Bard Lee Kreider, Sr., 63, of Las Vegas, passed away on June 24, 2010 in Las Vegas with his wife, Susan, son Bard, Jr. and step-daughter Dannielle by his side.

Bard was born in Scotia to Bard and Velva Kreider in March 1947 and was raised in Atascadero.

He lived in Atascadero for 51 years before moving to Las Vegas 12 years ago.

Growing up, Bard inherited his passion of flying from his parents and as a teenager he learned how to pilot the plane himself.

Shortly after graduating from Atascadero High School in 1965, he joined the military. Bard served with the U.S. Air Force from 1966 to 1970. As a sergeant with the Red Horse Squadron, he proudly fought in the Vietnam War.

Bard later married his first wife, Susan Dees, in 1972. They had two wonderful sons together, Bard Lee, Jr. and Scott Michael.

As a dad, he liked to take his boys out to hit balls at the park and enjoyed working on cars and trucks with them.

As a family, they created many years of memories. From 1973 to 1977, Bard was an electrician’s apprentice with IBEW Local 639. He then became a journeyman in 1977 and worked as an electrician for many years.

He was also a life member of VFW Post 2814 and was a member of the Atascadero Moose Lodge. Bard enjoyed many hobbies. He was an assistant coach to his nephew’s baseball team in the mid 1970s and along with his brother-in-law, led the team to two championships.

He also had a love for antique cars. He enjoyed working on his 1929 Model A with the dream of one day finishing it.

In 1998, Bard married his second wife, Susan Arp. They eventually moved to Nevada making Las Vegas their home. During their marriage, Bard helped to raise two of his step-children from a very young age.

In the last several years, he could be found in his dream garage working with his prized tools and making plans to restore his Model A. While living in Las Vegas, Bard had the opportunity to mentor many young electricians and he ultimately retired in 2009 as a member of IBEW Local 1357.

Bard will always be remembered for being a great father, son, brother, husband, grandpa and friend. He was a great storyteller and was always up for a good time. Bard will be missed by all who knew him.

As a family, we would like to express our appreciation and gratitude to the Nevada Cancer Institute and the Nathan Adelson Hospice. Their support was very comforting during this time and we salute all their hard work.

Bard is survived by his parents, Bard F. and Velva Kreider of Atascadero; brother, Kerry of Atascadero; wife, Susan Kreider of Las Vegas; son, Bard Lee, Jr.; and daughter-in-law, Cristal Kreider of Atascadero; son Scottie Kreider of Atascadero; granddaughter, Tyler Lee and grandson, Tony Kreider of Atascadero; step-children, Dannielle, Cindy, Brenda and William Arp; and several nieces and nephews.

Bard is preceded in death by his grandparents, Bard and Emma Kreider and Jim and Mary Cooper.

Services will be held at Atascadero Pine Mountain Cemetery on Saturday, July 24 at 10 a.m. A celebration of Bard’s life will follow with a potluck and band at the VFW Post 2814 on Morro Road.