C. Bernie Frye

The staff at Heishman Funeral Home Inc. sends condolences to the family of C. Bernie Frye. C. Bernie Frye, 69, of Mt. Jackson, VA, passed away as a result of a medical related accident on August 27, 2024, at approximately 3:20pm on the farm he loved and enjoyed working with his longtime partner, Gale Baker. Bernie was born October 3, 1954, the son of Alice Virginia Himelright and Galen Hunter Frye of Star Tannery. After the death of his mother when he was 2yrs old, Bernie was raised by his uncle, Joseph Lambert (now deceased) and aunt, Betty Lambert of Woodstock. Bernie is preceded in death by his parents; uncle, Joe; brother, Glenn Frye of Memphis, TN; and well respected and dear friend, Floyd Baker of Mt. Jackson. He leaves behind beloved and devoted dog, Patches. Many barn cats, all with special names. Mostly leaves behind the love of his life of the past 24 years, Gale Baker, to whom he was deeply devoted to. Other family he is survived by is his daughter, known to her dad as “George”, Megan Frye of Woodstock; life partner, Gale Baker; stepson, Nathan Gochenour; two grandchildren that he adored, Blaine and Brecken Gochenour; aunt, Betty Lambert; sister-in-law, Patricia Frye; nephews, Darin Frye and family and Kevin Frye and family of Memphis, TN; and numerous cousins. Bernie was truly a lover of all animals. Bernie was well known for his love and knowledge of all breeds. He made a name for himself in the dairymen’s world as well as the beef industry where he received many awards and recognitions. He could cure an animal faster than most vets. Not just with his special mixture of medicine but with his loving care. Friends and fellow farmers would often call on and welcome his help with animals and sharing of his wisdom. Bernie was the owner of ROC-HIL-VAL Holsteins from his late teen years until 1999 when he sold most of his high-quality herd and moved to PA with some of his best Holsteins. He returned to VA in 2002 where he joined his longtime friend at the farm where they partnered in a beef operation. Bernie was a kind, gentle, caring man who lived a simple life and enjoyed simplicity. As some of his young farm helpers would say, “sometimes grumpy but all-around good man.” He was a perfectionist and strived to help young people be their best. He was a man who was strong enough to love deeply and cry real tears for the animals and people he loved. Bernie’s biggest joy in the last few years of his life was developing special relationships with few friends and family, especially his wonderful grandchildren, which was his greatest joy but also with some heartache and tears caused by others. Bernie loved and enjoyed playing ball, water battles, bike rides all over the farm, bonfires, teaching his grandson farming and handling of livestock, and all the joys of the farm that aging gives us time to enjoy that he couldn’t when he was younger due to working so hard for the future. He is now reunited with loved ones in Heaven and I’m sure there has to be some cows and pets there waiting for him. He will forever be missed by many. Said by a young lady he taught and thought a lot of (Mandy), “He was a perfectionist and enjoyed a good laugh.” Leaving you with words of wisdom from Bernie and what he lived by: “Good, Better, Best” and “Never let it rest until your good is better and your better is best.” Prearranged funeral plans were made by Bernie himself. Services will be held at a later date. He wanted no fuss, just remembered. Remembering C. Bernie Frye and his smile! Online condolences may be left at valleyfs.com Arrangements by Heishman Funeral Home Inc., Valley Funeral Service Branch, Edinburg.

C. Bernie Frye

October 3, 1954 - August 27, 2024