1945 �" 2010
Richard Bernier, 65, died at Coming Home Hospice on October 15 after a long bout with liver cancer.
Bernier was born and raised in Lowell, Massachusetts, and graduated from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst in 1969 with a degree in Russian language and literature. After graduation, he moved to San Francisco and joined the box office staff at American Conservatory Theater (A.C.T.), where he continued to work throughout most of his professional life. For 14 years he was the A.C.T. Box Office Manager. When he retired in 2009, Bernier had worked at A.C.T. for nearly 40 years and was a beloved member of the community.
His love of theater and performance went further than his employment at A.C.T. As half of Tanta Productions, Bernier presented Ken Ruta in Diversions and Delights at the Stage Door Theatre; he was also the founder and executive director of Three Wise Monkeys Theatre Company, noted for its celebrated Bay One-Acts Festival, which has continued for almost a decade.
He is survived by two sisters and a brother; Elaine Bernier Dupuis of Boston, Gladys Godin of Los Angeles and Raye Godin of Ocala, Florida.
Along with his invaluable contributions to the Bay Area theater scene, Bernier is remembered for his warmth and generosity, and he will be deeply missed by his friends and coworkers.
A memorial gathering will be held in Fred's Columbia Room at the American Conservatory Theater (415 Geary Street) on November 1, 7�"9 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations in his name may be made to 3WM, Coming Home Hospice, or A.C.T.