Teaching Moments

John, was the best 2nd Father I had. Always opening his house to me.  My memory of John will always be his love for his family. Always showing respect even when he appears to be upset. Always using any chance or moment he could as a teaching moment.

Michael Scot Watson

Stick Of Dynamite

Big John was a kind and happy man who always made me feel welcome in his home. John and I would always joke around and talk smack back and fourth teasing each other. I'll always remember the way he'd say, "Boy... You ever see a stick of dynamite go off?" And as I'd say no, he'd say "And You aint gona see it coming!" And that's how I'll always remember Big John, having much spunk at the same time as being the kindest man. He'll always be missed and loved.

Stephen Tufts

"GO TO" Man

We love your Dad!!!  Big John always had a big smile and an even bigger heart. We go way back to the days in Saugus and then later in the Antelope Valley.  Never met a friendlier man in my life.  If you wanted something done John was your "go to" man!  We never attended a ward function without seeing John making the rounds, greeting everyone, making everyone feel welcomed and loved. We have always considered your parents as the dearest of friends.  Always kind, always generous.  Gosh, even after moving to Utah they helped with the luncheon for Tyson's wedding!  It is such a blessing in our lives to have known your father. He is a great man and will be missed.  But his amazing legacy will live on through his family.  Our love and prayers are with Nancy, Mark and Craig, and all of your family.  So thankful that we have the knowledge that families can be together forever.

Love, Terri and Craig Woolley

Eager To Help

I remember John as such a friendly man, always eager to help everyone. He has done a great job of raising his family as evidenced in their respect for him. That says it all. He put up with all the other boys that hung around his house, including mine and they genuinely liked him! He will be missed.

Marlene Johnson

Square Dancing

This is Big John's little sister. I remember the only time we had ever gone square dancing together. We had so much fun. He was such a good square dancer. The very best I had ever danced with. I was so proud to be his partner. It was a wonderful experience for me and I think he was kinda proud to dance with his sister.

Bernice Strong-Manley

The product of that man

While I didn't know your dad well, I did get to know the product of that man. Mark it has been such a pleasure to be a friend of yours. You have such a big heart and are willing to do what is in your power to help others. I also know your brother is the same way. It takes a great, caring, and loving man to raise boys like you two. While I know your mom is a very sweet woman she needs a great compan...ion to acomplish what they have. You went your own way and because of the love of your parents and the truth they instilled in you, you made your way back to where you knew you belonged. We are alot alike, and I believe neither one of us would be the men we are today without our fathers. Tell him he should be proud of the children he has raised, and know there is great love and companionship waiting for him.

 

Craig Bird

Lots of visits

I remember lots of visits to your parent's house. Your Dad is always kind, and genuinely interested in each person he meets and speaks with. He & your mom stopped by the hospital to visit with me & my son Brandon when Brandon was in the hospital with cancer. Your parents are just good people. Your Dad is a great man that will be missed. Our prayers are with you guys & your Mom.

Chad Hammett

His Thumbs

When I showed him I could bend my thumbs back like he could, he smiled and grabbed my wrists and kissed my hands.  It was the sweetest thing!

Kat Harvey (grand-daughter)

No Waiting

John always would walk straight up to me on Sundays and shake my hand, he wouldn't wait for me to go to him, real stand up man, and always, always with a smile.

Dan McFall

Light up the room

As I was thinking about memories of John, a couple of visuals went through my mind, both of which are in the Cultural Hall at the Lancaster Stake Center. One is of John attending church basketball games and cheering for his sons. He was so proud of his sons Mark and Craig. The other visual was of him and Nancy attending the ward socials. They were very social and loved to go around from table to table greeting members who were in attendance. They would light up a room. John always had a smile to share.

Joan Stott

Kiss the dirt

John has always been very friendly. I saw him about a year ago after not seeing him for 10 years, and he was genuinely interested in me and in how I was doing. I've always seen him treat others well. My biggest memory with John was spending a week together on a 50 mile hike through the Sierra Nevada. Although he was past his prime hiking abilities, I was inspired by his determination and sense of adventure while pressing through difficult terrain and carrying a very heavy pack. At one point during this tiring hike, he stated that he was literally going to kiss his car once we got to the end of the trail. I was the first to reach John's car, and I laughed at how much dirt had caked on his car during the week we hiked. As a very tired John approached his car, he didn't even think twice about planting a big kiss on an impressive layer of dirt. I will never forget the memory of this fun trip with John.

