In memoriam: Bernard “Bernie” Younker

Bernard “Bernie” Younker, 95, of Corbett, Ore., died Dec. 14, 2020. He served in the Army Air Corp during World War II. In September 1970, Younker and his wife, Ruth, opened the first Taylor Rental Center franchise west of the Mississippi in Gresham, Ore. In 1983, they opened a second location in Boring, Ore. It was named B&R Rental — for Bernie and Ruth. In 1984, the Gresham location had a name change to Total Rental. The couple enjoyed many American Rental Association (ARA) and California Rental Association (CRA) shows and made many lifetime friends in the industry. Both rental stores are still open and are operated by Younker’s son, Brent, and grandson, Travis. He is survived by his son, Brent; daughter, Brenda; grandsons, Troy and Travis; and seven great grandchildren.