Bernard Hathaway

April 20, 1924 – September 15, 2023

Brilliant electrical engineer, MBA, raconteur, advisor to aerospace magnates, incurable prankster in his younger years, veteran of RAF (Royal Air Force) World War II action with vivid memories of its ravages, and proud citizen of both the U.S. and the U.K., Bernard Hathaway has now, after a long and good life, departed his loving family members, friends and neighbors at the age of 99.

To the end, he was of unfailing, eclectic, witty, growing mind—entrancing all with his life’s stories, and of readily recalled poetry of Shakespeare, Kipling, and others famous and forgotten.

One of several children born to Beatrice and Frederick Hathaway in Joyford, a village in Gloucestershire, England, Bernard met his true love Hilda, a refugee from Estonia studying nursing in England, after World War II while working near London. Bernard (“Bernie” to his many friends in Southern California) referred to Hilda, who predeceased him, as his “Baltic Princess.”

After earning his degree, Bernard determined to work his way toward settling in Australia. As a first step toward this goal he accepted employment with the Marconi company for assignment in Canada to set up the first TV transmission antenna in British Columbia. There Hilda joined him, and they wed in Canada.

After experiencing a few Montreal winters, they made their way to Los Angeles, eventually found their slice of heaven in Pacific Palisades and said good-bye to their plans to settle in Australia. Here he was an innovator in printed circuit boards and the infancy of computer memory. In the midst of this career Bernard made time to earn an MBA at Pepperdine and his U.S. citizenship.

For the decades he lived here in the Palisades, Bernard treasured his ocean and city lights view, and he worked independently and with the homeowners association to preserve it.

Bernard is survived by his brother Robert and Robert’s wife Jeannette of Joyford, England, many nieces, nephews and their children, and caring friends in England. He is also survived by his godson Nigel Baker of Agoura Hills and Nigel’s family, dear care giver and “sergeant major” Evette Gordon, and friends all over, including Muriel Ifekwunigwe, now of Virginia, and neighbors in Pacific Palisades who miss his wit, good humor, and willingness to lend a hand when asked. Ta-ta for now, dear friend.