Obituary
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Carl Richard Bernier

Date of Death: November 17, 2025

Date of Birth: December 16, 1965

Biography:

Carl was born in Brunswick Maine on December 16, 1965 to Armand and Pauline Bernier. He grew up in
Harpswell and was educated at Harpswell Island School and Mt. Ararat High School. He lived in Lisbon for
many years but recently moved to Sabattus to his “retirement” home, which he very much enjoyed for its
comfort and peace.
Carl met the love of his life Debra Colson-Bernier at daycare in the Spring of 1998 where they were each
picking up their children, Bethany Bernier and Taylor Colson. They were married on January 29, 2000 and
celebrated 25 years of marriage earlier this year. They enjoyed traveling together and were working on seeing
the world one beach at a time. Carl especially enjoyed traveling to Hawaii and always said he wanted to go
back there.
Carl was a hard-working man from very early on with an unwavering work ethic. He was always determined to
provide for his family, sometimes to his own detriment. As a young man he worked on a lobster boat and dug
clams. He spent most of his career as a professional truck driver and was proud of his skills in operating and
maneuvering the big trucks. His wife can attest to those skills; when she was with him one day and he turned
his truck and flat bed around on the side of a mountain road in Arizona.
Carl loved to laugh and make others laugh. He always said no one would laugh at him more than himself. He
loved the ocean and his soul was at peace there. He enjoyed getting his “wind therapy” riding his motorcycle
“Esmarelda” with his wife or his buddy Dave. He loved music and to sing along.
He was always willing to talk to anyone and often would strike up conversations with people he didn’t know.
There were untold conversations, sometimes very lengthy, while shopping in Walmart. He was always ready
to lend a hand and was very giving of himself and his time. He was willing to share his home and resources
with many people over the years during their hard times to help them regain stability in their lives, some for a
short time and some much longer. To some he wore a super hero cape. To his wife he was her knight in
shining armor (to which he always joked was rusting), her soulmate, rock and best friend. Gooba Guy you will
be forever loved by your Crazy Lady.
Carl was preceded in death by his parents Armand and Pauline Bernier, his sisters Linda Toothaker and
Charmaine Heffron and his nephew Daniel Leeman. He is survived by his wife Deb, his children Bethany
Bernier and Taylor Colson, his sisters Nancy Wyman and husband Alton, Kathie Tuck and husband Tom, his
brothers Michael Berner and wife Connie, George Bernier and wife Paula. Also, his grandson Micah Bernier and
many nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews. Carl also had many dear friends who he considered to
be his family including Regina Ritchie and Dave McCrater. He will be sorely missed by all and leaves a void that
can’t be filled.
There will be a private family gathering held in Harpswell where he will be laid to rest in the place he always
loved, in Quahog Bay, where he grew up and learned to love the ocean. A separate celebration of life will be
held in his home at a date to be determined. For further information regarding the celebration of life, details
will be posted on Facebook and contact can be made with his wife. All who knew and loved Carl will be
welcomed.
In lieu of flowers it was Carl’s wish to make donations to Villa Lobos Rescue Center in the name of his beloved
dog “Thunder” at https://www.vrcpitbull.com/how-you-can-help/donations/ or to your local shelters.