Bernhard and Co. founder, Stephen Bernhard passes away

Bernhard and Company announced that its founder, Stephen Bernhard, passed away peacefully this weekend at the age of 79.

Stephen founded Bernhard and Company in the early 1980s and over several decades, guided the business from its roots in precision engineering and horticulture to become a world-renowned brand in turf technology. His philosophy, that success comes from continuous learning, collaboration and a genuine care for the craft, continues to define how the company operates and serves its customers across the world. 

Stephen established the Bernhard Academy in 2019, designed to provide outstanding opportunities for professional growth and knowledge sharing within the turf industry. His commitment to nurturing talent and supporting others has touched an immeasurable number of lives and careers and his legacy will continue to inspire the next generations of turf professionals for years to come.

Stephen contributed enormously to the advancement of the industry. For more than 25 years, he was actively involved with the BIGGA Delegation, providing once-in-a-lifetime opportunities for British turf professionals to visit the GCSAA Conference and Trade Show. Most recently, at this year’s BTME, Stephen was also awarded BIGGA’s Outstanding Contribution Award, recognising his lifelong dedication to supporting the industry that he so much loved.