Obituary of Bernard Hiles

Bernard Hiles, teacher, 40-year Scout activist > Bernard Hiles was an Eagle Scout, a winner of the scouts' Silver Beaver Award and a 40-year veteran of scouting activity. "Everything you can do in scouting, he did it. He was first a scout and then a scout leader and then an organizer who helped other scout leaders," said Mr. Hiles' wife of 49 years, Libby Hiles. Mr. Hiles, 75, of Erlanger, died Friday at University Hospital in Cincinnati. He was a retired teacher and media coordinator at Oak Hills High School in Cincinnati. Mr. Hiles was an Army veteran and a member of American Legion Post No. 4, Florence, a member of Florence United Methodist Church and a Kentucky Colonel. He was a computer and technology enthusiast. He also was a collector of stamps and coins and enjoyed reading, fishing and camping. "Bernie was a firm believer in volunteer work and especially enjoyed working with children," said his wife. "From the time he was a youngster planning what to do with his life, he always wanted to be a teacher." Mr. Hiles was extremely active in the American Legion and served on honor guards for funerals of veterans. After retiring from teaching, he found plenty of activities to keep him busy. "He had a strong personality and he stayed interested in life," said his wife. Other survivors include a daughter, Kimberly H. Rhodus of Richmond; four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday at Chambers and Grubbs Funeral Home, Florence. Visitation will be from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home. Burial will be in Independence Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to American Legion Post No. 4, 8385 U.S. 42, Florence, Ky. 41042.