mexitron
Ahh, the A-frame-----

Is it still there or has it been torn down?

thebajarunner - 7-9-2013 at 04:29 PM

When Doug emailed me this morning it was really tough to open, because I knew from the subject line that we had lost our compadre.
Jaime, hang tough girl. He was the greatest and you had the best of him, and now the worst through this loss.

Bernie sent me a U2U many moons ago. Told me he was thinking about writing one more book, wanted to include some stuff about SCORE and off road racing, had read many of my posts on the subject- would I be willing to contribute some memories from my racing days?

Silly question.... while I did not, as yet, know the man, I had enjoyed his posts, had read one book and eagerly signed on.

How was I to know that not only would I be included in "Think you know Baja" but would even be splashed prominently across the cover alongside his noble name. And, in the midst of all the discussions over my piece I opened my big mouth (a regular failing, I might add) and offered to "edit" the entire book.

Thus began a months-long saga of chapter by chapter dissecting, probing, adding, deleting, and always staying faithful to the story line and the tone of "Bernie's voice" Yet, trying to make it just a tad more, dare I say, literate....

He would get real angry over some of my suggestions, then we would both calm down, and somewhere we would find middle ground for combining "The King's English" with "Bernie Speak." A daunting task, for sure.

Eventually he began to call me "The School Marm", which he continued to tag me with for a couple years after publication.

I would call him for corrections, Lu Ann would answer, and hearing my voice she would sigh and go fetch our hero. I know that I was likely not one of her favorites, but we made it to the end in good style. (And I remember that hollow answer from Bernie on the other end of the line the day I called to pass my regrets when she passed away some years back..... he took it real hard.... fortunately there was the wonderful Jaime to bring him back.)

Just before they were married the lovely couple drove up and stayed with us for a long weekend. We spent a day in Yosemite- my other favorite place in the world. We lunched with some local Baja buddies, my cop kid came over from Alameda and spent an afternoon swapping war stories. It was wonderful.

And, I have chided him regularly, on this forum to write one more book. "I will love to help you out- we need to do another book, Bernie!" And, his answer was always the same, "Your turn, I will help you."

I guess now, when (if) I do ever write that book of mine, he will have to be helping me long distance, but I know his spirit would be right there at the keyboard- pondering over my prose and pointing out my deficiencies.

Rest in peace, old friend, alas, we hardly knew you.....

I too thought it had been removed

thebajarunner - 7-9-2013 at 04:32 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS

Quote:

Originally posted by Mexitron
Ahh, the A-frame-----

Is it still there or has it been torn down?

I asked Bernie to give me a fix on it so I could see it next time down. I had not noticed it for years, but did remember seeing it long ago.
I could swear he said it was gone, but the way my memory works we may have been discussing the lighthouse at Abreojos.

DENNIS - 7-9-2013 at 04:55 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by thebajarunner
I could swear he said it was gone, but the way my memory works we may have been discussing the lighthouse at Abreojos.

Thanks, Dick. Good to see you.
I think it's gone too, but I won't argue with Jaime.

Is Abreojos still there? :lol:

EnsenadaDr - 7-9-2013 at 06:59 PM

You are so welcome! I never knew him, and I must say that the stories about the Old Baja are just so fascinating. It is so interesting to read about the history, especially places I have been to. I thank modern technology, that we can get to know the person, and see how much he loved Baja.

Quote:

Originally posted by Baja Bernie
Jaime here.
who put Bernies interview on the nomad board, I thank you thru cloudy wet eyes. to see him healthy and younger, out of pain is a blessing for me. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU.

Mexitron - 7-9-2013 at 09:34 PM

It was my understanding that the A-frame had been torn down and replaced with a new house a few years ago...tis a shame if true, but the world never seems to stand still for long, does it.

Mexitron - 7-9-2013 at 09:38 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by EnsenadaDr
what a great interview, ironic some of the things he says during this video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TFIoiByG1FU

BTW---thanks for posting the video---Never met Bernie but he seemed like quite a guy.

Baja Bernie - 7-9-2013 at 11:02 PM

hi, Jaime here.
Dick, thank you for the beautiful post about Bernie and myself. We loved our time spent with you, and your friends!!!!! You are a very generous and thoughtful man. I am still trying to find a larger tile killer whale in the bottom of a pool...I think it may not happen.
As to the A frame, I will concede it must have been Bernie and I talking, me with my hands held in an A frame shape while sipping tequila while being interrogated by Bernie during one of our trips into the land of dust, our Baja. So, now I have reason to head south and check it out.....remember we need nothing but fuel to head south and enjoy the people and land!
A sunset alone is a sunset alone, but a sunset spent with a friend in Baja is a gift. Thank you all for the kind words about Bernie. I am still in shock. It happened so fast. I do have some real funny stories to share about his last few days, when I am stronger I will have you all howling! he never lost his sense of humor .

