Marvin Lawrence Berger

Marvin was born on August 18, 1924 at Santa Monica, CA to Lawrence and Mildred (Murdock) Berger, and was their only child. Marv passed away peacefully on April 24, 2014 from injuries related to a fall in front of his home on January 13, 2014. Prior to that, he lived independently, continuing to play golf weekly with his friends until recent years at Castle Creek Golf Course, which his life partner, Dorothy, encouraged him to continue doing after her passing on February 1, 2010. Both were active members at their Men's and Women's Golf Club. Marv attended schools in Santa Monica and Venice, CA. In February 1943, he was drafted during WWII and enlisted in the Army Air Force. His duties with them were mechanic and travels took him to several countries including Ipswich, England. There he and his troops spent time at Martlesham Heath air field where he had continued to make donations for the rebuilding of their control tower. His Honorable Discharge came just in time to be home for Christmas in 1945. Shortly after returning home, Marv joined his father in his plumbing business, B&B Plumbing, which was on Pico Blvd. in Santa Monica. Learning this trade and gaining experience along the way eventually led to a permanent job with the City of Santa Monica where he worked his way 'up the ladder' and became their Chief Plumbing Inspector retiring in December 1979. He met Dorothy on a blind date in 1948 arranged by her sister, Della, and friends Juanita and Dell Davis. That first date led to marriage on June 18, 1950. Marv and Dot became parents to Stacey in 1953. They lived in Mar Vista, CA, and in 1963 built their first home just blocks away and lived there until both retired in 1979. In the early 1960's, both took up the game of golf which they enjoyed as one of their favorite pastimes. They decided they eventually wanted to move near the San Diego area and found a lot available in 1968 on the sixth fairway at Castle Creek Golf Course (formerly Circle R Golf Course) in Escondido. Copying the floor plans of their Mar Vista home with the exception of being a single story house, it was completed in 1971 and used as a 'weekend home' until making the move permanent in December 1979. Marv was past President of the men's club at Castle Creek and golfing three times a week, (Friday with the Bandits). He and Dot would play together occasionally also and would sponsor golf holes for such organizations as the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Awareness tournament. A special Thanks to their close friends, The Carter's, The Koda's and The Nelson's who kept in contact with my dad throughout his time away from home, as well as the many well wishers from Castle Creek Golf Club and surrounding neighbors. Marv and Dot enjoyed their retired life golfing, and traveling with friends in their truck and 5th wheel seeing the country, including Canada, Mexico and the Panama Canal many times. In their early 80's, they decided it was time to switch gears and opted for cruises to many beautiful places, also with their group of special friends. Along the way through both travels they met many new friends as well and continued friendships with them. Attending "Murdock Family Reunions" was a highlight and gathering of many family members from all over. Marv loved being with his extended family, catching up while enjoying a favorite beverage. One of their greatest joys was becoming grandparents to Brandon in 1989, and Skyelar in 1993. Gatherings at their house was a ritual for holiday's and birthday's, barbecuing and laughter, and the memories we have are long lasting. In his earlier years, he was an active member of the California Masons, Venice Lodge. There he would volunteer to be the cook at their pancake breakfasts and any other type of event that involved leadership including parent support at Stacey's Job's Daughter's functions. Marv, as most of you know, was a unique individual who would do anything for you. He and Dorothy loved their family and friends, loved to entertain, and he especially loved to be the life of the party - a typical Leo as Dorothy used to say. He lived life to the fullest as best as he knew how. He was there for those unexpected plumbing problems, or any other fix it type problem, and knew just how to solve it. If he didn't know how to build something, he'd figure it out and the end result would be perfection. In his later years, his entertainment came from buying a lot of lottery scratch off tickets, scratching a few each night. I know his friends at the local 7-11 miss him. After he gave up playing golf a couple of years ago, he would gather the 'hook' shots left by other golfers and give those golf balls to his buddies. Daily around 4pm, he would walk to his back gate and meet the Carter's dogs, Bear and Chota, to give them special treats. I know they miss their 'Uncle Marv'. As his daughter, I can keep going on and on about how wonderful he was, but then I'm sure you all know that and will agree with me what a great guy he was. Fun loving, and knowledgeable of many subjects because of life's experiences. I'm was so fortunate - what an awesome mom and dad I had. Please join us if you can for a short service that will include placing dad into the niche with mom on Monday, May 5, 2014 at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery. Their address is 1800 Cabrillo Memorial Dr., San Diego, CA 92106 (Point Loma area), ph # 619-553-2084. Afterwards, we will be 'toasting' to at one of dad's favorite restaurants, Cocina del Charro, 890 W. Valley Pkwy, Escondido, CA 92025, ph # is 760-745-1382. Reservations at 3:30 pm and in the name "Berger". So come over and enjoy a margarita or two and your favorite meal just as Marv used to do. Marv and Dot - Together Again Forever

Marvin Lawrence Berger

August 18, 1924 - April 24, 2014