Bernard J. "Bernie" Vargas Vila

Bernie and I met at the pool at an apartment building named Spanish Trace in Kendall in Miami in 1975. Bernie being the outgoing, great looking, personality plus guy of course I found him so attractive....we were not to be an item and Bernie introduced Lee my husband to me at the pool while I was studying for my Insurance Exam. Lee and I hit it off immediately and were married 1 year later. We asked Bernie to be our best man at our wedding. Lee met Bernie while he was in High School and were best friends and had such great times together. Lee got his pilots license so they flew around, Lee had a boat and they water skied and parasailed and so much more. We are so blessed that Bernie was in our life. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the whole family and friends.

Uncle Bernie - I remember him being so many things in our family. Our uncle, my dad's best bro, a coach, a cook, a fisherman, a handyman and a builder.

But above all, for me, he was my godfather. He was the person my parents trusted most to be my spiritual guardian. To bring the faith that he carried so strong in his heart to me. He took this as one of his most important responsibilities. He always called or texted me on the feast of St. Nicholas and on any important day within the Church. He always reminded me of God's love. Just a few months ago he told me how overjoyed he was for my wedding, and we talked about the importance and responsibility of the marriage sacrament. He only met Denise a handful of times, but I know that he loved her very much and he grew to that so quickly because of his big heart.

As my brother and sister have also shared, I can't think of Bernie without thinking of his sense of humor. He was always making us laugh. These past few years, whenever I would see him he would ask me "When is MicroVila coming out?" Or something along those lines suggesting that I would be the head of Microsoft any day now. It's a silly joke but it represents so much of who Bernie was for me. A great sense of humor, always trying to make us smile, someone who loved me very much and always wanted to know more about my life, my godfather who took great pride in seeing me grow into the person I am today. I will remember him always. And when I think of him it will be of that big smile we all know; that big smile which was a reflection of his even bigger heart. I know that he is smiling forever now.

He would come over often and I’m going to miss his weekend visits to our house. I remember as a kid, all of us cousins would be playing at our house, it would be late at night and we’d hear his whistle and we knew it was time for them to go. We’d all run over to him and ask him for 5 more minutes, which he always said yes to. I’ll never forget his whistle, and I know if we could all ask for 5 more minutes with him, we would.

As I got older, I learned that I got a lot of my traits and interests from Bernie. He was extremely organized and loved to build and fix things. I remember him building a dining room table for the new Jacksonville house which I thought was the coolest thing. I remember his garage; every tool had its own place, and nothing was ever lost. When it was my turn to build things in architecture school, every Thanksgiving he’d ask to see my latest wood model or anything new I had built. A few months ago, I started a woodworking class to continue this passion of mine and I’m certain my interest in building and fixing things myself came from him.

As kids, we learned at an age that family is the most important thing in life. We saw it at home, we saw it at all of our aunts and uncles house, and of course at my grandmother’s house. Bernie and my dad were especially close, and have an unbreakable bond. Theirs is the perfect example of love and family first, and is the best gift they could have ever shown us.

Bernie was also very religious which is why I know today he's in heaven and he's at peace. I like to believe he's with my grandmother watching over all of us - Our new guardian angel.

As I remember my uncle Bernie, what comes to mind is his big happy smile and laugh. He was loving and kind, always gave really great hugs and loved to crack jokes. He was also really thoughtful. For my last birthday, he actually sent me 30 happy birthday text messages.

He was a family man and his 3 boys - my cousins, were the light of his life- you can tell that by looking at the pictures on this video tribute. He would move heaven and earth for them.

He was hard working and friendly. When I was younger, I went to a few of my cousins baseball games and he knew everyone at the park, and was always there to help whoever needed it.

I think I inherited my dancing skills from Bernie. He loved to dance and sing and loved a good party - and he was the life of the party. I like to think he’s teaching the angels in heaven a new disco dance.

Dear Bernie,
I was praying to Our Virgin Mary...the many thoughts of what made you such an amazing brother came to mind. As your baby sister, I can attest to the fact, that you have fulfilled your responsibilities as a big brother...perfectly! Your kindness, guidance, generosity, willingness to help others, and loving ways towards all of us will never be forgotten.
As I finished praying, images of what a good disco dancer you were came to mind. I know you are dancing with your favorite partner, our beloved sister Iraida (LOL, you would not dance with me because I would always step on your toes).
Towards the end of the prayer, this song came to mind, it reminds me of what a gift we had when God shared you with us. I love you Bernie, and I will miss you dearly.

DANCING IN THE SKY...by Dani and Lizzy

Tell me what does it look like in heaven.
Is it peaceful, is it free, like they say?
Does the sun shine bright forever?
Have your fears and your pain gone away?

Cause here on earth feels like everything, good is missing, since you left
And here on earth everything different...there's an emptiness

Ohh...

I hope you're dancing, in the sky
I hope you're singing, in the Angels choir
I hope the Angels know what they have
I bet it's so nice up in heaven since you arrived!

So tell me what, you do up in Heaven?
Are your days filled with love and life?
Is there music, art, an invention?
Tell me are you happy?
Are you more alive?

I hope you are Dancing in the Sky...Bernie
Although our hearts are heavy with the pain of missing you...know that you will daily be in minds and hearts!
Love you,
Fifi