Bernie Esker Garrett Jr. Pat Watterud
Pat Watterud, also known as Bernie Esker Garrett Jr., 72, passed away March 11, 2015 in Llano, Calif. while doing what he loved, playing golf.
Bernie was born March 17, 1942 in Martinez, Calif. to Bernie Esker Garrett Sr. and Ruth Marie Shirley Watterud.
At age 6 Bernie moved to Whitefish where he grew up and attended school. Bernie loved the outdoors and grew up fishing and hunting and was very involved in sports. He played high school basketball, football and Legion baseball.
After graduation from Whitefish High School in 1960 he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force where he served for eight years with a tour to Vietnam. Bernie also played baseball for the Air Force while enlisted.
On Jan. 21, 1967 Bernie married the love of his life, Roberta “Bobbie” Jo Hale, of Whitefish. This past January they celebrated their 48th wedding anniversary. Bernie and Bobbie were blessed with two beautiful daughters, Stephanie and Nicole. Bernie loved and cherished and treasured the three women in his life.
Bernie worked in the film industry in California where he was involved with a majority of the films Hollywood produced. Bernie was a great provider for his family and was very family oriented — family always came first.
Bernie and Bobbie enjoyed raising their daughters and loved to do activities with them. They enjoyed fishing, camping, going to the desert and in going on family vacations to various places including Montana, Alaska and Hawaii.
Bernie retired from Technicolor in October 2003 to spend more time with Bobbie on a golf course, where they could enjoy being together and golfing. This also gave them more time to go travel and visit and watch their grandchildren in their activities.
Bernie loved going to Hawaii with Bobbie and their friends. He was a very kind, generous, loving and giving person. Bernie will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
Bernie was preceded in death by his father, Bernie Garrett Sr.; step-father, Rudy Watterud; and two sisters, Betty St. John and Myrna Ash.
Bernie is survived by his wife, Roberta “Bobbie” Hale Garrett; their two beautiful daughters and their families, Stephanie (Michael) Swanson, of Michigan, and Nicole (Ryan) Adair, of California; and their precious grandchildren, Austin, Olivia, Alex and Garrett; his mother, Ruth Shirley Watterud; and his siblings, William Watterud, Deborah (Shirl) Morrill and Gary (Sandee) Watterud.
Funeral services will be held Friday, March 27 at 11 a.m. at the Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home in Kalispell.