In Loving Memory of Bernard J. Atwater

Obituary for Bernard J. Atwater

Surrounded by his loving family, Bernard J. Atwater passed away
peacefully on November 22, 2024, at the age of 75.

Bernard was born November 29, 1948, and grew up in a loving home with
his parents John & Catherine Atwater, and 7 siblings.  Both parents
had large families, so Bernard was blessed with many uncles and aunts
and dozens of cousins.

Bernard graduated from Raton High School in 1967 and continued many
lifelong friendships. After graduating, Bernard enlisted in the U. S. Army and served 3
tours in Korea and Vietnam.  Returning to the States, he found himself following in his father’s
footsteps working heavy equipment of which he favored the D-8 dozer
and the dragline. Bernard also worked at the coal mine in Raton for many years both
underground and strip mine.

When the mine closed, Bernard and Sophie took their children, Josh and
Jessy to Las Cruces and worked with the International Boundary and
Water Commission for several years.
When he returned to Raton he worked on the pipeline and a few other
jobs including where he started with Wes Kendrick and Colfax
Construction and the coal mine. After retiring from the coal mine, he
began work on his farm at the French tract which had been in his heart
for a long time. With passion and dedication, he harvested countless
bales of hay.  He learned, taught, endured, laughed, and enjoyed life.
Spending summers with his grandkids, changing irrigation water at all
hours of the night and early mornings. Teaching them how to enjoy a
cool morning and appreciate what God has given each day.  Also
teaching them that sometimes you have to stop and go fishing.

After hearing all of the stories we are not sure how or when he worked
as anything but a fishing guide.  It has become clear that EVERYONE
has a fishing story with Uncle Bernie.
Bernard found peace and happiness in his home on the farm seeing the
beauty God created in all the views, listening to the winds blowing
over the tall grass and the cranes and geese flying overhead and
mostly working the earth.

Bernard was preceded in death by parents John & Catherine Atwater,
son Joshua Atwater, sister Margaret Profazi, and brother, Kenny Joe Atwater.
Also preceeding him were brother-in-law Anthony Hephner and nephews Matthew Hephner, Mackenzie Hephner and David Puryear

His surviving family includes his grandchildren, James, Josh and Jade
and daughter, Jessica Atwater, and once love Sophie Atwater.
Brothers; David & Mary Atwater, Dennis & Kathy Atwater, Mark & Molly
Atwater and sisters Cathy Hephner; Patricia & Randy James;
Charmaine & Will Demchek, Adeline Shell, Danny Puryear, Lynn and Jimmy
Fanelli and Sonny Buscarini. Dozens of nieces, nephews, cousins and
lifelong friends.

The Atwater family would like to thank:
Robin Pilly with Anvoi Hospice, James & Patti Knipe, Eric & Tammy Whaley,
John & Rebecca Sakelaris Amy, Pat and the many family, friends, and neighbors for their kind words and love.

Celebration of Life and Mass to be held Friday, December 13, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Patrick’s & St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Raton,  followed by food and fellowship at the parish hall.

If you would like to bring a covered dish to the parish hall,  please
bring them after 8:30 AM on December 13.