Bernard Michael McAuley passed away on May 2nd at the age of 88. Bernie was born in Butte on November 14th, 1927, to Catherine and John McAuley. He was the youngest of four children. Bernie attended Saint Mary's grade school and graduated from Boys' Central High School. Upon graduation he attended Carroll College for a year before enlisting in the United States Navy where he served as a Hospital Apprentice First Class from April 1st, 1946, through February 2nd, 1948.
Bernie married Barbara Breen on August 18th, 1956, at Saint Mary's Catholic Church. They raised four children.
Bernie was employed in multiple fields. His favorites included taxi driving for Owl Cab, working as a Teamster for the City of Butte, returning dogs to their rightful owners for the City of Butte, and socializing as a greeter and checker at KMART for twenty years. He retired at the age of 85.
Bernie was known to everyone as an animal lover, always carrying a supply of dog treats that he shared with his four- legged friends. He spent hours filling bird feeders for his winged pals. He was a kind and caring man.
Bernie was a big kid at heart, and spent hours entertaining his grandchildren. He took them to neighborhood parks and on lengthy treasure hunts. They participated in sing-a-longs gathered around the piano while he performed original compositions. Not many people knew he was a magician, but his grandkids did.
Bernie was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara; his parents, Kate and John McAuley; his sister, Patricia Solan; his brothers, Joseph and John McAuley; and his grandson, Kody McAuley.
He is survived by his daughter Debbie Bugni and husband Bob; son Greg McAuley and wife Charissa; daughter Bonnie Brown and husband Tom; son Paul McAuley; grandchildren Steve and Ann Bugni, Brittany and Erik Brown, Bethany Martin, Nicole, Ian, and Noelle McAuley, and Trent and Patience Rodgers; great grandsons Landon McAuley and Chad Lee; great granddaughter Kinsley Martin; sister-in-law Sharon Coghlan; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Friends are asked to join the family this Wednesday between the hours of 5 and 7 p.m. at Duggan Dolan Mortuary. Parish Vigil Services will be conducted at 7:00 p.m. in the chapel. Funeral Services will be conducted at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, May 5th at Saint Ann's Catholic. Rite of Committal will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens. Family requests you join them for a celebration of Bernie's life at Saint Ann's Parish Hall immediately following interment.