William Richard Bernays' Obituary
BERNAYS, WILLIAM RICHARD 94, of Dallas, died February 7, 2012, after a short illness. Mr. Bernays was born September 9, 1917 in Chicago, the son of the late Lewis Edward and Alida McDermid Bernays. He is survived by sons, William Richard Bernays, Jr. of Atlanta, and Michael Allen Bernays of Dallas; brother, Peter McDermid Bernays and wife Sally of Dallas; as well as several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife of 59 years, Nancy Smith Bernays, and his brother, Robert Lewis Bernays. His father, Lewis Edward Bernays, was Consul-General for England and Richard attended elementary schools in Geneva, Switzerland, and Brussels, Belgium. Returning to Chicago as a teen, he attended Francis Parker High School. Upon graduation, he attended Northwestern University in Chicago, receiving a BS degree in 1938, magna cum laude, attaining membership in the Phi Beta Kappa Society. In 1941 he graduated with honors from Northwestern Law School in Evanston. After law school, he received his naval commission and served his country from 1941 until 1945 in the Pacific Theater. After World War II, he joined his family in Dallas, where his father had been transferred as the British Consul-General. In 1946 he joined Lucian Touchstone’s law firm, and became a partner in 1953. He was with Touchstone Bernays Law Firm for 52 years, retiring in 1997 at the age of 80, remaining as counsel to the firm. Mr. Bernays was admitted to the US District Court of Texas in 1946, the US District Court of Appeals 5th District in 1952, the US Supreme Court in 1962 and the US Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces in 1964. Among his professional associations were The Chicago, Dallas and American Bar Associations, the State Bar of Texas, and the International Association of Insurance Counsel. He retired from the Naval Reserve as a Commander in 1977. In 1995, he received the Dallas Bar Association’s Defense Lawyer of the year award and in 1996 the Defense Counsel-Distinguished Defense Lawyer award. He also served as a Director of Gifford-Hill & Co. from 1969 until 1972. Richard and his beloved wife, Nancy were avid travelers and enjoyed many trips to Mexico, Asia and Europe. The Bernays were well known for their many philanthropies, attending and contributing to many charity events in Dallas over the years. They were very fond of the theater, both dramatic and musical. Richard was also an enthusiastic opera devotee. Opera, good books and the theater were his passions. He was conversant in both German and French and understood thoroughly the operatic librettos and at age 94, he still looked forward to Dallas opera performances. Richard was gifted with a brilliant mind, a gentle spirit and lived a life of service. He leaves a legacy of charity, love and benevolence that will live forever in the hearts of his family and friends and will be missed by all who had the privilege of knowing this extraordinary man. Memorial service will be held at 12:30 pm, Saturday, February 11th at Restland Wildwood Chapel. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in his name to Southwestern Medical School, 5322 Harry Hines Blvd., Dallas, TX 75390.
What’s your fondest memory of William?
What’s a lesson you learned from William?
Share a story where William's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with William you’ll never forget.
How did William make you smile?