Bernard Roy Vining

LIVERMORE FALLS – Bernard Roy Vining, 100-year-old World War II combat veteran of Weld, passed away peacefully on March 30, 2025. He was born on Feb. 23, 1925, in Weld to the late Bert and Violet Vining. He graduated from Weld High School on June 18, 1943, and four days later he was inducted into the United States Army. Bernard was one of three Vining brothers all serving their country overseas during WWII, and thankfully all boys returned home to their family. He was proud and honored to have served under General George S. Patton and served with the U.S. Third Army, 80th Infantry Division, 633rd Anti-Aircraft Artillery Automatic Weapons Battalion. During his 24 months overseas, he served in the European Theatre of Operations in Scotland, England, France, Germany, Luxembourg, and Austria. He was a lateral gun pointer, traversing a 40 mm gun in position for firing and assisting with reporting the approach of enemy planes. He saw action from Normandy (D-Day plus 5) through the end of the war, including the Battle of the Bulge. He earned five Battle Stars: Normandy, Northern France, Ardennes, Rhineland, and Central Europe. He received the Good Conduct Medal, the WWII Victory Medal, and the European African Middle Eastern Theatre Campaign Ribbon. He received his Honorable Discharge on December 3, 1945. 

On May 4, 1947, Bernard married Shirley Jane Foote, and they were married for nearly 70 years until she passed in 2017. Bernard was a logger, starting with a team of horses, then a two-man chainsaw, a bulldozer, and finally a skidder. 

He was an avid Nascar fan for over 50 years, with his favorite driver of all time being Bill Elliott. He was a member of the Mystic Tie Masonic Lodge for 79 years, serving as Master in the late 1960s. He also served the Town of Weld as a selectman for over 20 years. 

Bernard was a master cribbage player, teaching his three children and then his grandchildren the game. He was a founding member of The Wicked Pissah Cribbage Club along with Bruce Purdy, Fred England, and Paul Druan. Bernard thoroughly enjoyed his weekly cribbage games with Russell Banton, and during the summer, Bruce Purdy, and the family expresses thanks for their friendship and for traveling to play with him once he moved out of Weld. 

Bernard was predeceased by his parents, two sisters, and four brothers, and is survived by his son Randy Vining and wife Deb, his son Mike Vining and wife Juanita, his daughter Rachael Hine and husband Russell, along with six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. 

Bernard was a quiet hero who will be dearly missed by his family and friends.

In accordance with his wishes, there will be no public service. Arrangements by FINLEY FUNERAL HOME, Livermore Falls.