“I had the privilege of working with Mike when I chaired the Detroit Regional Chamber in 2010-2011. Mike was a very kind, thoughtful individual who treated everyone with respect and dignity. His advice was always balanced, and he seemed to continuously work toward win/win solutions. He was a huge asset to the Chamber’s leadership team. I also got to know Mike through the DAC and have fun memories of sharing lunch and discussing our Notre Dame families. Go Irish! My condolences to Mike’s family. Mike leaves behind a huge legacy, and he will be dearly missed.”
– Barbara E. Allushuski, President and Chief Executive Officer, Blue Heron Talent, LLC
“We often hear that we should not judge books by their covers. This is the case for individuals or institutions. As an African American male, I have often been judged prior to the judge turning not a single page to understand my story, reveal who I am or what I stand for. It would be easy for the ill-informed to assume that the Detroit Regional Chamber’s board seats are filled with middle-aged white males, out of touch and prescribing policy in their own best interest. If one were to observe Mike’s book resting on a cocktail table, one may prejudge Mike to be just that. But were one to simply turn back the cover, let alone the many pages that are Mike’s life, Mike’s spirit, Mike’s professionalism, Mike’s athleticism, and Mike’s sense of humor and compassion, one would quickly dispel any predispositions.
Mike was a friend and a friend who was nothing short of amazing. An equal balance of superior legal expertise in execution, board stewardship, and a brother you just want to sit and have a drink with. Mike encouraged and advised me along the way for the entirety of my Chamber Board participation. And if that was not enough, he encouraged me to get more involved in the DAC, where I have been a member since 2000, but never participated in governance.
I will miss physically seeing Mike, but I will always see Mike. I will miss his insights, but will always hear his sage advice. You will be toasted, lauded, and honored. All well deserved. And of course it goes without saying…’My Man.’”
– Dennis W. Archer Jr., Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Sixteen42 Ventures
“Any loss of a friend, mentor, and colleague is difficult to process. In the case of Mike’s tragic passing, it is beyond comprehension. Vibrant. Caring. Athletic. Steadfastly devoted to family and faith. Energetically committed to our civic community – a champion of organizations including Loyola High School, Notre Dame of Detroit, International Samaritan, and, of course, the Detroit Regional Chamber.
This is a loss that will be felt far and wide for a very long time. Mike led by example in every aspect of his life. If role models walk among us, Mike was the best of them. His loss far too soon. His impact far too great. Simply put, Mike Bernard was among the finest human beings any one of us had the pleasure to call a friend.
Our family, the Chamber family, stands with the Bernard family and friends in mourning and sorrow in this moment of grievous loss of a titan and friend.”
– Sandy K. Baruah, President and Chief Executive Officer, Detroit Regional Chamber
“Our Mike Bernard was a true gentleman.
Mike filled any room with warmth, calm, and grace and was beloved by all who knew him. Mike was a fixture in our community. From the Detroit Regional Chamber Board Room to the Detroit Athletic Club, Mike seemed to be everywhere, always with that engaging smile and a caring embrace.
In a world where one searches for quiet advice and keen judgment, J. Michael Bernard was of counsel to all.
May his memory be a blessing for the generations.”
– Mark Davidoff, President and Chief Executive Officer, The Fisher Group
“For the past 20 years, I was blessed to know Mike as a respected director on numerous boards, a trusted business colleague, a dedicated athlete, a devoted family man, and most of all, a cherished friend. He left a lasting impact on my life and countless others with his kindness, passion, faith, and positive attitude. My sincere condolences to the Bernard family during this difficult time. ”
– Brian Demkowicz, Chairman and Founding Partner, Huron Capital Partners LLC
“Mike was not just an excellent advisor and counselor, but a fantastic person as well. He left us all better than he found us. ”
– Matthew Elliott, Chief Executive Officer and Founder, Blue Lake Ideas LLC
“Michael Bernard lived a life marked by integrity, generosity, and a deep commitment to his community. Serving alongside him on the Detroit Regional Chamber Board of Directors, I witnessed firsthand his thoughtful leadership, steady judgment, and unwavering dedication to strengthening our region. He led with both conviction and humility, always focused on bringing people together for the greater good. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Michael was a loyal friend and a man of genuine warmth. His legacy will endure in the lives he touched and the community he helped build.”
– Lena Epstein, General Manager, Vesco Oil Corporation
“Mike and I had the privilege of serving together on the Detroit Athletic Club Board for five years. Each of us wore a lapel pin engraved with the DAC logo and a Roman numeral marking our years of service. When I ended my sixth (VI) and final year, I chose to give my pin to Mike so he could enjoy it during his own final year on the board. It felt fitting because I didn’t just admire him as a fellow leader; I admired him even more as a devoted family man and a man of God. My deepest and most sincere condolences to the entire Bernard family. ”
– Lorron James, Chief Executive Officer, James Group Inc.
