Bernard "Bernie" Braun

Bernard (Bernie) Joseph Braun, 76, passed away peacefully with family by his side on March 21, after fighting a long illness. He was born February 28,1939, in Cedar Falls, Iowa, the son of Albert and Maria (Hoffmann) Braun, and raised nearby in a small farm town. Following graduation from Sacred Heart High School in Waterloo (IA) he attended University of Iowa earning a B. S. degree in Pharmacy in 1960. Bernie served in the U.S. Navy as an officer aboard the USS Princeton stationed in Southeast Asia. After completing service in 1965, he moved to Long Beach, and eventually to Santa Barbara where he met the love of his life, Maureen Gagnon, at a singles dance. The pair married in 1968 and had three sons: Randy, Larry and Gary. The family had many joyous years in their Santa Barbara home, their lake Nacimiento cabin, and many vacations with their best friends, Tim and Sandy Green. In recent years, Bernie and Maureen enjoyed trips to Hawaii, Alaska, the Caribbean, and the New Orleans Jazz Festival. Bernie loved jazz, gardening, political history, and sports, but nothing was as important to him as his family. Bernie owned and operated San Andres Pharmacy, serving Santa Barbara’s Westside for twenty-four years, with dedication and compassion, and an emphasis on providing individualized patient care. He was a successful businessman, owning and operating a check cashing and moneygram business, fulfilling an important community need. In 1999 he joined UCSB's Student Health as a pharmacist, where he worked until his retirement in June 2014. In 2011 Bernie reached the landmark 50th year of service as a registered pharmacist in California. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brother Karl Braun, nephew Stephen Braun, and niece Colleen Braun. Bernie is survived by his wife, sons Randy (Liz), Larry (Marissa), and Gary (Alessia). Three grandchildren, Dexter, Dominic and Delaney. Two brothers, Albert (Toni) and Rudi (Joanne), sister in law Mary Braun, and many nieces and nephews. A service of remembrance will be held at 11a.m. Wednesday, April 1st at San Roque Church, 3200 Calle Cedro, Santa Barbara. Interment following at Calvary Cemetery. Those who wish to remember Bernie in a special way may make gifts in his memory to Food Allergy Research & Education at foodallergy.org, in honor of his grandson, Dominic Braun. The family would like to thank the doctors and staff at Sansum Clinic, Cottage Hospital and Serenity House for their compassion, care and support. Bernie was an amazing and loving husband, father, friend, brother and grandfather, who tirelessly worked to build memories with his family and to be a role model for his children. We will keep him in our hearts forever.

Bernard "Bernie" Braun

February 28, 1939 - March 21, 2015