Bernard Lee Girard, 89, died peacefully with family at his bedside on January 13, 2026, in Olathe, KS from complications of interstitial lung disease and dementia. He was born in Clyde, KS on April 14, 1936, to Eugene and Laura (Couture) Girard.
Bernard was a son of Clyde, KS and growing up there was supported by various members of the community following the death of his father. He graduated from Clyde High School with the Class of 1954. He joined the peacetime Navy in 1955 and served in the pacific fleet on a destroyer, the USS Philip, and was honorably discharged in 1957. Benefitting from the discipline learned in the service, he was motivated to further his education at Kansas State University where he earned his Bachelor of Arts in Education in 1963. While attending Kansas State, he married Marica Ann (Krone) in December 1962. Together they set off to pursue careers in education and nursing while caring for their growing family. When reflecting on his family late in life, he described himself as a “lucky” man.
Bernard started his career in 1963 as a junior high school science teacher and football coach in Golden, CO. To be closer to family and for better access to hunting, he returned to Kansas in 1967 and taught at St. Mary’s High School. After receiving his Masters Degree in Education from Kansas State University in 1969, he transitioned his focus to school administration serving as the principal of Rossville High School. Bernard was principal of Smith Center Junior and Senior High School from 1971 to 1976. He served as high school principal, assistant superintendent and then as superintendent of schools for USD 254 in Medicine Lodge, KS from 1976 until 1992. He was the principal of Solomon High School until his retirement. Bernard was a quiet champion of the underdog and did his best to promote the wellbeing of his students and communities he served. After retiring from education, he worked as a crop adjuster and enjoyed connecting with farmers and serving rural communities.
Bernard was a lifelong outdoorsman. He enjoyed hunting quail, pheasant, turkey, and prairie chicken. After retirement, if weather allowed, he could be found on his boat fishing at Lake Milford with friends. Bernard also enjoyed tinkering in his shop with woodworking projects. His abundant garden was filled with a wide range of vegetables that he shared with neighbors and friends. He was a proud K-State alumni and an avid season ticket holder for KSU football for 3 decades. He enjoyed fellowship as an active member of the Knights of Columbus at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church of Solomon, KS.
Bernard is preceded in death by his parents, siblings, wife Marcia (Krone) Girard, daughter Lori Ann Girard Schrock, son-in-law Bob Schrock, and grandson Zachary May. He is survived by his daughter, Stephanie May and her husband David May of Shawne, KS, son Steven Girard and his wife Blanka Girard of Ann Arbor, MI, grandchildren Andrea May, Lindsay McKittrick and her husband Andrew, Rachel Girard, Patrick Girard, Sister Mary Solanus May, FGSM, and Ellie Schrock, many nieces and nephews, and other caring family and friends.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30am on Saturday, January 17, at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Solomon, Kansas. Graveside Services will be 1:30 P.M., Saturday, January 17, 2026 at Clyde, Kansas at Mount Calvary. Memorial may be made to Catholic Charities of Northern Kansas. Arrangements are provided by Carlson-Becker Funeral Home in Solomon. Memorials may be dropped off or mailed to Carlson-Becker Funeral Home, Solomon, Kansas 67480.