DENNIS - 7-10-2013 at 06:57 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Baja Bernie

"the land of dust"

Another bumper sticker is born. :lol:

Jaybo - 7-10-2013 at 11:34 AM

Wow. I'm a relative newcomer here and lurking for a few years. I'm sitting here with tears in my eyes as he was obviously a well loved and respected Baja veteran. I wish I would have had the privilege to have met him. I look forward to reading his books when I can hunt them down. My condolences to Jaime, you lost an obviously great friend and companion and my heart goes out to you. I look forward to hearing your stories Jaime!

DENNIS - 7-10-2013 at 11:42 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Jaybo
I look forward to hearing your stories Jaime!

Perhaps Jaime has been handed Bernie's mantle and should carry on where he left off. We could all use a few more "Baja Bathroom Books."
Now...if she would just misspell a few more words......... :lol:

Jaybo - 7-10-2013 at 11:46 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS

Quote:

Originally posted by Jaybo
I look forward to hearing your stories Jaime!

What a great idea Dennis! I know I'll be wanting more Baja Bathroom books after finishing the ones on the way!

I just found 3 of Bernie's books on Amazon and purchased them. Did not see the 4th one though, so I will be looking for that one

DENNIS - 7-10-2013 at 12:30 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Jaybo
Did not see the 4th one though, so I will be looking for that one

I'm not sure the 4th book, "Bernie Talkin' Baja", made the big market. David will know...or Doug.
Maybe Jaime has a garage full.

David K - 7-10-2013 at 12:37 PM

It was a special book for Nomads who came to the last book signing event.

Jaybo - 7-10-2013 at 12:59 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
It was a special book for Nomads who came to the last book signing event.

Ahh Bummers... Unless there are are some left as Dennis suggested. I'd be a buyer if so

shari - 7-10-2013 at 01:13 PM

My dear Jaimie...I am so very sorry for your loss...our loss...the planet's loss. Bernie was a gentlemen of the highest order and he will be fondly remembered by us here at the Blowhole....not to mention the whales he whispered to....soar with the eagles my friend!

The spelling was the least of my concerns

thebajarunner - 7-10-2013 at 04:08 PM

Quote:

I look forward to hearing your stories Jaime!

Some of Bernie's sentences were simply amazing- and most difficult to reconstruct into what he meant, or that meant what he tried to mean (or something like that)

DENNIS - 7-10-2013 at 04:22 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by thebajarunner

Some of Bernie's sentences were simply amazing- and most difficult to reconstruct into what he meant, or that meant what he tried to mean (or something like that)

Yeah.....that's pretty much what I meant. It was fun to decipher, but we always new it had something to do with the spirit of man in a tough place.
Come to think of it....that was Bernie.

It probably would have been fun to have been arrested by him. I'll bet you'd have learned more about Baja than your civil rights.

Gotcha, Dennis

thebajarunner - 7-10-2013 at 04:56 PM

Quote:

Your spelling of "new" is either incorrect, or you are using
"Syntax by Bernie"

:lol:

DENNIS - 7-10-2013 at 05:15 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by thebajarunner
Your spelling of "new" is either incorrect, or you are using
"Syntax by Bernie"

:lol:

ooops....... a post Sharky's effort. I hate it when I do that.

Thanks, Dick.

mulegemichael - 7-10-2013 at 05:36 PM

i love it when you do that...it means there's a little bit of "altered" there...and i'm a spelling N-zi!

Baja Bernie - 7-10-2013 at 07:08 PM

Jaime here
It was my father who talked Bernie into writing the books!
I have a computer full of Bernies thoughts, sayings and stories. yes, they can be shared!
We have set the Celebration for Bernies life up. its at the San Diego Police Pistol range. in the spring valley area. easy to google!
It will be on August 10th, a Saturday, from 4:00 to 7:00. Its going to be a nice send off, with the hundreds of friends and family there.
I have just been informed he is going to be inducted into the san diego police historical museum wall of fame. He was the youngest Lieutenant ...Sergeant and Captain .
When I married Bernie , I had no idea the depth and scope of this man....I just understood he carried Baja dust everywhere he went, and needed it in his veins like the rest of us. Bernie put in over 50 years in Baja, and I with my family also did over 50 years.
each one of us who does get to Baja, makes a difference with someone we meet down there.
Nothing is better than sharing a few beers with someone in Baja.......while they are trying to figure out how to get your car pulled out of the super deep sand which Jaime told Bernie to "just go fast, its ok!" Hey, Not my fault, he listened!
Bernie you will be missed, and thought of frequently.

