Bernard S. Urban, age 84, passed away on Sunday, September 28, 2014. He is survived by his devoted wife of almost 48 years, Renate; sons, Christian and his wife, Cristin, Michael and his wife, Kim; his brother Roland (of Switzerland), and grandchildren, Megan, Colton, Christian, and Joshua.

Bernard was born on October 24, 1929, in Grindelwald, Switzerland. He graduated high school and then served in the Swiss Army where he served as a cook. After his army service, he began his pastry chef apprenticeship. Thereafter he moved to Canada where he began his professional culinary career. After ten years in Canada, he had the opportunity to open the brand new Hotel America in Houston. He served as chef at numerous other places in the Houston area including The Royal Coach Inn, Rice Hotel, Astrodome, Summit, Pine Forest Country Club, and Martin Foods as well as ambassador for Ben E. Keith Co.

Chef Bernard, CEC, AAC, HOF, was a true legend in the culinary arts profession. He was well-known for his award-winning ice sculptures and chocolate displays. Chef Bernard was a Certified Executive Chef and as such he received many awards and honors throughout his career including American Culinary Federation Judge Emertus, American Culinary Federation Gold Medals, Texas Culinary Arts Gold Medals, Academy of Chef's Medal, Antonin Carmeme Medal, August Escoffier Medal -President, Chaine de Rotisseur Medal, Order of the Golden Toque Medal, World Master Chef Society Meal - FEWMCS, Olympic Gold Medals (4), Texas Chef of the Year (1970, 1973, 1976), Past President of the Texas Chef's Association, US Culinary Team Captain (1972), National Chef of the Year (1976), US Culinary Team Member (1980) - World Champions, L.J. Minor Corp. Olympic Team Member (1984) - Grand Prize in Gold, Regional Chef Professionalism Award (2000), Academy of Chef's Good Taste Award (2001 & 2005), American Culinary Federation President Medal (2002 & 2006), General John McLaughlin Award (2003), Culinary Olympic Medal (2008), American Academy of Chefs Hall of Fame (2010), American Culinary Federation Lifetime Achievement Award (2013), and Texas Chef's Association Award of Distinction (2014). Of all of these awards, Chef Bernard was most proud of his Hall of Fame and Lifetime Achievement Awards.

Chef Bernard was often featured in newspapers and magazines as well as various tv programs. He had the honor of cooking meals for many high-profile individuals including Presidents Reagan and G. H. Bush, boxing legend Muhammed Ali, television personality Dinah Shore, singer Eddy Arnold, and numerous other astronauts, politicians, musicians, and athletes.

When not working or traveling to judge food shows, Bernard loved working on his farm tending his Swiss Simmental cattle, a feisty buffalo named Billy, and numerous other animals. "Papa", as he was called, adored his grandchildren and loved spending time with them.

Visitation will be held Friday, October 3, 2013 from 7-9 p.m. at Canon Funeral Home. Funeral Services will be Saturday, October 4, at 11 a.m. at New Hope United Methodist Church with Pastor Kevin Kissel officiating. Interment will follow at Field Store Cemetery.