Bernie Henshaw

Bernard Ira “Bernie” Henshaw, 84, lifetime Cle Elum resident, passed away on Sunday, February 18, 2024 at the Landmark Care Center in Yakima.  A graveside service will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 23, 2024 at Laurel Hill Memorial Park in Cle Elum with a reception to follow at the Centennial Center.

Bernie was born on October 19, 1939 in Seattle, Washington to Norman & Hazel (Del Ducco) Henshaw. The family moved to Cle Elum before Bernie was even a year old where they established the family farm on Airport Road and it was that farm where Bernie would call home the rest of his life. He grew up in Cle Elum and graduated from high school in 1957.

Following graduation, Bernie worked for the forest service until he was drafted into the United States Army in January 1964. He was almost a year into his tour of duty when his father died unexpectedly, causing Bernie to be honorably discharged on account of his needing to return home to care for his mother and the farm. The farm was his life – he loved every minute of the time he spent tending to his cattle, the land and everything that came with farm life.

Bernie met Pamela Jean Ochs through a mutual friend when he was bartending at Cavallini’s Restaurant. The two hit it off and they married on October 27, 1973 in Cle Elum. Over the years, in addition to caring for the farm together, Bernie and Pam also owned and operated  a couple additional businesses including Henshaw’s Irrigation and Nursery as well as a travel agency.  Owning the travel agency opened many doors for Bernie and Pam to travel the world, but cruises (especially to the Caribbean) were their favorite.

It could be summed up that, in addition to his wife and family, Bernie loved three things – “cattle, cruises, and cars” – and for most of his life, he always had a project car that he was restoring.  He was a founding member of the Strangers Car Club and restored many cars over the years including his 1979 Corvette, 1967 Chevelle, 1939 Ford Roadster and many Impalas.  However, his absolute pride and joy was his 1959 Pontiac Catalina. Bernie, son Brad, and a family friend, drove to Denver (in the winter no less!) to pick up and bring the car back to Cle Elum so before Bernie meticulously restored it from the ground up using all original parts - nothing aftermarket.

Bernie is survived by his sons Craig (Diane) Henshaw of Everett and Brad (Annette) Henshaw of Cle Elum; eight grandchildren; as well as his sister Marcia Richter of Arizona and Ed Beedle of Oklahoma. He was preceded in death by his wife, Pam, in 2020 and his parents.

Memorial contributions in Bernie’s honor are suggested to the Roslyn-Ronald-Cle Elum Heritage Club, c/o Jana Bland, PO Box 916, Cle Elum, WA 98922

Arrangements have been entrusted to Johnston & Williams of Cle Elum.  Online condolences may be left for the family at www.johnston-williams.com