DENNIS - 7-10-2013 at 07:36 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Baja Bernie

Bernie you will be missed, and thought of frequently.

By all of us, Jaime. Rest assured.

bigboy - 7-10-2013 at 07:40 PM

Jaime, I remember pulling you and Bernie out of the soft sand in Baja Asuncion. Shari took some nice photos of the retrieval.

What great memories I have of you and Bernie on that trip

Baja Bernie - 7-10-2013 at 09:38 PM

Yes, bigboy, you guys sure did! We need to setup a fishing adventure in November and this time, yes I will fish with you! screw world records, Baja Bernie taught me its the people that count....well, please let me use light line...I really really do want a world record out of asuncion.
And Shari, Bernies first and only Whale petting adventure, brought about by you and your people is a memory we never forgot. he was the silent whale whisper...remember the school teacher who cursed at the whale and it snotted her? Your million dollar view rooms are to die for...or head south for! Once I get my head back on, I will be heading south...for the dust!

Baja Bernie - 7-10-2013 at 09:44 PM

9-30-2007 at 06:35
Message: Well, now I learned long ago that there is always something good in everything that happens. AS I read your posts I had thought that you should be sharing a talent of yours and that is obviously writing.

Hey Dennis, Jaime here. Is this the double talk Bernie did so well? this is one of his unsent posts!

I am please to see that you are following that path for it can be highly rewarding--but at the same time it can cause you to see and understand things that are less than pleasant. I have found that the more I write the more I really see and, at times, understand. It is the understanding that can get heavy....so do understand because without that you can never truly write.....just go out and scream at the moon once in a while and the heavyness will go away....

BajaNomad - 7-10-2013 at 10:51 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Baja Bernie
And Shari, Bernies first and only Whale petting adventure, brought about by you and your people is a memory we never forgot. he was the silent whale whisper...

BajaNomad - 7-10-2013 at 10:58 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Baja Bernie
We have set the Celebration for Bernies life up. its at the San Diego Police Pistol range. in the spring valley area. easy to google!
It will be on August 10th, a Saturday, from 4:00 to 7:00.

If you didn't pick up on this.... Nomads... please save the date.

Location info:
4008 Federal Blvd.
San Diego, CA 92114
Map: http://goo.gl/maps/cVzww

Also:
http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2013/May/26/historic-san-dieg...

Eli - 7-11-2013 at 04:56 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by BajaNomad

Quote:

Originally posted by Baja Bernie
And Shari, Bernies first and only Whale petting adventure, brought about by you and your people is a memory we never forgot. he was the silent whale whisper...

Thank you so much for this picture. I always hoped Bernie would make it back to Southern Baja while I was here, so we could just sit down and talk one more time......................so, that is not going to happen now, o.k., I will just remember him as shown here and with Jamie's quote.
Jamie, I am so sorry for your loss, you had a great partner to share Baja with. I am so happy for you that you got those 5 years by his side, You sure did make him a happy guy. Saludos, Sara

[Edited on 7-11-2013 by Eli]

DENNIS - 7-11-2013 at 07:28 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Baja Bernie

Hey Dennis, Jaime here. Is this the double talk Bernie did so well? this is one of his unsent posts!

I am please to see that you are following that path for it can be highly rewarding--but at the same time it can cause you to see and understand things that are less than pleasant. I have found that the more I write the more I really see and, at times, understand. It is the understanding that can get heavy....so do understand because without that you can never truly write.....just go out and scream at the moon once in a while and the heavyness will go away....

Classic Bernie. I think he was a "Code Writer" in one of the wars.

Baja Bernie - 7-11-2013 at 02:28 PM

Jaime here.
Again thank you all!
The kind words keep my eyes draining....I think I am loosing (spelling for you dennis) weight! Bernie was an organ doner and has given sight to 6 people with the eyes he had taken so good care of. I know he liked that......I think of the young girl from santa rosalia? and her need for us to help her. The fundraiser in carmel valley....Bernie was over the top, bought so many tickets won nearly every prize....he was that kind of man. He gave me a chance to continue that once I get my Baja feet working again. Right now, I am doing the tequila crawl...but it will get better.