Ryan Stott

The Anderson's

I have always enjoyed being with John. We talked about Scouts, shooting, the SR-71, church, living in the desert, and of course our families. I loved hearing the stories of when he was a kid growing up in the mid-West. He was always interesting to visit with. It was obvious that he loved the Lord and was willing to serve Him however he could. He was a great example.

Peter Anderson



I have a great admiration for John and am so glad he found Nancy so they could become Mark’s parents. Their children are a credit to this wonderful couple and we are so grateful that they raised such a wonderful son to marry our daughter Sabra. We have enjoyed sharing grandchildren (Talitha, Triston, and Abrea) with John and Nancy and know that they have had and will continue to have a loving, positive influence in their lives. John has made our lives better and it has been a privilege to know him. We will miss him greatly . . . until we meet again.

Sharon Anderson.

Joyfully Tearful

The only time I can ever remember that John wasn't smiling was when sharing his testimony and was joyfully tearful!

Vicki Lee

Hayley got a camera for christmas and she was so excited, she ran all over taking lots of pictures.  Annie just found the cutest picture of grandpa taken at our house that special day.

Things in common

Berntson Family, I have many fond memories of John, he and I worked together in our church callings and were friends and had many things in common.  I never met anyone who had anything bad to say about John. He was loved by all and will be greatly missed.

Jay Greenlaw

Pierced my soul

Stretch, it was a pleasure to listen to you and your sister's Testamonies. It was a pleasure to shake your father's hand and have his eyes pierce my soul. All of our love to your family at this trying yet wonderful time as your father memories come more alive.
Tim Osborn

He Magnified It

Your dad performed an amazing service in the high priests group.  He wasn’t sure if he would be able to live up to the calling.  On the contrary, he magnified it.  When I spoke to the Stake leadership about him, I referred to him as my “love assistant”.  He had the ability to reach out to people and help them in ways others couldn’t.  People trusted him from his first handshake and hello.  I never heard a mean-spirited word come from his mouth.  He always looked for and found the good in other people.  When I grow up I want to be like him.

Thanks for providing me a way to share my feelings about your amazing dad.
Curt Cummings

Defying Gravity

I remember all of the camping trips together and how we used to take off on the motorcycle and give my mom and dad grey hairs while they watched us defy gravity. :) He was always with me in my growing up years and I was fiercely possessive of him. He was my best bud and my favorite uncle. I will miss him and his teasing, but I know he is going to a better place where he will be welcomed by our Lord and all of his loved ones will be there to greet him. I send my love with you, Uncle Jack, on your greatest adventure ever. Love, The Brat (Debbie Berntson-Cutshall)

The picture below is of John and I at the 40th that our children threw for us in June. Thank you all for participating and making a good and happy memory for me to help get through this good bye period. John has not been given very long so his sister and our children and my sister are coming tomorrow. We also just learned his possessive niece (LOL). We love our friends so much and you have all been a strength to me, Thank you!

♫Memories...♫ (as only our dad could sing it)

For those of you that know (Big) John Berntson, we are coming to terms with him being in what we believe are his final days.  We are spending and enjoying as much time as we can with our Father, our Dad, our Hero.  Although my brother and I have been taller than him since the age of 12, both of us have and will always look up to him!!  He is an awesome guy, maybe short in statue but tall in merit.  We will miss him greatly but are excited for him to reunite with those waiting to see him on the other side!!  We love you DAD!

We would like for all of you to leave comments and endearing stories about our dad right here and share them with everyone.  We would enjoy reading them and remembering with the good times we all treasure.  Our mom has really enjoyed reading the comments on Facebook, and we thank you for al the kind words so far.  We would love to make a book for her with comments and or stories people have of Big John (our dad).  If you could leave them here or email them (and any pictures) that would be appreciated and enjoyed by many!! Thank you!!

You can email...
Craig Berntson (Stretch) - Schleper99@gmail.com
Mark Berntson - Skabusder@aol.com