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Died peacefully on April 30 in Port Hope, Ontario. Survived by his sister and brother in-law, Brenda and David King, beloved niece and goddaughter, Dr. Rebekka Bernhardt King, adored cousin, Dr. Naida Hyde, respected cousin, Bryce Dyer and many incredible friends, colleagues and clients. Predeceased by mother, Beatrice Lunness Bernhardt and father, Garnet Hartley Bernhardt.
Karl attended Upper Canada College and graduated from Bishop’s University and Queens University. He was admitted to the Bar in 1976. As a distinguished member of the legal community in Cobourg, Karl gained a reputation for his unwavering commitment to clients and his remarkable knowledge of the legal system. His ability to skillfully navigate complicated legal issues earned him the respect of colleagues and clients. His strengths in political organization and comprehension of constitutional issues placed him in high regard locally, provincially and at a national level.
His loyalty, generosity, sense of humour and love of fishing became the foundation of innumerable friendships.
A celebration of life will be held in Cobourg. The location and date for this is yet to be confirmed. Interment will occur in the spring of 2025 in Brockville, Ontario.
Donations, in honour of Karl, to the Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation would be gratefully appreciated by his family.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation
Karl was a legendary counsel whose unique voice and mannerism left an impression on everyone he encountered in the justice system. More importantly, he gave voice to some of the most disadvantaged in our community. Karl's compassion and humanity shone through in every case he handled, and his voice will be sorely missed.
My condolences to Karl's family and friends. We spent many a cigarette break out on the back stairs of the Fleming Building discussing politics, world and local events. Rest easy my friend.
Karl was a great lawyer and a great man. I'll always remember how funny and kind he was. Rest in peace Karl.
Sorry to hear of Karl’s passing. So many great memories of our court days together. You will be missed by so many Karl and never forgotten. Deepest condolences
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation
Geez, Karl...we were supposed to have lunch or spend a day fishing at my cottage. For forty-six years. But we were both always too busy. As John Lennon wrote"Life is what happens while you're busy making other plans." or words to that effect, and now you're gone. As articled students, Karl and I were both alumni of a law firm of very unusual but lethal litigants who had their headquarters at 11 Prince Arthur Avenue in Toronto, and proud to be so. While very much the "hail fellow, well met", Karl had an innate elegance such that in my mind I always saw him as the scion of some "old moneyed" Canadian family, dressed in top hat and tails. One always knew if he was in the courthouse, that glorious booming voice overcoming all others. Because of the love and respect he commanded with Judges and Crown Attorneys, he was able miraculously to save two of my clients from certainly lengthy terms enjoying Her Majesty's hospitality. I am sure there are a good many CA's who rue mistaking his bonhomie for lack of courtroom skills! I shall miss our many times sharing a cigarette outside the back door of his office in Cobourg. Lunch Karl? Meet me after I cross over wherever lawyers wind up, be it the Pearly Gates or the Gates of Hell Rest in Peace? No, not Karl. Not his way.
Karl was a great friend. Over many years we enjoyed countless hours well wasted, both on, and off the water. Condolences to all those who (like me) loved the man and the legend. Tight lines Karl!
Kid Cobourg was truly one of the best... a true friend and lawyer...you will be missed..
Rock on my old friend Rock on many a good times I had with you as your neighbor don't be abusing the women LOL
Karl was a distinguished Bishops University Alum who loved the school. He was a thoughtful , generous and gregarious colleague who I will miss. Take Care my Friend.
Karl was not only our family lawyer for many many years, but also a great friend. We talked law quite often as he knew this was my true passion that I would, in later life follow.' I cherish the memories and know that he will continue his joyful life in heaven.
All my condolences to your family.
Karl and I loved each other as young children. I was the older cousin by a few years, and so I was babysitter to him and his sister Brenda, sometimes at home in Toronto when I stayed with them, Uncle Garnet and Auntie Bea to me and sometimes at Sauble Beach in summers. I experienced such love and laughter, such ease there with Karl and Brenda throughout our childhoods. I am very sad at his passing and at the difficulties his life brought him, particularly in his last few years and very sad at the decades long hiatus that kept us apart. I am so appreciative of my renewed rich and loving relationship with Brenda and Rebekka.
Karl has been a colleague and a friend since our days at Queen's Law School. He will be greatly missed.
As a young family we were looking to make a move out of Toronto in 1983. After initially looking to rent, a local realtor suggested we might be able to afford buying in Cobourg. Once we made that shift we needed a lawyer and several people recommended Karl. He did well by us when we really needed someone local to rely on. Karl helped us get established. We will always be grateful.
We are so very sorry to hear of Karl's passing. He was a friend, an amazing story teller, and a joy to spend time with. Our encounters in court were always an adventure. We will miss him dearly.
