Brent Knisely Bernard

Brent Knisely Bernard, 59, of Canton, died Tuesday, October 04, 2016 in Community Hospice House at New Philadelphia following a lengthy illness.

A son of the late Jerome Lee and Twila Jean (Knisely) Bernard, Brent was born April 14, 1957 in Union Hospital at Dover, Ohio.

Brent graduated from New Philadelphia High School in 1975.  He then received a Bachelor’s in Business Economics degree from Capital University at Columbus, Ohio.

He lived an active life and enjoyed sailing as well as anything else involving the water.  Brent also enjoyed snow skiing when not on the water.  Most of all he had a passion for life and enjoying quality time with his friends.

He is survived by two brothers, Bruce Bernard and his wife, Lisa of Worthington, Ohio and Brian Bernard of South Carolina; three nieces, Alyssa, Lauren and Shae Bernard and friends, Craig Fisher of Brewster, Matt and Lisa Moore of Akron, Jim Hall of North Canton, Dan Mauersberg of Hilliard, Ohio and Chuck Marsh of South Canton.

Brent was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Brad Bernard and a sister, Denise Bernard.

In keeping with Brent’s wishes, cremation will take place through the care of the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia.  A memorial service celebrating Brent’s life will be held in the funeral home on Monday, October 17, 2016 at 6 p.m. with visitation being held prior to the service from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, it was Brent’s desire that memorials be made to Refuge of Hope Ministries, P.O. Box 936, Canton, OH 44711 or online at www.refugeofhope.org.