Bernard Lloyd Aikens, 86, of Sault Ste Marie, Michigan, and a member of Sault Ste Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, passed away on Friday, March 4, 2022, with his children by his side.
Bernard (Bernie) was the son of Wilfred and Genevieve (McKerchie) Aikens. He was born on November 22, 1935, on Sugar Island, Michigan. He later moved to the mainland, Sault Ste Marie, Michigan, with his parents and siblings.
Bernie came from a very large family consisting of 17 children. He learned early on the value of hard work and helping his parents, uncles, aunts, and sibling out. His parent’s home was always filled with young and old, a pot of coffee on and an open-door policy to all. It was a home filled with love.
During his High School years, he worked at The Sault Evening News. He left there shortly after graduating to start a new adventure, working for the Soo Locks Corp of Engineers. He worked his way to becoming the foreman of the Sweep Raft/Dredge. He spent over 34 years with The Corp before retiring in November of 1990.
December of 1956, Bernie married the late Sara L Saunders of Sault Ste Marie, Michigan, and together they raised their five children in the Shallows area.
Bernie loved being on the water, whether at work or fishing the St Mary’s River for pike, whitefish, and perch. He would take his kids with him fishing, as with any large family and a small boat, they had to rotate their turn.
Bernie also loved to rabbit hunt with his Beagles. He would take his sons out with him once they became of age.
He enjoyed his time outdoors. He was an avid hockey parent, board member and fan of the sport. You could find him at the rink many nights either tying up skates or watching the game. He also enjoyed bowling, one or two nights a week.
In the mid 80’s he became involved with the ELKS Club helping with Friday night fish fry. He met many good people who become friends throughout the different club organizations, The VFW, American Legion and the Moose. Playing cards and having a cold social able was a regular in his retirement days. This is where the “Bernie Bag” (ice bag) in a pitcher of draft beer started.
He still enjoyed fishing and went regularly, sometimes he would take his buddy, John Jorgensen JR with him, then after share laughs about their outings over a cold one.
Bernie would winter in Lake Placid, Florida, where he continued to visit the different club organizations and enjoy their afternoon cards games. He even talked his sister, Fauncy (Skee) Sawasky and brother, Louie (Judy) Aikens to coming down during the winter for a visit. Now both couples, plus many nieces and nephews visit and winter in the area every year.
There is so much to say and write about a man who lived for 86 years. The best we can say about our father, brother, uncle, grandpa, great grandpa, and friend is he lived a good life. He enjoyed retirement and did what he enjoyed doing. He truly will be missed and lovingly remembered by many.
He is survived by his children, Bernard (Terry) Aikens, Orlando, FL, Laura (Bill) McKay, Leslie (Henry) Boulette and James Aikens (Karen) all of Sault Ste Marie, Michigan. He has 16 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren and one on the way. He is also survived by his siblings, Dorothy Gervais, Louie (Judy) Aikens, May (Slim) Lockhart, Paul (MaryBeth) Aikens, Ted (Laura) Aikens and Fauncy (Skee) Sawasky, all of Sault Ste Marie, Michigan, along with many nephews, nieces and cousins and High School friends, Pete Bush and Gary Bennett.
He is predeceased by his son, Brent Michael Aikens, former spouse, Sara L Aikens, parents, Wilfred and Genevieve Aikens, siblings, Glen, Leo, and Leonard Hatch. Merlin Aikens, Lilliam (Jean) Perrault, Loretta Smith, Grace Sauro, Evelyn Berkland, Viola Thompson and Walter (Cooz) Aikens.
Per Bernie’s wishes, there will be a Celebration of Life on Saturday May 21, 2022 from 3:00pm until 7:00pm at Three one Three on Ashmun, 313 Ashmun Sault Ste. Marie, MI.
Memorial contributions may be made in Bernie’s name to Hospice of the EUP, 308 W. 12th Ave Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783, Special Olympics of the EUP, 305 W. 19th St. Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783, or your favorite organization in his memory.
A special thank you to the caring staff at Robert and Helen Ball Hospice House and the EUP Hospice staff who made his final days comfortable to the end. Clark Hovie Galer Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.
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