Brenda, David and Becky, I am so sorry for your loss. Karl was a great friend to Roly and I for 47 years. He was complicated, maddening, loyal, smart, boisterous, silly, fun and a thoughtful friend. His passions were fishing, bears (the cuddly kind), and Tim Hortons. Years ago, before air-conditioning was pretty standard in cars, Karl insisted on lending us his brand new, fully loaded, air conditioned car, for a month, so that our kids ‘weren’t hot’ when we drove out west. That is the kind of guy Karl was. Our kids loved ‘Uncle Karl.’ He made sampling ice-cream at Baskin-Robbin’s into an art form. Roly and I took the kids to England for a month, and Karl insisted on picking us up from the airport. (We knew THAT wasn’t going to happen!). Waiting for us at the airport, was a stretch limo. To this day, the highlight of our trip to England, for the kids, remains ‘Uncle Karl’s limo.’ He was unique and loved man. He will be missed.
David & I wanted ro extended our deepest condolences. May Karl rest in peace.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation
One of the most interesting and intelligent role models in my life. I will never forget the memories and what you meant to me and my family. I’m sure in my current situation you’d be reminding that real estate is the worst investment a person can make. From the fishing trips I’d never dream of getting to the casual mooseheads, thank you! You were a legend Karl and will never be forgotten.
The wit and wisdom of Kid Cobourg was infectious. A gentleman in the courtroom and a beloved character in the community. Rest in peace my friend.
Sorry to hear of the passing of a friend of 50 years, law school classmate and then many years of seeing him in court - always courteous with devilish sense of humour and a twinkle in his eye. Sometimes even an eye-popping fish story! Despite his discomfort in the past number of months, he did not complain, always interested in what others were doing rather than focusing on himself. Each time I visited he would want to introduce me to the "best" staff member at Extendicare (always the one caring for him). He leaves each of us with many memories. Alan Ingram
Karl’s courtroom presence was one of a kind. He was Cobourg’s answer to Rumpole of the Bailey. He will be missed.
Brenda and I send our condolences to your family at this sad time
Karl walked me thru my divorce in the 80’s and even took me for lunch to explain what was going to happen over the next few months, every time he saw me across a street or in a store he shouted my name so loud, I knew right away who it was, you will be missed Karl
Our deepest condolences to Karl's sister and family. Karl was a very good friend of my Parents. He will be missed immensely!! Our thoughts and prayers are with all of the family!!!
So very sad to here about Karl, aka Kid Cobourg. His laugh was infectious and I always knew when he was in the grocery store or Tim's by the sound of his voice greeting everyone. I worked with Karl back in the late 80's - in the Copperfield days. We were also blessed to be neighbour's for a few years on "the Court". He always asked about what our boys, and Dave, were catching. Sympathy's to all the family.
Karl was always a friendly guy. I closed many real estate deals with him over the years. Always a sense of humor to get us through the long days. He will be missed.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation
I always thought that if I was in big trouble, which I have never been, Karl, would be the man to my right in a court of law. My condolences to his many friends and family.
As a colleague, and fellow justice system participant, I spent many days in the courtroom with Karl in Cobourg and Peterborough. The days were all good. Larger than life indeed, and one of the most memorable counsel I've had the pleasure of working with. You always knew when Karl was in the building.
Karl was my best friend for 58 years since initiation at Bishop’s University. following that at Queen’s University law school We roomed together and he served as my best man at my wedding. Although I did not spent any time over the last many years we were in constant touch by phone discussing politics and his fishing trips. I will miss his humour and strong views . Although sad to hear he is gone but you should find some solace in the fact that he is no longer suffering. Take care of yourself.
Sincere condolences from Dan and Linda Linker. I was a police officer in Port Hope and have fond memories of Carl. He was always so professional, friendly and cheerful in court. We would always find a few minutes to talk about fishing. He was a legend and a wonderful man. Such an honour to know Carl. He will be missed.
R.I.P. KID COB
Such sad news. Karl was a very kind and passionate man with a sense of humor that will greatly missed. Condolences to his family and friends
Karl was a gentleman and a scholar and a very respected member of the local defense bar. As a federal prosecutor he brought his sence of humour to the court room. He would say" although this case would not make it an episode of Miami Vice I recommend a short sharp period of incaceration" Rest in Peace my good man...
Sad time. Had great times with Kid Cobourg. Keep your hooks sharp! Till we meet again. A Man among Men and a Boy among Boys! . Travel well Karl.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation
I was saddened today to learn of the death of my long-time colleague Karl G. Bernhardt. Karl was a fellow member of the legal profession during my 35+ years practising law in Cobourg, and I was always aware of the great loyalty and respect Karl received from those many people he assisted over the years. We spent many days together in the Cobourg courts and it was always a pleasure to see "Kid Cobourg" (as he regularly titled himself) in full oratorical flight on behalf of his clients. He was always a great conversationalist, whether he was regaling the room with tales of latest fishing exploits, or whether we were debating a political topic (which were always entertaining and respectful, in spite of the fact we were almost always on opposite sides of the political fence). Colourful courtroom characters who also exhibit advocacy skills and the highest level of integrity are not always common, but Karl G. was an excellent example of all of those things.
