Dr. Bernard A. SuSavage, 67, died Monday, November 4, 2013. He was born on December 4, 1945, in Hazleton, PA, to the late Frank and Anna Lakitsky SuSavage.

Dr. SuSavage was a longtime Yuma area resident.

Bernie received his Bachelor of Arts degree from St. Francis College in Loretta PA, and is a graduate of the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. Bernie practiced emergency medicine in Yuma for 18 years; then as a family physician with Dr. Lillian Muzyka. He also served as the medical director for the Avanti Skin Center of Yuma.

His lifesaving skills and passion for medicine touched the lives of many.

Bernie's colorful, adventurous, and fun loving spirit was abundant throughout his life from the time he was an eagle scout as a young man. His favorite activities included scuba diving, skydiving, and jet skiing on the Colorado River. He was a private pilot as well.

Bernie had an appreciation for the small things in life, loved music, old movies, and especially a good joke. As a young man, his spiritual nature led him to become an ordained Franciscan monk.

A retired Lt Colonel and US Army flight surgeon, Dr. Bernard A. SuSavage proudly served as a member of the Intelligence Corp in Vietnam and in the Medical Corp in Desert Shield and Desert Storm. He earned numerous awards for his meritorious service achievements. He jumped with and was an honorary member of both the Army's Golden Knights Parachute team and the Canadian Skyhawks Parachute Team and kept all respective members well-adjusted.

Bernie is survived by his nephews, Frank, Brian and Jimmy Susavage, great nephews Michael and Briar, and great niece Brielle. He leaves behind his many friends and precious patients, for whom he cared deeply.

Service were held in Yuma CA. Local services will be private at the convenience of the family.