John Bernadyn

AKA ‘Bernie’

1927-2012

As we recount John’s history there are certainly parts missing- where he grew up, went to school, etc. What we do know is that is he was a smart, personable and reliable man who was educated as an electrical engineer. He worked for Bendix Corporation, instrumental in designing the first lunar module.

He moved to the Tetons in his forties when he was offered a job designing the electrical circuitry for the first aerial tramway at the Jackson Hole Ski Area. He fixed many of the electrical problems during those early years.

He was also among the original 10 patrollers hired for the first ski season at the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort in 1965. He worked a total of 33 seasons and was a brilliant mentor to many. In the years when the ski patrol started using avalanche transceivers, he was able to explain how transceiver technology worked and those who heard his ‘lines of flux’ talk will never forget it.

Bernie’s Bowl is named for him but the story behind the name remains open for discussion…
John was a religious man and a great believer in higher education. Upon his death The John Bernadyn Scholarship was created by his brother Walter with monies from Bernie’s’ estate. The scholarships are given to the youth of this area who are interested in studying math, science or engineering. Bernie passed away March 29, 2012 at the age of 85 in Mahwah, New Jersey. At the time of his death his older brother Walter survived him.