Karl was a great friend and always kept me on my toes, in humour, philosophy, or day-to-day life. I will miss him and will rely on his wisdom from time to time.
I was sad to hear of Karl’s passing. He was such a witty man and a passionate advocate for his clients. My condolences to his family and friends.
It's been years since I saw Karl in Court or a drop in visit at his office with Nathan but I've never forgotten him....never will....he was Kid Cobourg... Rest easy KGB!!!
What a GREAT loss to all who knew him. Kid Cobourg was well known, liked and respected.He was generous and always there when a friend was in need . He was a wonderful friend and colleague since our law school days at Queens. Karl was a groomsman at my wedding in Ottawa 50 years ago. I worked closely with him both in Cobourg and Toronto on countless cases. Karl will be missed greatly. My condolences to his family.
sad to hear of Karl’s passing. I was court officer for many years with cobourg police & will cherish my relationship with Karl enjoying many laughs & jokes that we shared.god bless you & rest in peace & many thanks.
I am very sorry to hear of Mr Bernheardts passing. He was an outstanding lawyer. Hus presence was always known in a courtroom. He was fair and fought for justice. He was my choice if I needed help. God Bless Mr. Bernheardt.
Karl was incredibly supportive of my involvement in politics when I was in highschool in the early 2000's. Very sorry to hear of his passing. He'll be missed.
Karl was a great lawyer and a very funny man. Not that I had much need for his legal advice but we crossed paths often and he always had a joke to tell or a nice comment. He always left me with a smile. He will be missed dearly. My prayers and condolences are with you all.
Karl was a wonderful man. He was engaging, thoughtful, funny and smart. I always looked forward to seeing him at work and the stories he shared with me. He will be sincerely missed but always remembered as a larger than life remarkable friend and lawyer 💜
So sorry for your loss. Karl had such a fantastic sense of humour and was a kind and knowledgeable fellow to converse with. I got to know Karl the last few years at his last residence when visiting my Mom. He was always friendly and said hello and helped my Mom out many a time. RIP we will miss you.
Brenda and family Karl will always be remembered in the Cobourg area. I will always remember his support and loyalty showed me over the years. From building Mickey Mouse castles in his office for Rebekka for Christmas to helping him out at extendicare where he was table mates and watched out and helped my Mom for the last 6 months of her life. He was a kind person who enjoyed life in the moment. Unfortunately we are out of the country on June 12 but will be remember Karl with a toast and a pint.
Very sad news. You always knew when Karl entered the courtroom as he would announce Kid Cobourg was here. He had a great sense of humour and will be missed by many.
Karl was a long time friend of our family, and I am so sorry to read about his passing. RIP Karl
My condolences on your loss. My husband was an Inspector with the Federal Govt and always said Karl was the best Crown Attorney he ever worked with. He was also a friend and our lawyer. Sincerely Linda Flindall.
Karl loved practising law and served his clients with skill and dedication. He had an empathetic nature and was quick to help people in need. Whether in the courthouse, the grocery store or his final residence, everyone always knew when Karl was present. He touched the lives of hundreds and in addition to his family, he leaves behind a large network of friends from all walks of life.
This sad news. We have so many memories of Karl, of great conversations and many laughs during our years at The Oasis. RIP Karl.
For many years Karl was a familiar face around the courthouse. His distinctive charm, typed notes, stories, and sense of humor will be deeply missed. Heartfelt condolences to his family during this difficult time. He was one of a kind.
So very sorry to hear about Karl he always stopped to speak whenever he met you on the street or in a store always good for a quick laugh he was there for us many times when we needed a lawyer I’m sure he will be missed Jane and Wayne
So very sorry to learn of Karl's passing. Loved his sense of humour. Had lots of laughs with him over the years. A decent and kind man.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation
I was just thinking about Karl the other day and wondering how he was. So sorry for your loss. My deepest sympathies. He will be missed.
Such a thoughtful and caring man. Truly one of a kind. Rest in peace. 🧸
Karl was a longtime and treasured friend. Karl’s knowledge and quick wit made every conversation enjoyable, always leaving me with a new perspective. His kindness and generosity will be remembered. He was one of a kind. ❤️
You have my deepest condolences. Carl was a wonderful Lawyer & called a spade a spade. May he RIP
Sorry for your loss. Karl was a force when you were with him or against him in the courts. He was at his best when he was addressing the courts. He will be missed.
He was one of a kind and was know far and wide to lawyers who’d always mention him when you said you were from Cobourg. He was the first lawyer I met in Court and took the time to teach me the ropes of Court and always available to listen to my tales of woe and give some encouraging advice. He will be missed by those who knew him and I will always miss him.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation