Bernhard and Company Mourns the Passing of Founder Stephen Bernhard

Bernhard and Company has announced with great sadness the passing of its founder, Stephen Bernhard, who died peacefully over the weekend at the age of 79.

Stephen Bernhard was a visionary leader whose influence extended far beyond the company he founded. His passion for innovation, education, and excellence helped shape the global turf and agronomy industries, leaving an enduring mark on generations of turf professionals.

Founded by Stephen in the early 1980s, Bernhard and Company grew from its roots in precision engineering and horticulture into a world-renowned leader in turf technology. His philosophy—that success comes from continuous learning, collaboration, and genuine care for the craft—remains at the core of the company’s culture and values.

In 2019, Stephen established the Bernhard Academy, a hub for professional development designed to empower and educate turf managers worldwide. Through this initiative and countless other contributions, Stephen fostered a culture of knowledge-sharing and mentorship that has transformed countless careers.

Throughout his distinguished career, Stephen championed the advancement of the turf industry. For over 25 years, he was actively involved with the BIGGA Delegation, helping British turf professionals attend the GCSAA Conference and Trade Show in the United States. His dedication and generosity of spirit earned him widespread admiration and multiple honors, including the Queen’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade (2008) and, most recently, BIGGA’s Outstanding Contribution Award at BTME 2025.

“Stephen’s passing is an immense loss to the global turf industry and to all of us at Bernhard and Company,” said Steven Nixon, Managing Director. “His influence is felt in every part of our business—in the way we innovate, the way we work, and the way we support each other and our customers. His legacy will continue to inspire us for years to come.”

Stephen Bernhard will be remembered as a pioneer, mentor, and friend whose vision and compassion transformed an industry. His legacy endures through the company he built, the professionals he inspired, and the values he instilled.hard will be remembered as a pioneer, mentor, and friend whose vision and compassion transformed an industry. His legacy endures through the company he built, the professionals he inspired, and the values he instilled.