Berton Merle Kirshner

Berton Kirshner Obituary

Kirshner, Berton Merle
April 11, 1925 - December 9, 2010
Berton Merle Kirshner made his final transition peacefully, surrounded by family, in his Brentwood Home early Thursday morning in Los Angeles, California December 9, 2010.

His children Jan Stanton Holz, Jill Kirshner, and Todd Kirshner; son-in-law Richard Holz; grandchildren Amy Stanton, Molly Stanton, Rex Kirshner, Claire Kirshner, and Kelly Kirshner; his sister Sheryl Sherman, his brother-in-law Mel Sherman, brother-in-law Dr. Robert Wagner and his sister-in-law Sylvia Wagner celebrate Bert's roll-up-his-sleeves problem-solving skills, his ability to find the smile through thick and thin, and his perseverance to provide for and protect his family.

Married for 56 years to Barbara Rita Wagner Kirshner who preceded him in death, the Nashville-born southern gentleman led a productive, exemplary life, proving his motto: "If it's worth doing, it's worth doing right."

Private services will be for the immediate family only. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you honor Bert's reminder to "keep smiling" and make a donation to your favorite charity.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Los Angeles Times from Dec. 9 to Dec. 12, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Berton Kirshner

16 Entries

December 16, 2010

Though I have not seen Mr. Kirshner in many years. I have spoken of him and about him to my family and friends many times over. Mr. Kirshner left a lasting impresson on me and provided a great carear for over thirty years. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family. Steve Mc Clanahan

December 15, 2010

My prayers go out to the Kirshner family. Mr. Kirshner was a man of truth & honor. I will forever remember the Christmas Parties, Summer Picnics an ocean cruise or two and of course all the wonderful friendships I made working for Mr. Kirshner. Love to all. DeeDee Romo

December 14, 2010

As boyhood friends we were very close--after we both served in World War 11 Bert moved to LA--married a cousin of mine(Babara Wagner) and we did not see each other very often--however i'll never forget the hospitality my wife and i were shown when we visited LA---i'll always consider Bert a very close friend. I offer my sympathy to the family he adored---Murray Haber--Nashville

December 14, 2010

Our heartfelt sympathy to those he loved most, his family. Berton M. Kirshner, charismatic and inspirational leader, creative thinker, and most honorable gentleman, you will forever remain a touchstone in our lives. Paul and Nadene Davis

Jill Kirshner

December 13, 2010

On behalf, especially, of my sister and brother and myself, but really, on behalf of our entire family, I am writing to express our gratefulness to those who have taken the time to reach out, or simply, to have loving thoughts and kind memories about our dad. However you all might miss him, you might understand, pales mightily compared with how much we, in his family miss him, but the reality seems to be that he left a powerful and loving mark on all of us, and I’m writing simply to thank you for letting us know. He would be so pleased. Thanks, take care, and best,
Jill Kirshner

Gary Jackson

December 13, 2010

My prayers go out to the Kirshner Family.
Mr. Kirshner was someone who brought the best out of people. Whether you were one of his executive or a warehouse worker, you were a part of his family there at Berton.
I used to enjoy watching him hand out everyones pay checks just before the holidays, with that smile and southern draw of his. I've never had a boss do that before or since working for Mr. Kirshner.
May God be with you and God bless you.

Evelyn Smith

December 13, 2010

My family and I send or deepest condolences to the Kirshner family. I was employed with the Berton Company for 34 years. Mr. Kirshner was a quality man in which I trusted and admired. He afforded me many opportunities through out the years which supported me and my family. Mr. Kirshner molded my work ethic as a young woman in which I lived by and passed onto my son’s. He will surely be missed and our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.

December 13, 2010

I am saddened by Bert's passing. A gentleman of the finest tradition is how I fondly remember him. His influence upon my life and all that I know that knew him is a legacy that cannot be matched. A man among men. His grace, manners and charm will remain with me all the days of my life. I hope to live up to the standards that he set by example for me.

Ron Groves

Thomas Kowalewski

December 13, 2010

My thoughts and prayers go to the Kirshner family. I will never forget Bert for his wisdom & guidance.

Sue Ashton

December 13, 2010

My deepest sympathy to The Kirshner Family. Mr. Kirshner was a wonderful man. I worked for him when I was a teenager, and he always greeted me with that wonderful warm smile of his.

Bernita Kirshner Brown

December 13, 2010

Jimmie and Bernita send sympathy to the family. We have happy memories of our childhood here in Nashville. We extend our fond wishes to all there.

Richard Craig

December 11, 2010

I send my respects to Bert and the Kirshner family. I knew Bert as an employer, friend and mentor for all of my adult life. His influence on my life is profound. Bert Kirshner was the family man and businessman anyone would want to be. He was tough,fair,determined, principled and a respected leader. The numerous discussions we had over the years about the ethics of how to conduct business and life left a lasting positive impression on me. Thank you Mr. Kirshner!!

Gayle Odneal McCauley

December 10, 2010

I was just informed of Mr. Kirshner's passing by my old friend Alana Maletta. I too worked at the Berton Company when I was in high school in a few positions. Once his secretary, Lois Petzel, trained me to help with the secretarial work--my shorthand was something only he could read--and it was decided that I was not cut out for that position. Then he gave me a chance at Accounts Payable and that chance has kept me crunching numbers now for over 40 years! He was a wonderful, caring man and I felt a real connection with him. I looked up to him like a father figure. He was so kind and patient with me and all of his employees. He was even so good as to rehire me a couple of times when some youthful folly would cause me to quit and move away. Working for him at the Berton Company taught me the tremendous importance of a good work ethic and team work. It's carried with me all of my working life. I am very saddened for his family and friends. Rest in peace, Mr. Kirshner.

marilyn wagner gordon

December 10, 2010

I am so sorry to read of Bert's passing Although I hadn't seen him in years,Barbara and Bert were a big part of my childhood. I always looked up to them. Bert was a lovely man.

Alana Maletta Forbes

December 10, 2010

It is with deep sadness that I read in this morning's newspaper of the passing of my old "boss", Berton M. Kirshner. In 1969, when I was a high school senior, Mr. Kirshner hired me to work in a clerical position at the Berton Company in Pico Rivera. It was my first real job and it was there that I learned the value of establishing a good work ethic and received excellent training that has stayed with me these many years. Mr. Kirshner was so very distinguished and well-loved by all of his employees. It felt like we were a family instead of co-workers. I will always remember my days at the Berton Company with fondness and extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, especially to Todd who I had the pleasure of working with one summer at his dad's company. May God bless you and your family during this time and in the days to come.

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