Bernard Kessel

Bernard Kessel (Bernie), 59, of Weaverville, passed away at the CarePartners Solace on January 18, 2022. He is survived by his parents, Harold and Bernadine Kessel, his wife of 36 years, Becky Hollidge Kessel, their adult children Lauren, Jesse and Ben, and many cousins, nieces, nephews and other extended family. He was preceded in death by his brother David. Bernie battled cancer for 20 months, with an unfailingly positive attitude. Bernie was an outdoorsman who loved to hunt, fish, hike, backpack, camp and travel. He made the most of every day, even when COVID and cancer restricted his activities. Bernie was a well-respected civil engineer, who excelled at and enjoyed his profession. He received his engineering degree at West Virginia University and was a Mountaineer basketball fan. Bernie was the owner of Kessel Engineering Group (KEG), with offices in Asheville and Mooresville. He was an expert at slope stability and geotechnical engineering. Most importantly, Bernie was a kind, funny and generous man who loved his family and friends. He was very proud of his children, and he and his wife shared a love of family, nature, hiking and travel. Bernie was a BJPC nationally-certified beer judge, and began homebrewing in 1993 after receiving a homebrew kit for his wedding anniversary. He could strike up a conversation with anyone- and often did. Bernie had many bucket list destinations, and he checked as many of them off as he could. His last trip was a month-long Rocky Mountains campervan journey with his wife a few months before his death. Shortly before he died, he said that he wished he had spent more time outdoors. His was a life well-lived, and he had an immeasurable impact on those who were fortunate enough to know him. Bernie was a lover of animals, especially those that were abandoned. If you wish to honor Bernie’s memory and his love of Great Danes, donations can be made to the non-profit rescue organization Great Dane Friends of Ruff Love at greatdanefriends.com or by mail to 7007 Golden Eagle Trail, Iron Station NC 28080. Due to the ongoing COVID pandemic, a memorial celebration of life will be held in the future for fully vaccinated friends and family. Go in peace, beloved son, husband, father, relative and friend- you will always live in our hearts.

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