Bernard Lawrence Effie

Bernard Lawrence Effie was born on January 8, 1933, in San Diego, California, raised by his loving parents Bernard Effie and Doris Browning Effie. Going by Lawrence, he grew up in the Mission Hills and Point Loma areas of San Diego. After attending Point Loma High School, he completed his Bachelor's degree in Marine Engineering at California State Maritime Academy in Vallejo, California. Upon completion of his schooling, Lawrence served as a Machinist’s Mate 2nd Class Petty Officer in the US Coast Guard where he was awarded with a National Defense Service Medal for his time in service during the Korean Conflict. After his honorable discharge from the Coast Guard, Lawrence served as a Merchant Marine, working on a Chevron Oil Tanker as a ship’s engineer. Lawrence's love of the sea continued with his purchase of a commercial fishing vessel that he named the "Little Mike" after his son Michael. In 1972, he built and launched the F/V Barbara Anne. He captained this boat and fished the seas off the coasts of California, Oregon, Washington, Alaska and Mexico until his retirement in 2004 at the age of 71. After retirement, Lawrence enjoyed refurbishing his 22-foot Catalina sailboat that he sailed with Barbara every chance he got. He also loved tinkering with his Cadillacs, rebuilding the old engines to make them new again and polishing his cars every day for the perfect shine. In his latter years, he took great joy in participating in the daily life of his youngest Granddaughter Delilah. Lawrence was blessed with four children early in life—Michael, Philip, Dana, and Bernard. He married Barbara Anne Coupland Crusha in 1969 and was father to Debra, Robin, and Mark. To this union, their daughter Jennifer was born. Bernard Lawrence Effie was welcomed with open arms at the gates of Heaven on November 28, 2018, at the age of 85. He was preceded in death by his parents, Bernard "Barney" Effie and Doris "Dee Dee" Browning Effie; and his infant son Bernard Joseph Effie. Left behind to cherish his memory are his loving wife of 49 years, Barbara Coupland Effie; his children Michael Effie, Philip Effie, Dana Effie Meagher, Debra Crusha Rodvold, Robin Crusha Clegg, Mark Crusha, and Jennifer Effie; 13 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren with one on the way; and a loving extended family that will miss him dearly. Lawrence’s Celebration of Life is on Friday, December 7th at 11am at Crosspointe Life Church located at 8809 La Mesa Boulevard in La Mesa, California. He will be laid to rest at Singing Hills Memorial Park in El Cajon, California.