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Bernard R. Shapen ("Bernie"), passed away April 7, 2021 in Bend, OR from natural causes at age 91. He was born Bernard Raymond Schapendonk on January 23, 1930 in Chicago, Illinois to Nicholas and Loretta Schapendonk, who changed their family surname to Shapen in 1945 after moving to California (Bernie always said the name change sure made life easier). Bernie is survived by his devoted wife of 59 years, Virginia Shapen of Bend, OR; son Rodney (Amy) Shapen of Bend, OR; son Kevin (Della) of Post, OR, and daughter Therasa (Keith) Brandt of Bend, OR. He is also survived by his six adored grandchildren: Zane, Ian, Eva, Morgan, Parker and Victoria. Bernie is preceded in death by his parents Nicholas and Loretta, and his brothers Roger and Leon. Bernie entered into active service for the United States Army on September 1, 1950, and served in the Korean War, receiving an Army of Occupation Medal (Japan). He was honorably discharged in March 1953. Bernie traveled to Japan on the "slow boat" U.S.S. Miggs, and returned from service on a cargo plane which he says caused him to be a reluctant flyer from then on. Prior to his military service, Bernie worked as a landscaper at Griffith Park and for the City of Los Angeles, and upon his return from service continued with the City of LA driving a street sweeper for thirty years. He retired in 1980 and it was then that Bernie and Virginia moved their family to Bend, OR, where they had visited many times in the years before retirement. Having grown up as a young man in southern California during the 1940's and 50's, Bernie became immersed in the region's hot rod culture. He had a passion for automobiles which was a constant for his entire life. Bernie bought and sold countless cars for profit, family and friends. He owned many classic cars over the years including a 1930 Ford Model A, 1940 Ford street rod, 1950 Chevy and others. These cars were not only a point of pride as seen in their immaculate condition but were used and driven far and wide to attend countless car shows across the country with Virginia at his side as navigator. Aside from car show travel, Bernie and Virginia enjoyed many other trips and drives to visit family and friends in Oregon, California, Illinois and North Dakota to name a few. Annual summer road trips were a mainstay during their boys' growing up years and many good memories were made, once even driving from California to Massachusetts in a "pick 'em up truck" with a camper. Bernie enjoyed hosting family and friends at his home in Bend and sharing the sights and beauty of the area with others. Bernie was the consummate host and kept guests' drinks brimming to the top. Bernie never met a stranger who didn't end up being a friend and has been described as a "character", "charming" and had many funny and unique sayings often remembered by his family with a smile. He was also proud of his father's Dutch heritage and would proclaim "if you ain't Dutch, you ain't much". Contributions in memory of our beloved Bernie can be made to Ronald McDonald House of Bend. A celebration of his life will be held at a later date.

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Bernard "Bernie" Raymond Shapen

January 23, 1930 - April 7, 2021