Today in Everett we gathered to remember and celebrate the life of Bernadin Etienne. To his family, he was a father, a spouse, a friend, or a loved one. To us, he was a union brother.

In our union we use the term “brother” as a term of endearment. It’s the way we recognize the difficult work that our fellow transit workers do each and every day.

For eighteen years, Bernadin worked for the MBTA as a bus operator at the Bennett and North Cambridge bus garages. He took great pride in his job, and his kindness and professionalism could only be described as remarkable.

For eighteen years, he made a lasting impact on the lives of the people in the communities he served. From Somerville to Arlington, Cambridge to Belmont, Brookline to Waltham — brother Etienne connected people to their jobs, their schools, and everywhere in between.

During the time of COVID, transit workers like Bernadin have stepped up to the plate to keep their fellow essential workers on the move. He lived his life making the world better for others — for that, our brotherhood is grateful.

We mourn the loss of brother Etienne. His humor and his warmth made our workplace enjoyable.  

Our union family and the passengers we serve grieve with the Etienne family today.