It is with heavy hearts and profound sadness that we announce the passing of Bernie Spear, a cherished member of the CSUF Entrepreneurship community. Bernie passed away last week, leaving behind a legacy that has profoundly impacted countless students, startups, and colleagues over his more than twenty-five years of dedicated service as a mentor at Cal State Fullerton.
Born with a passion for aerospace, Bernie’s career is a testament to his unwavering dedication and love for the industry. He began his illustrious journey in 1964 when he joined Preston Scientific Inc., where he worked in marketing and sales while pursuing a BA degree in operations and marketing at Tulane University. His drive and talent saw him rise to the position of Vice President of Marketing, directing worldwide sales representatives.
In 1982, Bernie made a bold move that would define his career—he formed Halear, Inc. to purchase Preston Scientific. As President and CEO of Halear, Inc., he retained the exclusive right to the Preston Scientific brand name, leading the company with a focus on innovation and excellence for twenty years. Under his leadership, the company thrived, delivering sophisticated instrumentation for test and measurement applications to both private sector clients and governmental agencies like NASA.
After the sale of Halear, Inc. in 2002, Bernie continued to lend his expertise to the aerospace industry, serving as Sales Director for Kinetic Systems and later as a business consultant for Dynamic Signals, LLC. In 2012, he founded BASA / B.A. Spear & Associates, a marketing and sales consulting firm specializing in electronics and small systems instrumentation for the aerospace sector. His firm maintained close ties with Dynamic Signals, showcasing his enduring commitment to the field he loved.
Bernie’s connection with CSUF Entrepreneurship began while he was still President and CEO of Halear, Inc. His company was a CSUF Student Consulting client, marking his first experience working with CSUF students. This initial interaction sparked a long-term relationship with the university, where Bernie became a steadfast mentor to students and advisor to the program. Over the next quarter of a century, he dedicated himself to mentoring student teams in multiple classes and coaching residents at the CSUF Startup Incubator.
Bernie’s approach to mentorship was rooted in his deep understanding of both business and people. He was known for his customer and employee-focused philosophy, which he eloquently articulated in a letter to entrepreneurs included in the book “Creating New Ventures” by Michael Ames, founder of the Center for Entrepreneurship at Cal State Fullerton. In his letter, Bernie emphasized the importance of treating employees and customers with equal respect and care, creating a culture of mutual support and excellence.
His letter reflects his philosophy: “From the receipt of every order, we worked with the customers to make sure that we made products to their specification and delivered the finished products on time. And then we supported those customers with 24/7 customer service to make sure that the products met their exacting specifications. In order to accomplish this difficult task, we cross-trained all of our employees so that they would have a better understanding of what the person sitting next to them or in the office down the hall was doing. In essence, we created a culture where every one of our employees treated each other like they were a customer or a supplier.”
Bernie’s impact on the CSUF Entrepreneurship community cannot be overstated. He was more than a mentor; he was a friend, a guide, and a source of inspiration. His wisdom, kindness, and humor left an indelible mark on everyone he worked with. He had a unique ability to connect with people, understand their needs, and help them realize their potential.
Outside of his professional life, Bernie was a man of many interests. He enjoyed backpacking, hiking, people watching, and humor. His favorite quotation, “In humor we find truth and often wisdom,” perfectly encapsulates his approach to life and mentorship. He believed in finding joy and wisdom in every moment, a lesson he imparted to all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Bernie’s passing is a significant loss to our community. We will miss his presence, his guidance, and his unwavering support. As we mourn his loss, we also celebrate his life and the remarkable contributions he made to the field of entrepreneurship and to the lives of so many students and colleagues.
In the words of CSUF Center for Entrepreneurship Director John Bradley Jackson, “Bernie’s story is not just about his achievements; it’s about his lifelong dreams and the way he pursued them with passion and dedication. His journey is a source of inspiration for all of us.”
We extend our deepest condolences to Bernie’s family and friends during this difficult time. His legacy will continue to live on through the many lives he touched and the lasting impact he made on our community.
Rest in peace, Bernie Spear. You will be greatly missed, but your spirit and legacy will remain with us forever.