Bernard K. Passman was a successful businessman, gifted artist, decorated World War II veteran and simple family man. However, he is best known as Bernard. K Passman: master sculptor of black coral. This title brought fame and notoriety to a “retired” Passman in the latter part of his life. What began as a relaxing hobby turned into a brand new career path, keeping an elder Passman busier than the typical 30 year old. His remarkable journey took him from being a music-loving boy from Sioux City, Iowa, to a globally sought after jeweler living in Grand Cayman.

Sculpting was prevalent in almost every aspect of Passman’s life. During his time spent in the Philippines as a member of the United States Army in 1942, Passman used a pocket knife and a K-ration crate to create his very first sculpture, a kneeling ballerina. Once relieved of his duty, Passman had a more conventional career in real estate, but the lure of art always stayed with him. Through ambition and perseverance, Passman quickly began to climb the corporate ladder to achieve a position as a national sales manager in the insurance business. By the mid 1950’s, he initiated a land development company and stock brokerage firm based in Washington, D.C and Miami, Florida.

Owning and operating such a large firm catapulted Passman in to a hectic lifestyle that kept him away from his wife, children and desire to further explore his potential in art and sculpture. At age 43 he made the decision to retire and relocate his family to Florida. With this move, Passman had finally succumbed to the temptation of a tranquil life by the sea with only his imagination to guide him.

In 1967, a financially secure Passman opened his first gallery in Galt Mile, Florida. Like all previous pursuits, Passman found immediate success with his uniquely designed sculptures featuring exotic woods, stone, metal and clay.

Passman and his family made the decision to move to Grand Cayman in 1974. During the process of building his new home, a young boy gave him a bag of what he presumed to be “old dirty twigs.” When asked what he was supposed to do with it, the young boy told him to carve. It was then that Passman began to try his hand at carving black coral. Once he began carving, Passman expanded his vision to not only design sculptures, but intricate jewelry as well. This inspired Passman to come out of retirement and launch a second career in fine jewelry that he deemed “wearable art.”

Passman’s use of black coral as his medium identified him as a unique designer. Decades of creating pieces for dignitaries, world leaders, celebrities and royalty continued to stimulate his imagination and fuel his artistic passion. Passman died at age 91 on February 10, 2007, and is survived by his wife, children and grandchildren.

Bernard K. Passman left behind him an exceedingly successful legacy of sculpture and jewelry. Born in Charter Oak, Iowa on January 22, 1916, Passman will always be remembered for teaching the world that “beauty is simplicity with a dash of daring.”