Bernard "Coach Gus" Gasiewski

We lovingly remember Bernard Alphonse Gasiewski. Born on March 30, 1942 at Wyandotte Hospital. He was a dedicated son and loving brother to his sisters, Lorraine and Patricia and to his brother, Kevin. At 74 years old, Bernard passed away on September 8, 2016, while on vacation with his family in Traverse City. Bernard was married to his high school sweetheart, Nancy (Rickle). Bernard and Nancy enjoyed 51 years of marriage, celebrating their 50th anniversary with a family trip to Florida last spring. Bernie was a dedicated and loving Husband, Father and Grandfather. They have 3 daughters: Sharron, Stacey and Andrea. Together, Bernard and Nancy enjoyed spending much time with their 7 grandchildren: Austin, Alysa, Ashley, Nina, Bryan, Beatrice and Emmy. Bernard worked at Detroit Edison from 1968-2007. He was a dedicated employee and tremendously hard worker. “Bernie” relished in the friendships he had developed over his years there and was still dedicated to golfing and getting together with his buddies as often as he could. Bernie absolutely loved his trade and took great pride in his work accomplishments. Known to many in the community as “Coach Gus”, he dedicated many years to coaching Ladies Volleyball and Softball at Mt. Carmel High School. He also coached softball at St. Michael’s Grade School in Livonia. While Gus worked hard with his teams on skills and fitness, win or lose, he always asked his players “Did you have fun today?” That was always the name of the game. He was a mentor as well as a coach. Gus liked to remind his players that playing sports developed skills for life; respect for self and others were paramount. He strongly believed in helping student athletes succeed in all aspects of their lives. His teams celebrated many successes and state championships. For Coach Gus’ dedicated and conscientious contributions to student athletes, he received several awards for his coaching, including the Wyandotte Athletic Association, Catholic League Coach of the Year, and Michigan Catholic League Hall of Fame. Bernie was also very active in his neighborhood, community and Mt. Carmel School and Church. He believed in maintaining his community and created many friendships throughout the years. Always willing to help, Gus was a true neighbor and friend to many. Most important of all, Bernard took extreme pride in his family, and it was his greatest joy to celebrate every occasion with them. Bernie was always looking forward to the next get-together and would travel to the ends of the earth to be with his family. “Family is the most important”, he always said. “You will always have your family to celebrate your greatest joys and help you through the toughest times.” While we are extremely sad over the loss of Bernard, we invite you to join us in celebrating his life. Please stop by and share a story or two about Gus. He loved a good joke, a story and had a great sense of wit and humor. The family kindly suggests Memorial Donations be made in Bernard’s honor to the Michigan Make-A-Wish Foundation. By Mail: Online: Make-A-Wish Michigan www.michigan.wish.org 7600 Grand River Ave. Suite 175 click Donate Brighton, MI 48114 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Gasiewski, Bernard "Coach Gus" of Wyandotte. September 8, 2016. Age 74. Beloved husband of Nancy. Loving father of Sharron (Randy) Blazic, Stacey (Jim) Lombardi, and Andrea (Scott) Lasky. Dear brother of Lorraine Cicotte, Patricia Smith, and Kevin Gasiewski. Proud grandfather of Austin, Alysa, Ashley, Nina, Bryan, Beatrice and Emmy.

Bernard "Coach Gus" Gasiewski

March 30, 1942 - September 8, 2016