Kenny and Brandon Bernstein

DALLAS (Aug. 23) – “It is with a heavy heart that I report that my Dad, Bert, lost his battle with liver cancer at 11:30 a.m. today,” said six-time NHRA champion Kenny Bernstein.

Bernstein received a call shortly after he left the Memphis race that his father was failing quickly. Bernstein and his wife Sheryl, arrived at Bert’s home in Dallas that evening and were able to have a conversation with him.

“As everyone who has lost a parent or loved one knows, no matter how hard you try to prepare for this situation, it doesn’t really soften the blow,” said Bernstein. “I’m grateful to the hospice staff for all the support they gave my dad. I‘m thankful I was able to get to his side and be there with him at the end.

“My dad is largely responsible for whatever success I can claim in the business world. He was a businessman extraordinaire. He was the man who dressed me up in a sandwich board at the tender age of seven and sent me out on the street corner to sell men’s socks. When I was growing up, the dinner table conversation was always about sales. Through the years I’ve worked for my dad and he’s worked for me. To the very end, I consulted him on business decisions. His thoughts and ideals formed the foundation and building blocks for my own businesses through the years.

“Dad was strong and upbeat. He successfully faced down three other bouts with cancer, and sadly could not win the war against his fourth.

“Dad had an amazing sense of humor, even knowing what he was facing. As many folks recall, he miraculously gathered enough strength to come to St. Louis to share our victory there and his last birthday. I drove my dad back and forth to the racetrack and as we were driving one day, I asked my dad if he was still driving. By the way, he still went back and forth daily to his import business at the age of 82 and battling cancer. He said he was still driving and I said, ‘Perhaps you shouldn’t be driving, dad.’ And his response was, ‘Son, I’m not sick, I’m just dying.’ His delivery was very matter of fact with a hint of Bert’s humor. Bert started laughing and we all looked at each other, sort of stunned, but you had to join the laughter.

Brandon, Bert & Kenny Bernstein at the Sears
Craftsman NHRA Nationals, St. Louis, MO
(Photo Credit: Jim Compton)

“Dad was so proud of Brandon, and they had grown very close to each other these last several years. Brandon was very emotional about the St. Louis victory that he dedicated to his grandfather.”

“It was very, very special to see the look on his face when I saw him back in the staging lanes after we’d won,” said Brandon. “It felt terrific to be able to dedicate that race to him. He was more actively involved in my career than you might think and I’m glad we were able to spend so much time together these last several years. Granddad did make it to quite a few races. He was in Las Vegas when Dad and I became the first father and son to win at the same event. There have been some great family celebrations and times that I will always treasure.”

Kenny, Sheryl, Bert, & Brandon Bernstein
Sears Craftsman NHRA Nationals, St. Louis , MO
(Photo Credit: Jim Compton)

Brandon & Proud Grandpa Bert Bernstein
Sears Craftsman NHRA Nationals, St. Louis , MO
(Photo Credit: Jim Compton)

“Through this whole ordeal he faced his demons head on, always believed he had lead a great life, and kept an upbeat, positive attitude,” said Kenny.

“There will be a hole in my heart now that he’s gone even though I recognize that he is in a better place. It will be hard not to be tempted to pick up the phone and call because we talked several times daily.

“But through it all, I recognize how fortunate I was to have a great dad who was such an inspiration to me.”

Bert, who is also survived by his wife, Kim, requested that no funeral services be held, and instead, a party to celebrate his life. The party is in the planning process. The family has asked that in lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to The American Cancer Society, In Memory of Bert Bernstein, P.O. Box 560089, Dallas, TX 75356. Cards can be sent to the family at: Budweiser King Racing, 26231 Dimension Drive, Lake Forest, CA 92630.

Kim & Bert Bernstein visit the NHRA Event at
Las Vegas Motor Speedway in April 2003
(Photo Credit: Budweiser King Racing)