In Memoriam: Merlin Bernard-Toledano
Merlin Bernard-Toledano, a longtime and beloved member of the security and maintenance team at Annie Wright Schools, died peacefully in Fife on November 25, 2016, at the age of 75.
Merlin was born on December 27, 1940, in New Orleans, Louisiana, to the late Edward and Grethel Bernard. He served in the Army from 1966 to 1970 and began his career at Annie Wright in 1982. He took seriously his place in an educational community and always put our students at the center of everything he did. He knew our girls and boys as individuals, he took the time to make sure they each knew that he was here for them, and he evinced authentic joy in serving decades of Annie Wright students and faculty members.
He was an active member of Seattle Iron Indians Motorcycle Club and loved to ride and work on his motorcycle well into his 70s.
Merlin was born on December 27, 1940, in New Orleans, Louisiana, to the late Edward and Grethel Bernard. He served in the Army from 1966 to 1970 and began his career at Annie Wright in 1982. He took seriously his place in an educational community and always put our students at the center of everything he did. He knew our girls and boys as individuals, he took the time to make sure they each knew that he was here for them, and he evinced authentic joy in serving decades of Annie Wright students and faculty members.
He was an active member of Seattle Iron Indians Motorcycle Club and loved to ride and work on his motorcycle well into his 70s.
Merlin retired in 2015 and requested that Annie Wright not celebrate his departure in any way. True to his self-effacing personality, he wanted no party, ceremony, or formal announcement.
A celebration of his life is scheduled for February 25, 1:00-4:00 pm, in the Great Hall at Annie Wright Schools, 827 North Tacoma Ave, Tacoma, WA, 98403. All friends and family are welcome to attend the celebration of Merlin’s life. In lieu of flowers please donate in honor of Merlin to Northwest Harvest.
