Merrill M Bard

Merrill M Bard, aka Butch, age 72 of Erie, PA, beloved husband of late Alida R Bard (Kokal), born on October 31st, 1950 in Erie, son of Merrill H Bard and Elma Baldwin Bard, passed away peacefully in his Pittsburgh apartment. Preceded in death by his brother Ronald. Survived by sisters Kathy Dore and Debbie Bard, sisters-in-law Kathy Kokal, Emily Faalasli and Ellen (Joel) Randal, and brother-in-law, Dan Kokal. Uncle to many nieces, nephews and a great nephew.

He was a huge Pittsburgh and Erie sports team fan. He was an avid bowler and fisherman and a racecar junkie. Butch loved his dogs and everyone else’s. When he could no longer care for a dog of his own, he would visit the rescues at the shelter just to give them treats and keep them company.

Butch was so much more than a husband, brother-in-law and uncle; he was a caring, thoughtful friend, a mentor, a comedian, a guiding beacon of minimalist light. He assumed the role of our patriarch. He survived decades of family gatherings and road trips and countless family photos, awkward and not. He was always game. In his own unique way, he provided much needed advice to the younger, less experienced newcomers with short but powerful

words of wisdom. “Don’t worry, it will all be over soon.” And now it is.

He requested no funeral service. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Erie Humane Society.

https://www.eriehumanesociety.org/