BRUCE M. BERG M.D.

Family surrounded Dr. Bruce M. Berg as he peacefully passed away on January 10, 2016. He is survived by Rita, his beloved wife of 43 years. After their marriage in Honolulu, HI, the two began sharing a life and love for traveling, tennis, and hosting gourmet dinner parties for family, friends and the community. One of their greatest enjoyments came from raising their four children, ten grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. Bruce, better known by his family as Papa, developed a passion for medicine at an early age as he was inspired by his uncle, Dr. Ralph Mendelson, a former private physician to two Kings of Siam. After graduating high school at the age of 16, Bruce began his professional journey in medicine. He received his Bachelor of Science Degree from Stanford University in 1940. During this time, he served as a member of the Varsity Boxing Team, earning the title of Pacific Coast Intercollegiate Featherweight Champion in 1939. In 1944, Bruce's lifelong passion became a reality when he graduated from Stanford Medical School. As a young, and eager new doctor, Bruce began his medical career serving not only his patients, but also his country. From 1944 to 1946, Dr. Berg served as a Lieutenant in the United States Navy, Sixth Marine Division. As officer in charge of a combat medical unit, he served at Guadalcanal and Okinawa. Even though Dr. Berg was dedicated to the service of his country, his oath as a physician and his strength of character led him to care for all who were wounded on the battlefield, whether they were friend or foe. His professional and personal integrity did not go unnoticed, as Dr. Berg was the recipient of a widely publicized letter written by Dr. Kosaburo Iyesaka, a Japanese physician. The letter was addressed to "My generous and kind Dr. Bruce Berg," and it's content contained the recognition over the defeat of Japan and expressed surprise at the kind treatment given to civilian Okinawans by American forces. After completing his two year residency at the San Francisco Veterans Hospital, Dr. Berg began his work in private practice of Internal Medicine in Fresno, CA, eventually becoming an esteemed cardiologist in the Central Valley. Throughout his many years serving as a physician, Dr. Berg earned many achievements and accolades. He served as a past President of Fresno County Heart Association, a former President of the St. Agnes Medical Staff and twice Chief of the Department of Medicine at St. Agnes Hospital. He was also an elected Fellow of the American College of Cardiology and the American College of Angiology. In 1975, Dr. Berg became one of the founding directors of Norcal Mutual Insurance Company. Upon his retirement at Norcal in 1992, he was credited for his professionalism, enthusiasm, and dedication towards building an extremely successful and service oriented organization. Bruce had many loves outside his passion for medicine. He was known for his distinguished palate for fine wine and food, his quick wit and knee slap sense of humor, love of exotic cars, flying planes, and weekly tennis games. During his down time, Bruce was an avid sports fan of the San Francisco Giants, Stanford's athletic programs, and tennis. At this time, the family would like to extend a special thank you to our aunt Judy for ensuring Bruce maintained his dapper appearance by providing his monthly in home spa treatments. His wife Rita would also like to thank Peter Holmes; attorney's, Paul Hager and Jeff Reich; and Dr. John Slater, for their faithful Tuesday night visits over the past several years. In addition, she would also like to thank attorney, Pat Turner, for being Bruce's loyal lunch companion every Wednesday. Finally, our most sincere appreciation to Larry Swearingen for the respect and dignity he demonstrated while caring for "Doc" these past three years. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made to the Alzheimer's Disease Research Center at the Stanford University School of Medicine; or to the charity of your choice. "We love you, Papa"