1945
Donald
2024
Donald Gary Berger
April 16, 1945 — April 4, 2024
Don was born in Philadelphia on April 16th, 1945. He lived with his family in Philadelphia until he went off to college in Honolulu, Hawaii and after that graduate school at Denver University where he received a masters in journalism. At Denver University Don fell in with the Norwegian ski racers group, which is ironic since Don never did ski. It was this ski racing connection that brought Don to Vail for a season. The season ended but Don fell in love with Vail and its international mix of residents, so he decided to stay a bit longer. He never left, that was in 1972. It was soon after that Don began a career as a journalist, editing numerous Vail area resort and in flight magazines. Born with a severe stutter Don would often say that his affliction gave him a real advantage when doing interviews, as most people were a bit uncomfortable with his stuttering so they did most of the talking. Don was well known throughout the community for being both smart and sarcastic with a very well tuned sense of humor. He was also warm, friendly and very supportive to everyone he met.
From Don’s own writings; “Looking back, I feel so fortunate to have arrived in Vail when it was a just fledgling town beginning to build a community infrastructure. I mean, how often do people get to help build a town practically from scratch? On top of that, we then had Beaver Creek to build from the ground up. I had the privilege of producing its opening-day program book in December 1980. But more important by far are the fantastic people I have interviewed and worked with along the way. So many were so extraordinarily visionary, which explains the great success that the Vail Valley enjoys today.”
Don wasn’t ill or in the hospital but died suddenly and unexpectedly in his sleep on April 3rd at his home in Edwards. Don touched the lives of all who knew him and leaves behind cherished memories that will be treasured forever.
A celebration of Don’s life will be held sometime in June, friends will be notified with details. Bill & Florence Willins, Jan & Oksana Helen and family.
"Do not stand at my grave and weep I am not there, I don’t sleep I am a thousand winds that blow I am the diamond glint of snow I am the gentle autumn rain when you awake in the morning hush I am the swift uplifting rush of quiet birds in cited flight I am the soft stars that shine at night Do not stand at my grave and cry, I am not there, I did not die."
Don, safe travels wherever your dreams take you.
From Don’s own writings; “Looking back, I feel so fortunate to have arrived in Vail when it was a just fledgling town beginning to build a community infrastructure. I mean, how often do people get to help build a town practically from scratch? On top of that, we then had Beaver Creek to build from the ground up. I had the privilege of producing its opening-day program book in December 1980. But more important by far are the fantastic people I have interviewed and worked with along the way. So many were so extraordinarily visionary, which explains the great success that the Vail Valley enjoys today.”
Don wasn’t ill or in the hospital but died suddenly and unexpectedly in his sleep on April 3rd at his home in Edwards. Don touched the lives of all who knew him and leaves behind cherished memories that will be treasured forever.
A celebration of Don’s life will be held sometime in June, friends will be notified with details. Bill & Florence Willins, Jan & Oksana Helen and family.
"Do not stand at my grave and weep I am not there, I don’t sleep I am a thousand winds that blow I am the diamond glint of snow I am the gentle autumn rain when you awake in the morning hush I am the swift uplifting rush of quiet birds in cited flight I am the soft stars that shine at night Do not stand at my grave and cry, I am not there, I did not die."
Don, safe travels wherever your dreams take you.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Donald Gary Berger, please visit our flower store.
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