Bernard Legge

Bernard George Charles Legge (Bernie), a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather, passed away peacefully on December 16th, 2024, at The Village of St. Edwards in Wadsworth, Ohio at the age of 103. 

Bernie was born on May 5, 1921, in Canterbury, England. His father succumbed to injuries sustained during WWI when Bernie was just a toddler. His mother returned to working as a nurse to support the family, and Bernie was reared largely by his maternal Grandmother, Gar, in Kingsnorth, Kent.

He enlisted in the Royal Air Force on his 18th birthday in 1939, months before the outbreak of WW2. His dreams of being a pilot were derailed when his medical exam revealed that he was colorblind. However, his knowledge of shorthand landed him at the right hand of RAF officers in Nantes, France, where he coded and decoded messages in the critical months leading up to the conflict.

When the Germans attacked France in May 1940, Bernie and his unit found themselves trapped behind enemy lines. They evacuated towards Dunkirk, coming close enough to see the smoke from the attacks, but were unable to reach the city and turned south. They were eventually evacuated from Brest on June 21st.

Bernie continued to serve various commands during the Battle of Britain, and in 1942 was deployed to Dayton, Ohio to serve as procurement officer ensuring that the RAF had the parts and equipment needed for the war. That deployment changed the trajectory of his life. He met Anna Mae Fitzpatrick who was working in the offices there. They married in 1944, a marriage lasting 71 years.

After the war, Bernie and Anna lived briefly in England, returning to Dayton in 1948. There they raised two sons, and Bernie worked as a salesman first for Specialty Papers, and then for National Cash Register (NCR), retiring in 1984.

Bernie was a proud member of St. John’s Lodge #13 Free and Accepted Masons in Dayton, joining in 1950. He was active in the Masons both in Ohio and in England, holding to Masonic principles all his life. 

In retirement, Bernie and Anna split their time between their home in Canterbury, and a bed and breakfast they ran together in Murphy, NC. They moved back to Dayton together in 1996, where they lived together until Anna passed away in 2014. In 2020, Bernie moved to Wadsworth to be closer to family.

Bernie was a gifted musician, particularly on the harmonica. He entertained at pubic events and family gatherings well into his 100’s. His music brought joy to those around him, and those memories serve as a lasting bridge connecting generations in his family. He and Anna also established a tradition of “tea at 3” early on with their sons – a time to stop, share a cup or two of tea, cookies, games and conversation. This tradition is very much alive in the family, and a legacy that will carry on their memory.

Bernie is survived by two devoted sons: Steve Legge (Marilou) and Kevin Legge (Leslie) along with five grandchildren, Matt (Jen) Legge; Kelley Legge; Jennifer Sanders (Dale); Chris (Dina) Legge; and Erin (Chad) Wharton, and 11 great grandchildren all of whom will carry forward stories of their remarkable grandfather and great grandfather.

The Family wishes to thank the wonderful staff at the Village of St. Edwards, particularly for their care and comfort during Bernie’s final illness.

A private graveside service will be held by the family.

To share a memory of Bernie or leave a special message for his family, please visit the guestbook below.