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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.
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