Bernard W. Cross

COLEBROOK – Bernard (Bernie) W. Cross, 72, of Colebrook, passed away on Thursday, Jan. 12, 2023, peacefully in his slumber at his home. He was born on Jan. 2, 1951, the eighth of nine children to the late Stephen B. Cross, Sr., and Lucinda (Cross) Cross. Bernie attended local schools while working on the family farm in Kidderville, and he spent much time hunting and fishing, the love of which followed him into adulthood. He married Rita Biron in 1971 and served in the Army, deploying to Korea. Bernie returned home to be with his family and help raise his 3 children. They separated in 1989, divorcing soon thereafter. Bernie worked for the Tillotson Rubber Company for over 20 years. He finished his employed years working for the pipeline and relocated to Maine. If you understood his humor, you knew his frequently used ph rase “a, YeahYa!” In 2019, Bernie moved back to Colebrook and settled on South Main St. If you went by in the summer months, it wouldn’t be uncommon to see him sitting on his porch, sipping on a drink, smoke in hand, and jamming to classic music (a, YeahYa!) Bernie loved family get-togethers where, when not working the grill, he could show off his card playing talents. He meshed well with the likes of the Biron and Cross families. (a, YeahYa!) He kept his friend circle small, but that’s how he lived his life…unmaterialistic, simple and humble. He had very few pictures of family, but held onto them tight. The little he had was dear to him. The friends he had checked in on him, listened to his stories, and helped him in small ways which meant everything to him. Although stern at times, Bernie had a soft heart. He was beyond happy to have moved back to Colebrook and bond in small ways with his 3 children. He bragged to his friends, neighbors, and most likely strangers as well, of how proud he was of his children, grown up and accomplished. He is survived by his three adult children, Eric Cross, Katrina Cross and her boyfriend Jeremy Crawford of Colebrook, and Colleen Cross Carlson and her fiancé, Joel Nault of Merrimack, NH; three adult grandchildren: Carl James “CJ” Wheeler of Colebrook, and Biron Carlson and Cooper Carlson or Merrimack. He is also survived by siblings Richard Cross of Canaan, Wilbur Cross of Colebrook, Beverly LeClair of Lancaster, Wayne Cross of N. Haverhill, NH, and Linda Estabrook of Colebrook, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Bernard is predeceased by his parents Stephen B. Cross in 1982 and Lucinda Cross in 2007; his brothers Stevie Cross in 2005, Wendell Cross in 2007, and Tommy Cross in 2013. There are no calling hours. A private service for his burial will be in the spring of 2023. In lieu of flowers, please consider reminding your loved ones how much they are loved. (a, YeahYa) Condolences may be offered to the family on-line by going to www.jenkinsnewman.com. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care of Jenkins & Newman Funeral Home in Colebrook.

Bernard W. Cross

January 2, 1951 - January 12, 2023