“Mike and I served together in a few organizations, and while I did not know him as well as many of you, I always experienced him as deeply kind, gracious, and faith-filled. May God wrap His loving arms around the Bernard family, and may Mike rest in eternal peace.”
– Ronia Kruse, President and Chief Executive Officer, OpTech
”I cannot improve on this line from his obituary: “In essence, Mike Bernard was among the finest human beings a person could come to know.”
There aren’t many people I’ve known who have earned that description. Mike was indeed all of that. A fine, decent, and gifted man whose absence will be deeply felt.
To borrow another quote: ‘We will share the burden of his death until the day of ours.’ - Adlai Stevenson II”
– Mike McGee, Past Chief Executive Officer, Miller Canfield
“Mike Bernard was a professional that most of us aspire to become. He led with a sense of purpose and with an inclusive style that helped to draw out participation by all, always searching for the best solution. He spoke up only when his input was additive, with a kind and professional demeanor that made everyone trust and admire him. We will miss you Mike but you will forever be a role model to everyone blessed with knowing you.”
– Leslie A. Murphy, CPA, Murphy Consulting, Inc.
“Mike helped us pro bono for more than a year with setting up a charitable foundation to provide scholarships to university students in Lithuania. Such a kind, caring, and generous person. He was also the first person to welcome me onto the Chamber Board last month. He is now and will be missed by so many.”
– Jeff Nelson, Executive Vice President, Strategic Staffing Solutions
“I am so grateful to have worked closely with Mike over the years. I really enjoyed working with him and admired his positive and caring approach. He was a great professional who not only provided outstanding legal and business advice, but also provided this advice with a balance of head and heart. He truly cared about people. My heart goes out to the Bernard family.”
– Jim Proppe, Past Managing Partner, Plante Moran
“Mike Bernard was a wise counselor, practical problem solver, committed community leader, witty humorist, and cherished friend. He set a high bar for himself and, in so doing, made all of us better because we wanted to follow his example. He demonstrated unquestionable command of his craft, communicated thoughtfully and with deep appreciation for his audience, and was always one of the first to offer a kind word or helpful suggestion, usually supported by some self-effacing quip. He will be missed by all. ”
– Peter Quigley, Strategic Advisor and Board Member, Kelly
“We met through Leadership Detroit XXII around 2000 and remained close friends ever since—a friendship that deepened when we served together on both the Chamber and DAC Boards from 2019-2024.
Growing up, we all heard ‘be like Mike’ in those commercials, but knowing Mike Bernard gave that phrase profound new meaning.
He was the consummate professional—always even-keeled, good-hearted, and genuinely helpful. Mike was the constant, steady presence both boards could rely on. What touched me most was how he’d go out of his way to ask about my wife and kids, knowing each by name. That was Mike—authentic care wrapped in quiet strength.
And if you found yourself on the treadmill next to him, you knew he wasn’t getting off before you did! Mike lived fully and passionately. Our hearts are with his beloved Betsy and their family.”
– Derron Sanders, Chief Executive Officer, SG Companies
“I was saddened to hear of Michael’s passing. Although my interactions with him were relatively limited, he consistently came across as an open, gracious, and genuinely kind individual. Michael had a natural way of making people feel comfortable and ensuring their perspectives were welcomed and valued. He will be remembered as a thoughtful and fine person whose presence positively touched those around him.”
– Ron Shahani, President and Chief Executive Officer, Acro Service Corporation
“In my life I’ve known many good men. I’ve even had the honor of knowing a few great ones – a status exponentially harder to attain. Mike Bernard was a grand man. As rare as they come. A man whose accomplishments, character, and presence served as a testament to his faith and his values – which he lived each day. He was kind, patient, generous, steadfast, and as honest as the day is long. I will always be grateful to him for his friendship and counsel – and I will miss him tremendously. RIP, my friend. Proverbs 27:9-17”
– Chris Thomas, Co-Founder and Partner, Assembly Ventures
“I had the pleasure of meeting Mike 4 years ago, while we both were Trustees on the International Samaritan Board. We learned after spending time together that his father and sons attended U of D Jesuit, as my son and I did as well. The connection between two ‘Men for Others’ was born. Mike was the person who nominated me to be on the DRC Board of Directors. Mike and I spent most of the day together during the Detroit Policy Conference in the overflow room, where he worked throughout the day. At the end of the day, Mike was leaving to meet a client and said, “ Let’s grab lunch when I get back from Florida in March.” We hugged and he went down the escalator, not knowing this would be the last time I would see my friend, advocate, and brother in Christ.
Mike was a Titan in his field and in his personal life. I am grateful to God to have known him and will continue his legacy of being a true professional and most importantly, a Man for Others!”
– Markeith Weldon, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Nexusmind Technologies
