Bernard Marvin Fish 1931 - 2017

FISH, ZEPLAIN

Posted By: Connie Swearingen- Volunteer (email)
Date: 2/15/2017 at 09:13:14

Sioux City Journal
7 February 2017

SIOUX CITY | Bernard Marvin Fish, 85, of Dallas, Texas, formerly of Sioux City, passed away Monday, Feb. 6, 2017, in Dallas.

Graveside services will be 11 a.m. Thursday, next to his beloved parents in Independent Farane Cemetery, 6605 Morningside Ave., Sioux City, conducted by Rabbi Guy Greene of Congregation Beth Shalom. Arrangements are with Meyer Brothers Colonial Chapel. Condolences may be left at www.meyerbroschapels.com.

Bernard was born Feb. 16, 1931, in Sioux City, to Tillie (Zeplain) and Louis Fish in Sioux City. After graduating high school, he attended the University of Nebraska before leaving to serve in the Air Force during the Korean War. He was stationed in Washington, D.C.

Following his military service, Bernard went to Dallas to pursue his dream of a career in the food industry. He opened his first restaurant, Quo Vadis, catering to patrons who came in after the theater or concerts. His reputation for perfection and expertise in preparation and presentation led to the beginning of his successful 27-year career in Miami Beach, Fla. He was called to manage an elegant restaurant in the Crystal House, located within a new apartment high rise on the ocean front.

In the ensuing years, Bernard moved on to serve as the food and beverage director of the Eden Roc Hotel, followed by new enterprises at Brickell Bay Club and the Cricket Club. He opened his namesake restaurant, Bernard's, in the Carriage House, where he won accolades for his skill and finesse in the area of haute cuisine. He served the finest foods in a most exquisite setting. In both local and national reviews, he was often described as having an unusual knack for the artistry of not just the food, but the table, the centerpieces and the precision of the overall dining experience. His list of famous celebrities included two U.S. presidents.

Bernard enjoyed playing the piano, traveling, fine art and gourmet food, plus more than the occasional good hot dog. He will be remembered by his family and friends for his enormous generosity and hospitality, his incredible talent and style, his devotion as a caretaker, and especially his smile and contagious laughter.

He cherished his dogs, Sasha and Natasha, who enjoyed better than the average table scraps.

Bernard returned to Sioux City to care for his parents in their later years. After their deaths, he remained in the house his father had designed and built, which Bernard loved. During this time, he also enjoyed doing private catering. In 2009, he returned to Dallas, where he was surrounded and cared for by his sisters, nieces and nephews.

Survivors include his sister, Barbara (Bob) Kirstein; nephew, nieces and their spouses, Bob (Judy) Darrow, Marcy (Michael) Grossman, Amy (Al Ely) Darrow, Roger (Diane) Kirstein, Brett (Lillian) Kirstein and Diane (Ivan) Arenson; seven great-nephews; five great-nieces; two great-great-nieces; and a great-great-nephew.

He was preceded in death by his sister and her husband, Marilynne and Scotty Darrow; his brother and wife, Willard and Gloria Fish; and nephew, David Fish.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Congregation Beth Shalom, 815 38th St., Sioux City, or a charity of the donor's choice.