Bernhard “Bernie” Penner

Bernhard “Bernie” Penner passed away suddenly on Fathers Day. Bernie arrived in America as an 11-year old refugee from Nazi Germany. He enlisted in the US Army at the age of 18, and served in the Pacific with distinction. During his long, challenging, and meaningful life, Bernie saved and mended the lives of innumerable others as a skilled, empathic surgeon. He served many terms as Chief of Surgery and Chief of Staff, and was the founding Chief of the Trauma Center, at Northridge Hospital Medical Center. In addition to his dedication to his patients and his work, Bernie devoted himself to his wife, Beverly, their three children, and three grandchildren. Later in life, Bernie found joy and expression through sculpting and drawing, but found his muse while shopping at Costco. He realized his lifelong commitment to Judaism and Israel by volunteering as a noncombatant aid in the Israeli Army for three 3-week stints. Bernie loved his family, friends, and career, and we will miss him terribly. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Beverly, their children, Stephen, Eric, and Eileen, and their grandchildren, Avigail, Eitan, and Gabriel. If you wish to make a remembrance in Bernie’s name, please donate to the Jewish National Fund (JNF).