Following is a note Bernie included with his CD of banjo music released October 2012:

"I had a dream about half a dozen years ago that my house was on fire and though all the people and pets were safely outside I had the opportunity to go back in one time to save whatever material thing I could.

"I have played the 5-string banjo since the age of 19. I have been writing down my banjo arrangements in tablature for the last 57 years. These arrangements were the tangible things in my dream I chose to save.

"I think of my banjo arrangements as my special poetry...they are my most treasured possessions. Therefore, I leave my banjo music to you as my legacy.

"When asked once what I wanted my grandchildren to grow up to be, I joked that I'd like them to be banjo-playing humanists. What I really meant was that I wanted them to know the passion I have had for my music, and that what I truly wanted for them was for each of them to find and pursue their own passion in life. The humanist part is for them to respect, nurture, be kind and mindful of themselves, their fellow human beings and the environment...to have a love of nature and see the joy in life as I have. I see these qualities in my children, Amy and Eric, as I see them as wonderfully nurturing parents.

With all my love,

Dad/Grandpa/Beepah"