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Bernard M. Pregerson died peacefully at home on June 3, 2026 in Santa Cruz, California. Known to many over the years as Buddy, Bud, or Lonefeather, Bernard was born in Detroit, Michigan in 1946. He attended the University of Michigan and moved to California in 1969 to attend law school at the University of California, Berkeley.
Bernard moved to Santa Cruz in 1975. He practiced law there for 35 years until his retirement, working as a Public Defender, always in service to others. After retiring, Bernard volunteered with Meals on Wheels and the Santa Cruz Welcoming Network.
Lifelong athlete, backpacker and hiker, and lover of nature— and all things crunchy, Bernard climbed hills, mountains and peaks locally, in the Sierras, the Himalayas, red rock country and many other places. His love of and commitment to wilderness extended to doing trail work in Wyoming and Utah. Bernard's happy place could be sitting in a field of wild flowers, beside a mountain stream or gazing out at a red rock arch.
He had a passion for plants, creating gardens, both beautiful and edible, wherever he lived. He loved art, and had a keen aesthetic sense instilled in him by his parents. Bernard loved music and loved to dance and he wrote poetry. He had a strong interest in, and affinity for, Native Americans and supported their communities in many ways.
Known for his quick wit and quirky sense of humor Bernard, could banter with the best of them. He was forthright, curious and humble. His curiosity was true and deep; he worked to create true connection. He had a close-knit family with cousins he stayed in touch with all over the country. Bernard was kind and friendly to all, especially children and babies. His four grandchildren brought him immense joy.
Loving husband to Natasha Fraley, brother to Rhoda Pregerson, father to Jonah Pregerson and Kurt Krishnaswami, grandfather to Cecily, Julius, Kavi, and Jaya.
Donations in Bernard's name can be made to the Santa Cruz Welcoming Network. https://www.santacruzwelcomingnetwork.com/
To send flowers or plant a memorial tree in memory, please visit our flower store.
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Howard Finnk (1964)
So sad to lose Buddy, another good one. He will be missed. Proof that only the good die young.
May his memory be a blessing.
Lewis Elbinger (1964)
Wow. This is a surprise. Buddy and I knew each other in high school, but we were not close. He contacted me in 2021 when we both lived in California (he was in Santa Cruz, I was in Mount Shasta) and we enjoyed reunion and comparing notes. We were both students of Swami Muktananda and that connection formed the basis of a friendship characterized by mutual respect and understanding. I just reread the eight emails we exchanged and mused on our long conversations. His transition is another reminder that the Mumford crowd is mortal and each of us has our own personal expiration date. Blessings, Buddy, and thank you for being a friend.
Marc Cohen (1964)
Also,very surprised and saddened to hear of the passing of Bud. He and I were doubles
partners on the Mumford Varsity Tennis Team. Finishing another unbeaten season with new
coach Ralph Loeffler the Detroit News ran an article by acclaimed sports writer Harvey Barcus
on the front page of the Saturday June 1,1963 Detroit News Sports Section with a picture of
"players who enabled Mumford to complete another unbeaten dual meet season" - number 1
and 2 singles players Richard Forman and Ralph Evans and the "doubles combination of Bud
Pregerson and Marc Cohen". I look back so fondly on those days we played together and cherish
that picture in the Detroit News.
Marc