Bernard Graham Tilanus

Bernard “Bernie” Tilanus, age 80, passed away peacefully at the Hospice of Northwest Ohio in Perrysburg, Ohio, on February 2, 2026 after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Bernie was born on August 18, 1945, in East London, South Africa. He will be remembered as a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, and a celebrated figure in South African single-seater racing. Bernard was a South African racing car champion whose passion, skill and determination began in 1976 when he secured the South African Formula Ford Championship. This victory earned him prestigious “Driver to Europe” scholarship, which was the same path taken by F1 World Champion Jody Scheckter. While family commitments kept him in South Africa, Bernard became a titan of the Formula Atlantic Series. His career statistics in the category are a testament to his consistency and speed. He won the 1981 South African Driver’s Champion, Championship Podiums: Two 2nd place and two 3rd place overall season finishes.

Bernard was also instrumental in introducing and developing the Mazda rotary engine in South African racing, specifically in Formula SA (Formula Atlantic) around 1979-1980, while Sigma Motor Corporation imported the engines. He utilized a self-developed Mazda rotary in an ex-Nola Nieman Wheatcroft B18, pioneering the engine’s success in local, high-speed competitions. In 1987, he was awarded South African Protea colors for motorsports.

After a brief stint in Group N and an initial retirement in 1988, the competitive fire drew him back. In a remarkable display of longevity, Bernard returned to race Shelby Can-Ams where, at the age of 57, he outpaced a field of younger drivers to claim the 2002 South African title. His impact on the sport was best measured by the respect of his rivals. From his Formula Ford battles with Andrew Thompson to the “Thinking of You Bernard” decals recently ran by Wayne Taylor Racing in the USA, it is clear Bernard was as respected in the paddock as he was feared on the starting grid.

Whether on the track or at home, Bernard was a skilled businessman and a devoted family man. A Dental Technician by foundation who transitioned into successful business ventures, he eventually immigrated to the United States to be near his daughters and his wife’s family. His competitive spirit was matched by his generosity, warmth and deep love for his family. He lived life with energy, courage and heart. 

He is survived by his beloved wife, Jean; his brother, Edward (Helen); his daughters, Candy (Chad) Robinson and Samantha Tilanus; and his stepsons, Michael Carroll, partner Alison Geer, and Jonathan (Candace) Carroll. Bernard was a proud and devoted grandfather to Tristan (Lexi), Shaelyn (Connor), Lauren, Tyler, Matthew, Katelyn, Alexis (Tim), and Kyle each of whom brought him immense joy. As well as his beloved great granddaughters, Lennon and Naomi.

With Bernard’s broad reach and humble nature, his request was not to have a funeral service or for everyone to make a “big fuss”. Thus, the family is planning a private memorial service in the near future.