Some photos with Bernie... a super guy!

David K - 7-11-2013 at 02:45 PM

Shortly after Bernie got onto Amigos de Baja (the popular Baja discussion forum before Nomad), M (Michelle) hosted the fourth of her 'BBBB' camp events. This was in Sept., 2002 at Cielito Lindo (San Quintin area). Bernie had just published his first book and attended after the slightest of nudging on my part

The first Pyramid Resort Booksigning Fiesta, May 2003:

Bernie Swaim, Larry Stanton, and 'J.R. Baja' at the first annual book signing
hosted by Keri of the Pyramid Resort.
Bernie was a big promoter of this idea, as well. Everyone had a great time!

The second Booksigning Fiesta, May 2004:

Bernie Swaim and fellow Baja Nomad, 'Herb' at the book signing. (www.caballeropublishing.com)

The third Booksigning Fiesta, April 2005:

'BajaNomad' (Doug and son Ryland), 'Cindarouh', and 'Baja Bernie' (author of 'Mi Baja No Hurry, No Worry' and 'Bouncing Around Baja') http://www.mibaja.com/

Booksigning #4, May 2006:

Publishing his third book this year, 'Baja Bernie' is a major supporter of the Pyramid book event.

Booksigning #5, May 2007:

'Jeans' mother Carol listens to a story by 'Baja Bernie'
author of three Baja books.
Bernie is a major supporter of the event and a really great guy!
See his books and more at http://www.mibaja.com/

Final Pyramid Resort Booksigning (#6), May 2008:

Author of 3 Baja books, Bernie Swaim ('Baja Bernie') gets animated with his story to Baja Angel. See Bernie's web site: http://www.mibaja.com/

Bernie gets a squeeze from Elizabeth.

Elizabeth and Audrey checking out Bernie's books. Bernie published a special booklet 'Bernie Talking Baja' which he gave to all Baja Nomads who came to the Pyramid Resort.

Baja Bernie - 7-11-2013 at 02:54 PM

Jaime here,
wow, such memories and photos... yes, yes yes. He was healthy and happy in those pics! Baja shining thru everyone! Thank you for that David K.

Bernie's Books, autographs, and a poem that all will love:

David K - 7-11-2013 at 03:07 PM

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Bernie included the 'Number 1' because I was at his Santee home when he got the books from the printer... and together we opened the first case.

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On page 40, Bernie included a post of mine off Nomad, that applies well right now:

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A POEM by Bernie Swaim (back cover of 'Bernie Talkin' Baja'):

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A giant of a man, in person, in compassion, in kindness, and in spirit was and will always be Bernie Swaim...

DENNIS - 7-11-2013 at 03:10 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Baja Bernie
Bernie was an organ doner and has given sight to 6 people with the eyes he had taken so good care of.

Really?????

I'll let someone else ask......... :lol:

Baja Bernie - 7-11-2013 at 03:52 PM

Yes Dennis. He gave even after the fact...what a thoughtful man!

The Sculpin - 7-12-2013 at 12:00 PM

Whenever I see him I think he's Johnny Winters' forgotten and lost older brother...the eyes, same cadence in the voice, too.......

bigboy - 7-12-2013 at 04:20 PM

Yes Jaime, let's fish together in Bahia Asuncion! We can talk about Bernie and possible world light line record for you! We must fish for those big calicos for a few hours though! Catch and release for the calicos and catch and filet for the yellowtail.

I'll sure miss Bernie and his great stories. Christine and I had so much fun with both of you and Shari and Juan.

DENNIS - 7-12-2013 at 05:16 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by bigboy
Catch and release for the calicos and catch and filet for the yellowtail.

Really?
Gimme the Calicos any day and the YT goes to the cats.

Baja Bernie - 7-12-2013 at 06:32 PM

Ok, we can do that fishen! I will take any light line tackle record I can pull from the sea. I love to fish for the large calicos......heck I just love to fish!

shari - 7-13-2013 at 09:28 AM

oh yes, lets do a remember Bernie fishing trip..and I would love to also dedicate a whale whispering trip to Bernie too...I will NEVER forget how everyone in the boat was jumping from side to side, leaning over, calling for whales to come to them etc. and there was Bernie sitting ever so quietly with his hand on the nose of a whale...Jamie, I'm with you on the eye draining this morning when I saw that photo!

boe4fun - 7-13-2013 at 09:40 AM

Shari, Please give us enough advance notice when you plan those trips - Shelley and I would love to be included. I remember sitting around in your patio with Bernie, Jaime, and the others in our crew all talking BS (Baja Stories). Yep, those whales musta been psychic that morning at Ojo de Liebre -they knew Bernie was a like soul to them. They just kept on flocking to him - what a wonderful day.

shari - 7-13-2013 at 09:47 AM

why dont we all try to get together on the same day again...Jaime would you be up to do this trip with us? maybe bring something of Bernie's to drop into the lagoon with the whales? any date works for me.

