Bernard D. Rackliffe Sr., 92, of Weld, passed away peacefully on July 27, 2025. Born on January 20, 1933, in Farmington, Maine, he was the son of Millard L. Rackliffe and Mildred (Brown) Rackliffe. Bernard grew up in Farmington and briefly attended school in Cornish. A talented athlete, he earned varsity letters in track and football as a freshman and also lettered in basketball and baseball throughout high school. He graduated from Farmington High School in 1953 and soon after, enlisted in the U.S. Army, proudly serving during the Korean War. After his military service, Bernard attended Husson Business College. A hard worker from a young age, he began working at the local brickyard at just 13. He carried that strong work ethic throughout his life- launching his own trucking business hauling logs and later working in construction, including on the team that built what is now Franklin Savings Bank in Farmington. He often recalled being on that job site the day President John F. Kennedy was assassinated. In 1967, Bernard married Caroline Bradbury, and together they had one son, David. He remained active in sports into adulthood, playing in the Farmington softball league for many years and managing the West Farmington team to a championship season. Bernard was self-employed for most of his life. From 1969 to 1982, he and Caroline operated Brad-Crafts Ceramics- a business name combining "Bradbury" and "crafts". He also served six years as Road Commissioner for the town of Weld and ran his own excavation company. In 1984, the couple opened The Barn, an ice cream shop in Weld that later expanded to include lunch service and an 18-hole miniature golf course. One of Bernard's favorite pastimes was harness racing. He owned several horses- most notably Coal Creek- and continued to enjoy visiting the track with family long after his racing days had ended., always eager to "play the ponies". A lifelong sports fan. He never hesitated to share spirited opinions about teams, players or referees. Above all, Bernard was a devoted family man. Known affectionately by many nieces and nephews as "Uncle Bunny" and by his grandchildren as "Grampa Bunny" or "Pop", he treasured time spent with loved ones. Just weeks before his passing, he attended a family reunion where he met his newest great-granddaughter. A man of deep faith, Bernard was baptized in 1964 by Pastor Robert Sampson of the Farmington Falls Nazarene Church. Over the years, he attended various churches, and for a time he and Caroline hosted weekly service in their home. He held a strong belief in Jesus Christ and the promise of eternal life. One of his final wishes was that more of his family would come to know Christ, so they might all be reunited one day in Heaven. Bernard was predeceased by his beloved wife, Caroline (2015); his parents, Millard Sr. (1937) and Mildred (1963); and his siblings: Almond Rackliffe (1954), Millard Rackliffe Jr. (1969), Herbert Rackliffe (1973), Earlon Rackliffe (2006), Ida Rowan (1993), Doris Lizotte (2006), and Joanne Farrington (2023). He is survived by his son, B. David Rackliffe Jr. of Weld; his brother, Hollis Rackliffe of Farmington; and Caroline's children, Catherine Bradbury Johnson, whom he raised as his own daughter, of Oquossoc, Calvin Bradbury of Rumford, Christine Pillsbury and her husband Roger, of Belgrade, and Clinton Bradbury and his wife, Joy, of Peru- along with their children and grandchildren. He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, and extended family members who loved him dearly. A memorial service will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, September 6, 2025, at Gospel Light Baptist Church, 268 Barker Road in New Vineyard. Friends and family are invited to remain afterward for refreshments and shared memories. A private family burial will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Gospel Light Baptist Church, 268 Barker Road, New Vineyard, Maine 04956 or Andwell Health Partners Hospice House, 236 Stetson Road, Auburn, Maine 04210 Arrangements are under the care of Dan and Scott's Cremation and Funeral Service, 488 Farmington Falls Road, where memories, photos and condolences may be shared at dsfuneral.com.