Herb Bard

Some of us find our greatest happiness in our careers, our own successes, or our pursuits. Herb Bard was a man whose greatest enjoyment came from the happiness of others. He was a loyal son and protective brother, and a deeply loving husband, who devoted his life to the family he loved most of all. Herb's story began on a cool fall day in 1921, in the charming shoreline community of Muskegon, Michigan. Those were such exciting times in this country, which was still in celebration of its victory in World War I, as Prohibition was the law of the land and the automobile was changing our society. On October 20, 1921, Elmer and Augusta (Pierson) Bard had even more to celebrate, with the birth of a baby boy, a son they named Elmer Herbert Bard, Jr. Herb, as they always called him, was joined by younger brother Douglas seven years later, and the two enjoyed a very typical childhood full of brotherly arguing. Herb was of course always bigger, and always got the better of Doug, but he loved his little brother, as well. Doug fondly remembers how it was his Big Brother that bought him his first baseball glove, and taught him how to hold the bat and how to play the game, as well as many others. Their father was busy running the business he started above a barn in downtown Muskegon, called Geerpres, which made mop wringers and buckets. Herb was a teenager, and helped his dad with the budding business by delivering bills to the post office on his bicycle, or whatever else needed doing during those tough times of the Depression. Herb graduated from Muskegon High School, and went on to study at Muskegon Community College. By then, the dark clouds of World War II had arrived on our shores, and after a year at college, Herb was called to serve his country. He was drafted into the Army Air Corps, and served as a clerk overseas in England during the war. When the battles ended and Herb's service was completed, he returned to Muskegon, and headed back to Muskegon Community College with his little brother, before transferring to Hope College to earn his Liberal Arts degree. Later in life, Herb admitted he once thought about teaching History, although life had other plans for him. After graduating from Hope, Herb went to work for his father, where he became the salesman for the business, something he proved quite good at doing. Little did he know, his professional life would soon coincide with his personal life, too. Herb began noticing the pretty young billing clerk at Geerpres, a nice young woman named Mary Ann Mienert, who was from nearby Montague. One day he summoned the courage to ask her out, and the two really hit it off. They dated for two years, fell in love, and were married on June 29, 1965, beginning a wonderful life together. Mary Ann had one caveat to their marriage: Herb had to either learn to cook, or learn to play golf. Naturally, Herb chose golf! Mary Ann was a very good golfer, and passionate about the game, and wanted to share it with her beloved Herb. They played the game together the rest of their lives, and became active members at White Lake Golf Club. Mary Ann won many tournaments there, and Herb was maybe more proud of her than she was! She even got to play with golf legend Gary Player at a pro-am tournament at Oak Ridge Golf Course in Grand Rapids, which thrilled Herb, too. As successful as Mary Ann was on the golf course, Herb was equally successful in his career, and was an excellent salesman. He spent 17 years out on the road, knocking on doors, making the sale as well as new friends. He and his brother canvassed the entire country, with Doug taking one half and Herb the other. Herb used to say that between the two of them, they covered the world! Herb also attended many trade shows, most notably the American Hospital Show and the School Shows, and was an invaluable source of knowledge to his little brother, just like always. In the 1970s, Geerpres was sold to a large corporation, which was a difficult change for Herb and Doug. Herb soon tired of answering to management, and the many imposed policies they created he didn't agree with. Doug eventually found a way to buy the company and bring it back into the family, but by then Herb had had enough, and retired in 1983 after 42 years there. Herb and Mary Ann enjoyed their retirement very much, and filled their days with plenty of golf, and their nights with the great company of their many friends. Although Herb wasn't much of a social butterfly, Mary Ann was always able to get him to attend parties and other functions with her. Because he was on the road so much during his career, the two didn't travel much in retirement. Herb preferred to stay home, right by his beloved Mary Ann's side. Herb was also a faithful member of the Unity United Methodist Church, where he was also a charter member. In 2001, Herb's health began to fail, and he became weakened. Mary Ann took wonderful care of her loving husband during these times. Eventually, Herb was moved to the VNS Hospice House, where he sadly died peacefully on Sunday, December 3, 2006. Herb was a wonderful man, who lived a wonderful life. Some people search their whole lives for what makes them happy, but Herb didn't have to look far. Herb's greatest enjoyment could always be found in the happiness of others. He will be greatly missed. Members of Herb's family include: Wife, Mary Ann; brother Douglas (Patricia) Bard. There will be no services. Memorials may be made to VNS Hospice House. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to leave a memory or sign the online guest book.