Baja Bernie - 7-13-2013 at 05:58 PM

Hi Shari, Jaime here.
Yes I would love it, and I know so would the whales. But you would have to put up with a very emotional lady. And, remember Bernie gave us each other....you are my ascension family forever. Your and your love of whales was the reason....for the season...in Baja a few years ago. The more Bernie told me of you, the more I respected you, and could hardly wait to meet you. You were NOT a let down, if wanything you are a heroine in my eyes, for all you do for family, friends and most of all....the whales.

Baja Bernie - 7-13-2013 at 06:18 PM

Jaime here.
I was sitting here, crying and Bernie had me write this just now.
Boney elbows
strong knees,
a man in love with Baja
helping with her needs.

The sounds of silence
blowing thru my mind
A Baja traveling partner
gone for all time.

It was only 5 years
we lived each day as our last
we have so many memories
I am thankful for our past.

Jaime Swaim 6 days he is gone
7 13 2013

Baja Bernie - 7-13-2013 at 06:22 PM

Here is a note I wrote to Bernie one day on the back of a paper plate. I just found it inhis files.

Describe

Magnificent & Wonderful!

Understanding, knowing, loving, and caring
Lend an ear, just listen, add information, advise

To lead, to follow, to need, and want to give & love
Honestly

Sharing, patient, strong then�
To follow, to show to share to love

To allow, kisses, hand holding, looking�sharing
Loving, cuddling, laughing, crying

All to be stronger

That is Bernie

By my Lady, Jaime. Inscribed on the back of a paper plate

DENNIS - 7-13-2013 at 06:24 PM

Heartfelt poetics. More...please.
Thanks, Jaime.

shari - 7-13-2013 at 08:20 PM

weeping feels so fine reading your words Jaime...it's a good cry for a god man. Please let me know when you can come and we will plan a teary whale whisper around your dates...it will be a wonderful trip....and Bernie will be there with us.

I'm thinking we shall name a whale after him that day.

[Edited on 7-14-2013 by shari]

DENNIS - 7-13-2013 at 09:15 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by shari

I'm thinking we shall name a whale after him that day.

Bernie Whale.
Has a nice ring to it. :biggrin:

Baja Bernie - 7-14-2013 at 09:00 AM

Yes Shari, it does wound good. It will be a healthy whale with many good years ahead of it. I have told many of the work you did and do with the whales, and you are an angel in many of my friends eyes. They find it unbelievable someone could just head south and stay. well, they are the ones locked in boxes, we are the ones free of walls. It will be a while before I head south, but it is coming. have many loose ends here. Bernie was proud to have know you and even prouder to have the 2 of us meet. When we met, my bathroom was all whales and I liked getting out of the shower, and being wet, talking to my whales. You and he helped make " Dreams come true" in my life. I asked Bernie, once the doctors gave him 10 days to live....and they held up 2 fingers to me...only days left, who we would like to call and say good-bye to. then I asked him....hey I was on a roll... if he was going to write his eulogy what would it be. He needed NOT think long and replied "Get out, keep your friends, and hang on for a good ride." well, he did that. Shari, again thank you for who you are.

shari - 7-14-2013 at 09:17 AM

thank you Jaime for sharing Bernie's words of wisdom...take all the time you need and let me know if there is anything I can help with. We look forward to having you here with us again when you are ready. Bernie's legend of giving lives on here at the Inn with all those fantastic pillowcases proudly plumped on the beds and the dolphin shower curtain in the Dolphin Room which will be yours when you are here!

Baja Bernie - 7-14-2013 at 03:27 PM

Thank you.....yes time and tears help us thru times like this. Gads, I see the yellowtail and bass are there...Now. well, maybe they will also be there later! One thing to remember about a bad economy.....gives fish a chance to replenish themselves. I am already getting my tackle out and checking it twice....Bernie would like me doing this.
Today is day 7. One thing I do NOT have is the sounds of silence here. Bernie is everywhere and I can feel a hug when I need it.
And, ok to the dolphin room, we have a date in the future for that!

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