Robert “Bernie” Howard Jackson, devoted father and husband, 81, of Winnemucca, passed away Saturday, August 18, 2018 at his home surrounded in love by his family.
Bernie was born in Boulder, Colorado on February 15, 1937 and during his infancy traveled to several mining camps in Colorado where his father, Emmett Jackson worked.
After his dad’s death, his mother, Lucile Rackley returned to teaching school and moved the family to Northern Nevada in 1942. His mom remarried and in 1948, the family moved to Winnemucca where he lived until his death. Bernie graduated from Humboldt High School in 1955 and from the University of Nevada Reno in 1960.
On April 2, 1967, he married the love of his life, Delphine Jackson, in Winnemucca. Bernie’s life was a life of service.
He worked for the State of Nevada Welfare Division as a social worker and office manager from 1965 to 1995. Bernie was a dedicated member of the United Methodist Church. He served as Lay Leader for many years. As chairman of the small Church Rural Life Center and Methodist Men, Bernie worked to raise support for small Methodist Churches in Nevada and foster fellowship within the congregation. He served on various committees within the church to carry out the missions of the Methodist Church and Christianity. He was an active member the AARP and served as president for the local chapter.
Bernie was raised a Master Mason and took the York Rite Degrees and Orders. He served as Worshipful Master of his Winnemucca Lodge and then as secretary for next 30 years. He was presiding officer in each York Rite Body in Winnemucca.
He was a Knight Mason and member of the York Rite College. He received the Knights of the York Cross of Honour degree. Bernie was honored by receiving the Gold Medal award as an outstanding Mason from the Governor of the York Rite College.
He was also a member of the Silver State No. 6. OES, and served as Worthy Patron of the Chapter in Winnemucca three times.
Bernie enjoyed traveling, reading books and helping others, but his greatest joy was his family. From the time that he and Delphine adopted their daughters until his last day he was deeply devoted to the happiness and well-being of his wife, daughters and grandchildren.
Bernie is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Delphine Thomas Jackson; his two daughters, Vanessa Jackson (Katy Adams) of Ashland, Oregon and Melanie Bray (Terry Bray) of Fairbanks, Alaska; grandchildren Loden, Maya and Sylvie Dunham of Alaska; sister, Kathryn McKinney of Winnemucca and many nephews, nieces and relatives. He was preceded in death by his parents Lucile Rackley and Emmett Jackson; step-father, Lloyd Rackley; sister, Zelma McKinney; and brothers, Charles Jackson, Raymond Rackley, and John Rackley.
Special thanks to his wonderful home care providers, including Angela Alvarez, Amy Ward, Lisa Valeria, Genesis Home Health, and Hospice. Also, many thanks to Sam Routson and family for their incredible support over the recent years.
A celebration of life service will be held at 10:00 AM, Wednesday, August 29 at the United Methodist Church, 138 West Winnemucca Blvd. The burial will follow soon after at Winnemucca Cemetery F & AM. A reception will follow the burial at the Masonic Temple, 540 Baud St. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Age and Dementia Friendly of Winnemucca.
