Remembering Bernie Marcus

On Monday, the world bid farewell to a true legend. A humanitarian. A visionary. A man with a giant heart and an even deeper soul. A man we will miss for more reasons that we can possibly list; and whom we are so profoundly grateful to have met, learned from, and worked with.

Each Jew is born with a solemn obligation — tikkun olam. Our task is to do what we can and what we must to repair the world. Bernie’s life, from beginning to end, is the epitome of what it means to live up to this obligation. From creating a company that transformed countless lives and lifted up so many, to his amazing philanthropy, which changed and saved so many lives, Bernie dedicated his life to repairing the world.

Bernie felt so very blessed to live in a country where his life story was possible. And he never took those blessings for granted. In our context, this is particularly true when it came to how Bernie cared for our nation’s veterans.

Bernie’s philanthropic work for veterans began somewhat by happenstance; he was reading an article in the Sheperd Center’s Magazine, Spinal Column, when he read of the story of a young man who had been written off by the traditional system. This soldier’s experience at the Shepherd Center was transformative, and Bernie would soon meet him in person to learn more.

That effort led to Bernie’s generous gift to the Center’s SHARE program, and the pursuit of other initiatives that would ensure that those who served our nation could live the great lives they deserved.

Soon, Bernie would lead the effort to create what is now known as the Avalon Action Alliance, to provide transformative care for veterans and first responders, and fundamentally change the standard of care for mental health, traumatic brain injury, and substance abuse. It was in this work that Ken and I had the chance to get to know Bernie – to understand his vision, to behold his ability to see around corners, and to see how much heart and soul he poured into everything he did.

In September 2023, Ken and I had the opportunity to break bread with Bernie for the last time; enjoying one of his favorite tuna sandwiches alongside his incredible wife and partner, Billi. His zest for life was abundant; as was his passion for understanding what we needed to continue transforming lives. It was a day that neither of us will ever forget — and a reminder of what a kind, thoughtful, humorous, and giving man Bernie was.

Bernie may have born into a faith that required him to repair the world; but, as in all things in his life, he far exceeded that task. From the beginning to the end, he didn’t focus on repairing the world — he focused on transforming it.

For that, we owe him the deepest gratitude, and to redouble our commitment to continue the work that made Bernie smile. 

We will miss you deeply Bernie,

Ken and Josh